HRC minutes 021014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Christine presented a brief history of the previous Commission for Women based on her experiences. She stated that when the Commission for Women was disbanded, the HRC was identified as the board for citizens to voice their concern regarding gender equality. Christine further stated that the Compass Center for Women and Families was identified as an agency that addresses other women - specific matters. Jamie Paulen agreed to draft the requested report with the assistance of James Davis. Scott Phillips made a motion for the HRC to: 1.) request the Commission to provide a list of specific gender disparities for the HRC to address, 2.) request the Commission to conduct a study of the impact that these disparities have on women in Orange County, 3.) draft a plan on how the HRC will address these issues, and 4.) make a deliberate effort to reach out to groups that serve women. Robert Ireland seconded the motion which passed on a unanimous vote. Rollin and Jamie reported that they attended the Commission meeting on Monday, February 3, 2014 as the Commissioners issued the proclamation declaring February 2014 as Human Relations Month. Rollin read the proclamation aloud at the meeting and invited the attendees to the Pauli Murray Awards on February 23 and the Community Read on March 31, 2014. The members discussed whether the County should include LGBT as a protected class. Matt presented information regarding the State legislative process for a County to add a protected class under its Civil Rights Ordinance. It was also stated that discrimination based on a person's gender identity may be filed with the HRC in accordance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Opportunities' interpretation of "sex or gender" as a protected class. V. Subcommittee Updates Executive Committee: Christine invited the new members to attend an HRC orientation on Monday, March 10, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. All members are invited. Christine recommended that the Executive Director of the Compass Center for Women and Families, Ann Gerhardt, be invited to an HRC meeting to provide an update on the matters that the Center has encountered. James will send an invitation to Ms. Gerhardt. Building Integrated Communities: Scott is awaiting a return phone call from the Town of Chapel Hill's Community Services Unit about creating an opportunity for the Police Department to do outreach event catering to the Karen community. He also reported that there has been a staffing change at the Transplanting Traditions Farm and his calls to this agency have not been returned. Scott was successful in contacting the Church World Service's Immigration and Refugee Program and discovered that about 25% of their clientele lives in Orange County. He will continue communication with this agency. Diversity Matters: The members conducted a debriefing of the Human Relations Forum that took place on Sunday, January 26, 2014. It was concluded that the Forum was successful and that the format was ideal. Rollin invited the members to attend the Community Read on Monday, March 31, 2014 from Page 2 of 3