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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014.12.11 PacketTo: HRRC From: MJ Lar -non Staff Liaison Date: 12/11/2014 Subject: Adoption of Meeting Minutes Agenda Item #: IV. Action Discussion ❑ Information ❑ Action Requested: Approve the minutes for the regular meeting of the Human Rights and Relations Commission. Information / Background: Attachment: Draft meeting minutes from HRRC meeting; Attendance Roster City of Edina • 4801 W. Nth St. • Edina, MN 55424 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION October 28, 2014 7:00 PM City Hall — Community Room CALL TO ORDER Chair Seidman called the meeting to order at 7:02pm. 11. ROLL CALL Answering roll call were Commissioners Arseneault, Bigbee, Gates, Kennedy, Chair Seidman, Weinert, and Winnick. Staff present: Staff Liaison MJ Lamon. III. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA Motion was made by Commissioner Winnick to amend the Regular Meeting Agenda of October 28, 2014 to add youth housing litigation to item VII. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Bigbee. Motion carried. IV. APPROVAL OF September 23, 2014 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Amendment to item IV. to read Approval of August minutes Amendment to item IX. to read Winnick stated he would forward information about Edina Resource Center to commissioner Carter for consideration of a blog post Commissioner Arseneault moved to approve the minutes as presented to the HRRC. Commissioner Kennedy seconded. Motion carried. V. COMMUNITY COMMENT Edina resident Sandy Berman attended the HRRC meeting. Mr. Berman's comments were in effect to his October 10, 2014 correspondence to the HRRC asking about Columbus Day name replacement, affordable housing and the Edina Wikipedia entry changes being rejected on several occasions. Mr. Berman encouraged HRRC to urge the City Council to mandate affordable housing and policy change. He also requested the HRRC research who is rejecting the entry changes. Commissioner Winnick shared information on the historic timeline of Edina created by the HRRC located on our website. VI. GUEST PRESENTER: Bill Neuendorf, Economic Development Director, Grandview Redevelopment Citizen Engagement Plan The City of Edina sought to work with a partner to bring new light to the old Public Works City site. They are looking to create a project that has a public and private component. Neuendorf stated the process will begin in December. Thursday, December 4th is the target date for the public engagement process. This will be a six month process that includes working with residents in Edina for feedback on the best use of the property. VII. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS A. Bias Offense Response Plan Update (Winnick) Commissioner Winnick shared approved changes that were made to the Plan. In addition to the approval of the Plan, City Council approved the recommendation to implement a process to City departments for reporting bias offenses. B. Indigenous Peoples Day Resolution Update (Kennedy/Lamon) Per direction of the City Council, the Indigenous Peoples Day resolution will be posted on Speak Up, Edina! to solicit resident feedback. Commissioner Kennedy had communication with Council member Sprague about resident comments opposed to changing the name of the day. Commissioner Kennedy commented some people in the community believe it is to dishonor Columbus, when in fact it is to honor indigenous people's day. Staff Liaison Lamon explained the Speak Up, Edina! process. The HRRC expressed interest in slowing down the process to reframe the message. Lamon and Kennedy will speak this week to review Speak Up, Edina! proposal. C. Televised Meeting: Finalize December Agenda (All) Chair Seidman presented the draft agenda for the televised December I Ith meeting. HRRC agreed to ask Christie Nicoson from World Without Genocide to present. Commissioner Kennedy will present on Human Rights City Designation. HRRC would like to show the Tom Oye PSA. Lamon will ask the technology department if HRRC timeline can be shown on screen. The HRRC asked if they could get a pop-up sign version of this. Kennedy asked that a time breakdown be added to the agenda. Arseneault presented times on the agenda. The Commissioners