City of St.

Louis Park
Human Rights Commission
Minutes April 18, 2017
Westwood Room, City Hall

I. Call to Order

Chair Arnold called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.

A. Roll Call

Commissioners Present: Bob Griggs, Katherine Arnold, Margaret Rog, Will Poulter and
Greg Gidden.

Staff Present: Sergeant Parker and Staff liaison Breanna Freedman

Guests: Jamie Marshall from Friends of the Arts and members of Allies St. Louis Park

B. Approval of Agenda

Commissioner Gidden made a motion to approve the meeting agenda. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Rog. The motion passed 4-0.

C. Approval of Minutes

It was moved by Commissioner Rog, seconded by Commissioner Griggs to approve the

March 21, 2017 meeting minutes. The motion passed 4-0.

II. Our Town Sings

Guest Jamie Marshall from Friends of the Arts talked about the Our Town Sings event
that will be taking place this summer in June and July. He invited Human Rights
Commissioners to join in hosting an event for one of the Our Town Sings events. He
mentioned the Somali Museum of MN will be at the July 11 event.

Commissioner Rog inquired about having a different activity at this years event.

The commission discussed being involved again this year and would like to coordinate
with the Multicultural Advisory Committee.

III. Bias/Hate Crime Report

Sgt. Parker described the report to the commission for their review and to decide whether
or not to send a letter to the victim.

The Commission discussed the incident and sending the letter.

 Commissioner Griggs mentioned that is has become standard protocol to send a letter to
victims of Bias/Hate Crimes.

Chair Arnold stated that she would craft a letter to the victim.

All commissioners were in favor of sending a letter to the victim. This vote passed 4-0.

IV. Human Rights PSAs

Chair Arnold asked if the Human Rights Commission should utilize the PSAs provided
by a St. Louis Park resident to promote human rights.

The commission discovered that the PSAs were products of a religious organization and
for that reason all were in favor of not utilizing the PSAs as a commission.

V. Communication Plan

The commission discussed the communication plan for human rights events and decided
to use this form for future human rights commission events. This communication plan
will assist with promoting commission events through city resources and social media.

VI. School District Policy

Guests from Allies of St. Louis Park presentated a gender inclusion policy potentially
being adopted by the school district.

The guests also proposed professional development training for school staff as part of the
policy.

The Allies of St. Louis Park would like to partner with the Human Rights Commission in
doing this work. They also asked to support the gender inclusion policy being driven
forward by Allies.

The Human Rights Commission voted to support the gender inclusion policy and to have
this be in place by the beginning of the 2017/2018 school year. The vote passed 5-0.

VII. Task Force Updates

A. March 22

Commissioner Rog brought notes from the previous community conversation.

The commission discussed what went well and what did go well at the March 22
community conversation.
B. June 8 Community Conversation

Commissioner Rog stated that given the previous presentation by the Allies of St.
Louis Park regarding the gender inclusion policy going to the school board, it
might be timely to discuss gender at the June 8 community conversation

Commissioner Griggs suggested the immigrant community discussion and the

timeliness of that discussion, as well.

Commissioner Rog noted that there isnt a voice for the immigrant community.

Commissioner Gidden noted that the timing of the gender inclusion conversation
for the June 8 event fits with the timing of the policy

The commission discussed the future conversations and how the commission
could plan future events and activities, potentially films.

Commissioners motioned to adjourn.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.