04-03-2018Richfield Human Rights Commission
Monthly Meeting Minutes
April 3rd, 2018
Members Present: Mark Westergaard, Carrie Chillman, Debbie Eng, Brett Stursa,
Cathy Stephens, Husniyah Dent Bradley, Will Ruckel, Grace Verbrugge, Sarah
Musgrave, Matthew Kiflu. Ben Sunderlin.
Mike Howard - City Council Liaison
1. Meeting called to order by Chair Mark Westergaard at 6:30pm.
2. Motion to approve agenda Eng/seconded Musgrave; motion carried.
3. Motion to approve 3/18 minutes Chillman/seconded Stursa; motion carried.
4. Open Public comment: none.
5. Reports
Chair’s report: Mark noted an LGBTQ speaker event sponsored by the Edina HRC and
the League of MN Voters that was publicized recently in the Sun Current, he suggested
we think about hosting a similar event; Mark also noted the need for occasional graphic
design for the commission, Brett volunteered for this.
Secretary’s report: none.
Vice Chair’s report: none.
Liaison reports: Mike Howard stated that Mark did an excellent job on the annual
commission report to the City Council and a good discussion was had on how to move
this work forward; city staff is participating in a year-long training on racial equity; VEAP
is sponsoring tennent listening sessions on affordable housing in April, specific dates will
be emailed.
6. New Business
Academic Balance Bill - Debbie gave history and background on a bill proposal
stemming from Edina students suing for free speech rights and shared an early draft of a
resolution; discussion of resolution resulted in need to further develop the document
(subcommittee formed of Deb, Ben, Heather, Husniyah). Group will research more and
see what others are doing as well; in the meantime Mike suggested HRC members
could send letters stating views to elected officials by the end of the year’s session; Ben
suggested putting out media statement or having a couple of HRC members to testify
against bill at capitol.
2018 Planning Calendar - Mark announced that the current RHRC event calendar is on
the City’s website. Mark also suggested the idea of hosting Jane Elliot, author of the
Brown Eyes/Blue Eyes study, at RHS next spring; Ben suggested opening the idea to
include a diverse speaking panel to discuss racial equality.
6. New Business continued….
b. Commissioners expanded on Ben’s speaking panel idea and suggested organizing a
2019 Human Rights Speaker Series. A subcommittee was created (Ben, Mark, Carrie,
and Matthew) to further develop this concept and create a draft Purpose Statement to be
reviewed by RHRC. Richfield High School was discussed as a venue
for this Speakers Series. Mark mentioned that he knows a disabled woman who is an
excellent speaker on disabilities that he will check into regarding speaking in Richfield.
Mark stated that RHRC would also need to secure funds to bring her to Richfield.
c. Citizen of the Year Process – Mark gave some history regarding the Gene and Mary
Jacobson award and explained the process for Citizen of the Year. Mark also mentioned
the criteria developed last year to assist the commission in determining the Citizen. A
City Council presentation and reception (hosted by RHRC prior to the council meeting)
will occur in the beginning of June.
d. Islam 101 event (Will team lead, Carrrie, Cathy, and Husniyah) - Committee is looking
for a venue to hold event. Commissioners discussed bringing in different speaker(s) this
time as RHRC has hosted IRC two times in two years.
e. Human Trafficking Forum - Details have not yet been finalized, however Mark is
looking to late October/early November as a potential date due to school scheduling.
Richfield Assistant Principal Teresa Rosen has stated that she attributed last year’s
good attendance to Swopnil (RHRC youth member) getting the word out to students.
7. Unfinished Business
a. Commissions Demographic Survey – Mark discussed survey data with RHRC
commissioners.
8. Annoucements/Open Forum
Ben mentioned that the Richfield Social Justice Group will be working with the League of
Women Voters to register voters in April and May 2018 and 2019 (dates to be
determined).
9. Next meeting: Tuesday, May 1st @ 6:30PM
10. Adjourn: Moved Stursa/Seconded Dent Bradley
Submitted by:
Carrie Chillman
Secretary
Assisted by Debbie Eng