agreed that the times looked good. D. Community Conversations Update (Bigbee/Davis) Bigbee shared that two working group meetings took place on October 6 and October 27. Minutes from each meeting were provided to Commissioners. The first meeting included a review of the process and the role of the volunteers. The second meeting was a training by the staff of The Advocates for Human Rights on how the group will conduct the listening sessions. Commissioner Bidgbee noted that the listening sessions will ask participants to answer two questions: (1) what are the qualities of a welcoming community; and (2) is Edina a welcoming community? Bigbee hopes to have the first session before the end of November. There has been one resignation from the working group. E. Youth Housing Litigation Commissioner Winnick discussed the Sun Current article about a private group suing the City of Edina for the Beacon 66th homeless youth housing facility rezoning decision. Chief Nelson reported to City Council that there is no increase in crime at the Beacon facility in South Minneapolis. Winnick read opposed reasons stated in the Sun Current. Winnick suggested we establish a monitoring committee to observe/watch/report events around youth housing and this lawsuit. Winnick volunteers to serve on the committee. It was noted a monitoring committee on housing status is consistent with our draft 2015 Work Plan which calls for the monitoring of the status of Edina affordable housing as a new initiative. Bigbee moved to establish a committee to monitor the status of Edina's youth housing (including pending litigation). The motion was seconded by Kennedy. Motion carried. Vill. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS Chair Seidman noted that Sandy Berman, the author of the October 10 letter we received, spoke about his correspondence during Community Comments; therefore we did not need to consider the correspondence further. IX. CHAIR, COMMISSION MEMBER, AND STUDENT COMMENTS A. Next Meeting: December 11, 2014 (Televised in Council Chambers) Commissioner Carter has resigned. A motion was made by Arseneault to have only one person on Nomination Committee. The motion was seconded by Bigbee. Motion carried. Commissioner Arseneault shared that she is volunteering for the Human Services Task Force. The Task Force has already had their first meeting. The second meeting is on October 29th to hear presentations from organizations. Commissioner Kennedy is creating a working group for Human Rights City; she stated that Commissioner Sanders is helping her. Commissioner Kennedy noted that much of the work the working group will do is education. She believes information from the Community Conversations listening sessions will be useful for the working group to choose what topics they will tackle. Motion was made by Winnick to create Human Rights City working group. The working group members shall include Colleen Feige and Leslie Lagerstrom. The motion was seconded by Arseneault. Motion Carried. Commissioner Winnick gave an update about the Edina Community Resource Center. Commissioner Weinert shared that the model UN topic this year is sex trafficking. Wagner shared that she attended a Gay Student Alliance; they are trying to do more outreach to Edina students to ensure Edina is a safe place for gay students. Commissioner Gates shared she is involved in Mock Trial. The case being examined is the murder of a homeless mother. X. STAFF COMMENTS Staff Liaison Lamon shared that the Vision Edina workshop for the Board and Commission members will be held on November 17th. A picture of the HRRC will be taken on December I Ith at 6:45pm at City Hall. Xl. ADJOURNMENT Motion was made by Commissioner Kennedy to adjourn the October 28th meeting, Arseneault seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:02pm. Respectfully submitted, Minutes approved by HRRC December 11, 2014 MJ Lamon, HRRC Staff Liaison Jan Seidman, HRRC Chair To: HRRC From: MJ Lamon Staff Liaison Date: 12/11/2014 Subject: Approval of Meeting Agenda Agenda Item #: III. Action Discussion ❑ Information ❑ Action Requested: Approve the meeting agenda for the regular meeting of the Human Rights and Relations Commission. Information / Background: Attachment: Meeting Agenda City of Edina • 4801 W. 501h St. • Edina, MN 55424 AGENDA CITY OF EDINA, MINNESOTA HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION DECEMBER 11, 2014 L CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA IV. APPROVAL OF October 28, 2014 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES V. COMMUNITY COMMENT During "Community Comment, " the Human Rights & Relations Commission will invite residents to share relevant issues or concerns. Individuals must limit their comments to three minutes. The Chair may limit the number of speakers on the same issue in the interest of time and topic. Generally speaking, items that are elsewhere on tonight's agenda may not be addressed during Community Comment. Individuals should not expect the Chair or Commission Members to respond to their comments tonight. Instead, the Commission might refer the matter to staff for consideration at a future meeting. VI. Guest speaker: Christie Nicoson, World Without Genocide Program and Operations Director VII. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS A. Human Rights City Designation Update (Kennedy/Sanders) B. Days of Remembrance/Genocide Awareness (Seidman) 1. 2015 Event Announcement C. Community Conversations Update (Bigbee/Davis) D. Tom Oye Award Announcement (Winnick) 1. 2015 Nominations 2. PSA VIII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITION IX. CHAIR, COMMISSION MEMBER, AND STUDENT COMMENT X. STAFF COMMENTS XI. ADJOURNMENT The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public process. If you need assistance in the way of hearing amplification, an interpreter, large print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. 4 To: HRRC From: MJ Lamon Staff Liaison Date: 12/11/2014 Subject: Guest Presenter Action Requested: None. Information / Background: Christie Nicoson World Without Genocide Program and Operations Director Agenda Item M. A. Action ❑ Discussion ❑ Information UN's Adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948 Attachment: None. City of Edina • 4801 W. Vth St. • Edina, MN 55424 Christie Nicoson is the Program and Operations Coordinator at World Without Genocide, a human rights organization headquartered at William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota. The organization provides education to raise awareness about past and current conflicts and advocacy at the local, state, and national levels for policies and legislation to protect innocent people, prevent genocide, prosecute perpetrators, and remember those whose lives have been affected by genocide. Nicoson previously served as coordinator for World Without Genocide's exhibit, Tents of Witness: Genocide and Conflict, which educates people about different genocides and presents advocacy steps to prevent future atrocities; the exhibit has been shown throughout the upper Midwest. Nicoson previously worked with an organization in Mombasa, Kenya to combat sex trafficking and to provide support and rehabilitation programs for trafficked women. She currently assists Minnesota Senator Sandy Pappas with the international program Forward Global Women, a convening of women peace makers from Middle East and North African countries. At World Without Genocide, Nicoson organizes educational events, supports advocacy initiatives, and engages community members to build an anti -genocide constituency to stand up for human rights both locally and globally. As a volunteer, she directed a youth mentoring program with the YMCA, served on the University of Minnesota Human Rights Student Advisory Board, and currently coordinates Rotary service projects with community partners, including World Without Genocide and local chapters of Habitat for Humanity. Nicoson is a 2014 Carl Wilkens Fellow, a fellowship program named after the only American to remain in Rwanda during the genocide, through which she advocates for anti -genocide policies. She was awarded Citizen of the Year in 2014 by the Minneapolis University Rotary Club for her service to the community. Nicoson received her Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies from the University of Minnesota. Contact: nicoson@worldwithoutgenocide.org 651-695-7621 To: HRRC From: MJ Lamon Staff Liaison Date: 12/11/2014 Subject: Human Rights City Designation Update (Kennedy/Sanders) Action Requested: None. Information / Background: Commissioner Kennedy will provide update. Attachment: Slides. W h0 • !�\��O1tPQRf<Ct� • 1 H Rkt Agenda Item M. VII. A. City of Edina • 4801 W. §Oth St. • Edina, MN 55424 Action ❑ Discussion ❑ Information CITY OF EDINA 0 gelled UDHR.:: •�•• :►n �te..;rc: b�C:�m� a ?, r 1 ✓ 0 �l y J phrasc nuniaris YM `# CU 0 i VUniversa oc C _5 V :- "' tf�dtUOA h y - O G V (�'fTltaf CCi ,�` 0)4) § 0 Moyn u a c u OL v pvt �xorn�n,ni awo-m c<,ntury q _ - , i. c� � i Jnitedo r ,., g A nart,";}(err; ntelleetual a • — - 1 cv"YO,no moral 4i s_ :.w _ !f: many r , , 4 , c` actevilm States mer _ly 0. edeas equal tr♦� bom `' k,.+ . • 9 0 r Human Rights Cities, 2008 United Nations, Harvard School of Public Health, People's Movement for Human Rights Based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights www.EdinaMN.gov Human Rights Cities in the World M � w _ ►rte ° j j�lCht \lUher ands.""� ireaekdek 1Y Edrnonton.•Canada�) Ruaw N unR.d _ Canada Kd+grton► Eugene.-O&i • ��'ashittgton.•DC� Bihac.-Boania� "6 Hand North Kah r tlr+A Its TLA } - North Chou P �� c,1, c CoIuatbus: L�`�i '' A t I a n t t Thies: Seaegal�j Ato'wwtw ocean e n uaq if an __ �_ Pakistan Clupel•Hiu_CarrBoro: ox� "�"~ W,�Iew-ale. chuu►� ,nay, =" I.ItuCo Thaw ZAACWM Venttutia +ega V10kniftiA . K a Rorogockto `Renya�j ;Taruarw Ywfo+►ts, NWA lloirva► _ r Indian South S o cr i h botaxana taadagaacar Ocean K Pac+fez. Atlant►c t%Cr*ift QGPan SotAhA LrQNttna Porw Alegre. Sra221`�j www.taii a.gov Human Rights in the United States 'guh StAnvibea re'WVOTE heal! UM `places KQMTAM Amm radnsfiooting law [EAD PUN =:=w I Asrfit2h ave tnforcement CMIM"CaOOW a Ir" deat-.hsV.IWT deP,,UM jiMVI0IenvBP%1" e"Pe' suspects us -affka, papu Stich MAU FWWA dollars NU black, WOMEN acial ttkiUARTS momttwC Fifluvlat- CUM" cr es Ptr I ft raw" Maw child MaW Wal Voter census shot 0 aI L t i - ffi"ew =Ug&ndd VK: 0 0 *VM" Native Chicago "4W041 -pi We KVBAD VNLATNG� u IMCZoMic- mambo&^ 08Lar,j douNed www.EdinaMN.gov CITY OF ED►INA L u L w • A .�1 1 1 V1' L1J11`!i"1 MT1 1 Human Rights Cities • Participatory governance. Builds ownership over outcomes; insures representation, reducing discriminatory policies. N • Unique community solutions. Tailors policies and procedures to city challenges and opportunities. • `Smallest spaces.' Brings human rights to their most fundamental expression. www.EdinaMN.gov �gjNA. �l Human Rights Cities: Focus Areasa»Nw • Washington, D.C. Discrimination • Eugene, OR m e, Civil, political, social, economic, and cultural rights • Columbus, IN Housing • Chapel Hill and Carrboro, NC Discrimination • Pittsburgh, PA Racism www.tajjw.gov Edina Process and Timeline Establish steering committee — Fall 2014 Determine critical issues from Edina Visioning and Community Conversations — Spring 2015 Create awareness about the human rights framework for local action — 2015 Design the strategic plan to address the critical issues — Summer 2015 Implement the strategic plan — Fall 2015 ongoing Evaluate, revise, and expand the program — Fall 2015 ongoing www.EdinaMN.gov � A. o' r Cn Akk1K `Without concerted citizen action to uphold human rights close to home,, we shall look in vain to the larger world.' -Eleanor Roosevelt www.EdiRW.gov To: HRRC From: MJ Lamon Staff Liaison Date: 12/11/2014 Subject: Days of Remembrance/Genocide Awareness (Seidman) Action Requested: None. 0 ittfsx Agenda Item #: VII. B. Action ❑ Discussion ❑ Information Information / Background: Commissioner Seidman will provide plans for 2015 event scheduled to take place on April 19, 2015. Attachment: Slides. City of Edina • 4801 W. {9th St. • Edina, MN 55424 N O Days of Remembrance: From the Armenians to the Holocaust Date: Time: Location: Sunday, April 19, 2015 1:00prn — 3:30pm Edina City Hall www.tdMjW.gov N A 4�I/��rrl• Q e0 k "Standing Up Against Genocide Denial" 1tt{iN What is genocide denial? Film excerpt from "The Soap Myth" Discuss U.S. freedom of speech vs. international laws criminalizing denial The Armenian Genocide • Guest Speaker: Holocaust Survivor Dora Eiger Zaidenweber "A time of disregard for human rights and human life" • "Upstanders -Armenians who saved Jewish residents during the Holocaust" A reader's theater play performed by World Without Genocide staff and high school/college students www.EdinaMN.gov To: HRRC From: MJ Lamon Staff Liaison Date: 12/11/2014 Subject: Community Conversations (Bigbee/Davis) Action Requested: None. Information / Background: Commissioner Davis will provide update. Attachment: None. �91NA, o Ce: Cn Y IBRti Agenda Item #. VII. C. City of Edina • 4801 W._Oth St. • Edina, MN 55424 Action ❑ Discussion ❑ Information • To: HRRC From: MJ Lamon Staff Liaison Date: 12/11/2014 Subject: Tom Oye Award (Winnick) Action Requested: None. Oe yO •'�����IiPpii}���0 • IHH21 Agenda Item M VII. D. Action ❑ Discussion ❑ Information Information / Background: HRRC is currently accepting applications for the Tom Oye award. Application closes on January 31, 2015. Edina's CTS department created a Tom Oye PSA to run on channel 16. Attachment: Slides. City of Edina • 4801 W. -Mw St. • Edina, MN 55424 N A 2015 Tom C)ye Award En o INtIN www.EdAW.gov About Tom Oye Mr. Oye was a longtime resident of Edina who received a number of awards for his work in human rights and relations, including the Prize for Humanity by the Immortal Chaplains Foundation. He was a founder of the Edina HRRC, having served for over 30 years.As a Japanese -American who was required to live in a segregated camp as WWII broke out, Mr.Oye experienced mandated discrimination, hardship and fear. His resolve was to enlist as an American soldier, and he served during WWII as a member of the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team, one of the most decorated units in U.S. military history. www.EdinaMN.gov 7777 v� f'gc'rittl�i�yu*tt�' INtIN Eligibility Anyone who lives or works in Edina. m Selection Criteria Efforts to foster respect and dignity for others; modeling courage and/or compassion in the advancement of human rights; and demonstrating leadership by example for improving human relations and/or advancing human rights. www.EdMW.gov N v OF EDINA o Application Information • Applications are due by January 31, 2 • For questions contact the HRRC Staff Liaison, Mj Lamon, at mlamon _edinamn gov or 952- 826-0360 www.EdinaMN.gov To: HRRC From: MJ Lamon Staff Liaison Date: 12/11/2014 Subject: Correspondence and Petitions Action Requested: None. Information / Background: Correspondence received since the last HRRC meeting. Attachment: Correspondence. Agenda Item #: VIII. City of Edina • 4801 W._Mlh St. • Edina, MN 55424 Action ❑ Discussion ❑ Information C i 29 11-13-14 "Letters to the Editor" Edina Sun Current ,w 10917 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Dear Neighbors, It's bewildering that the Edina City Council at its October 21st meeting refused to condemn the indisputably racist "Redskins" team name, More baffling are the two reported reasons: that the Washington NFL club "doesn't play or przctice in Edina" and that "the city doesn't comment on commercial speech or names of commercial products." Yes, they don't play here. But the hateful (and harmful) teem name permeates our town through TV and the press. And since when is "commercial speech" sacrosanct and inviolable, immune from criticism? Would our august City Council have been equally reluctant to denounce a nationally pervasive teem name like "Washington Niggers"? If the answer is NO!', then the anti -"Redskins" resolution should be revived and approved at the next Council session, st wishes ord Berman 4400 Morningside R Edina, MN 55416 952 921-5738 cc: Edina Citv I Edina Human uncil 'ights and Relations Commission 30 LO -24-14 S,ieak Up Edina City Nall 4801. West 50th street Edina, MN 55424 Dear Neighbors, I understand you'll shortly be asking (online) what Edinans think about replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day. T trust my hardcopy opinion will be counted. And it is this: Yes, Edina shculd no longe_- recognize Columbus Day in its official pronouncements, activities, and c---lendars. Why? Because this holiday commemorates and celebrates the onset of a period of unparalleled genocide, slavery, and theft. No single act by a town -nr city can pretend to compensate or adequately apologize 'or the horrific fate that befell many millions of native peoples following the Columbian landfall. But it's a start. Duluth, Red Wing, Minneapolis, and Mt. Flea --ant (Michigan) have alrejdy done this. So should we. iy'i th umn 1 gi Sanford Bermun L40U Morninq. dE Edina, MN 55/416 952 925-57 9E One little two little three little Indians ... - It is 1968. Quang Ngai is "Indian Country." In Vietnam, the only good is a dead _ In the second and third grades, children first learn about Columbus. The same age little girls become Brownies. Brownies learn to use green wood sticks to roast marshmallows. When the marshmallows are golden brown, the girls place them between two graham crackers lined with chocolate bars. The treat is called "s'mores." Columbus and company use green wood to roast Tainos and Caribs. Neither Brownies nor Cub Scouts know about the roasting of Indians. They know the Nina, the Pinta, the Santa Maria. They know 1492. They know less, not more. AGENDA CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF EDINA, MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS TUESDAY OCTOBER 21, 2014 7:00 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER 11. ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA IV. ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA All agenda items listed on the consent agenda are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of such items unless requested to be removed from the Consent Agenda by a Member of the City Council. In such cases the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered immediately following the adoption of the Consent Agenda. (Favorable rollrall vote of majority of Council Members present to approve.) O. Approve Resolution No. 2014-113 NFL Resolution P. Approve Resolution No. 2014-114 Renaming Columbus Day Indigenous Peoples' Day At the request of two Council members, items 0 and P were removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. The Council did not seem eager to address either issue. "Uncomfortable" may best describe the mood. First., they; wholly dumped the resolution suggested by the Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission that would have condemned the Washington Redskins team name in a letter to be sent by the Mayor to the National Football League. As one member put it, such on act was not within the "purview" of the Council, which should not interfere with "commercial speech." Although admitting the team name to be "reprehensible," she nonetheless claimed that, in effect, brand names should be immune to criticism. The resolution unanimously failed, 33 10-22-14: 2 On renaming Columbus Day, one member noted there had been little public input on the issue and so moved that the matter be forwarded j to Speak Up Edina to gather opinion, after which it might be reconsidered by the Council. This passed without di ssant, but not before another member --perhaps concerned that a grave question was being postponed too readily --made a somewhat incoherent statement about how the holiday commemorated "exploration," which she found to ba inappropriate. She made no mention of how inappropriate it is to celebrate genocide, slavery., and plunder. While proposed by the Edina HRRC, no Commission representatives appeared to present or defend the two Native -related recommendations. Reported by Sanford Berman 10-22-14 4400 Morningside Road Edina, MN 55416 952-925-5738 34 11-13-14 "Letters to the Editor" Edina Sun Current �s 10917 Valley View Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Dear Neighbors, It's bewildering that the Edina City Council at its October 21st meeting refused to condemn the indisputably racist "Redskins" team name. More baffling are the two reported reasons: that the Washington NFL club "doesn't play or practice in Edina" and that "the city doesn't comment on commercial speech or names of commercial products," Yes, they don't play here. But the hateful (and harmful) team name permeates our town through TV and the press, And since when is "commercial speech" sacrosanct and inviolable, immune from criticism? Would our august City Council have been equally reluctant to denounce a nationally pervasive team name like "Washington Niggers"? If the answer is N0!°, then the anti -"Redskins" resolution should be revived and approved at the next Council session. est wishes brd Berman 4400 Morningside R Edina, MN 55416 952 925-5738 35 Not in My Library!.- "Berman's ibrary!:"Berman's Bag" Columns from The Unabashed Librar- ian, 200-2013 BY SANFORD BERMAN Amazon.com, $33.25, pb. or independent bookstores Reviewed by Kelsey Irvina Beson The many laudatory blurbs on the back cover of Not in My Library! variously describe Sanford Berman as "a modern-day Diogenes," "an advo- cate for the disadvantaged," "fire for the mind," and "the biggest mensch in librarianship." Berman is a noted (some might say notorious) Twin Cities librarian, muckraker, activist, and all-around loudmouth; he agitates stridently for everything from rational cataloging practices to homeless rights, and has been a thorn in the side of the various authorities with which he has been clashing for over half a century. Not in My Library! collects Berman's columns from the magazine The Un- abashed Librarian from 2000-2013. These articles include excerpts from a multitude of sources, such as corre- spondence, editorials, newspaper ar- ticles, zines, freethought publications, and alternative and mainstream li- brary magazines. The breadth of Berman's interest is apparent here— he has a librarian's curiosity, a trait informed by decades of subject cata- loging. A highlight of Berman's career has been to revolutionize Library of Con- gress Subject Headings. A bad biblio- graphic record can render a book im- possible to find. For example, Berman agitated for years until the heading "Vietnamese Conflict" was updated to "Vietnam War" (in 2oo6!). Headings can become outdated, but some are so ossified they seem deliberately obfus- catory, such as "Canada. Treaties, etc. 1992 Oct. 7" to refer to what any normal person would call "NAFTA." Despite being now 80, Berman comes off as really hip: he pushes for new subject headings on everything from cyberchondria to mountaintop re- moval (he's the reason there's a Li- brary of Congress authority record for "strap -on sex"). These articles docu- ment his effort to make bibliographic records more humane in terms of both equitability and usability. Ber- man's open letters to the Library of Congress push a breath of fresh air into the world of librarianship, which is often insular and slow to change. The Library of Congress is not the only organization with which Berman has butted heads—Not in My Li- brary! also documents disputes with entities such as the Hennepin County [Minnesota] Library and the Ameri- can Library Association. Points of contention include Banned Books Week (which Berman insists is a farce), rights for marginalized library patrons such as the homeless, and hi- erarchical library management, which he likens to a "medieval fiefdom." The thread that ties these articles together is Berman's deep commitment to ac- tivism. A hard line reformer who doesn't want to hear that things are better than they were, he only cares about the gold standard of how things should be. The only negative thing one could say about this book is that it can occa- sionally feel monotonous—a lot of the columns cover the same territory. However, if they are repetitive, it's because the same issues keep popping up over and over. If anyone could solve these problems it would be Berman. His incredible, lifelong commitment to people -oriented li- brarianship shines through every Happy Holidays Grab a book, a jug of wine, and thou fellow atheist ... and enjoy! Welcome to Forestedge WINERY! Nature trails, gift shop, art gallery. Taste our elegant specialty wines from northland fruits and berries. Available in stores & by mail. Our rhubarb wine was "Voted Best of Show" by the Twin Cities Food & Wine Experience. Visitors' accommodations are open from Mother's Day through December. Tues. thru Sat. 10 —5.3o; Sun. 12-5 Closed Mondays 35295 State 64, LaPorte MN 56461 218-224-3535 www forestedewiner com page. a y info@forestedgewinery.com The Moral Atheist • • • 17 • • • November -December 2014 36 southwestjournal.com / November 6-19,2014 A7 Civil Rights Commission, Hodges call on Washington football team to change name The Minneapolis Civil Rights Commission and Mayor Betsy Hodges have joined the Minneap- olis City Council in calling for the Washington Redskins to change its name. The commission approved a resolution opposing the use of the team's name and logo within the city of Minneapolis before the team played the Minnesota Vikings on Nov 2 at TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus. Thousands took part in protests on campus before the game. Minneapolis is home to one of the largest urban American Indian populations in the country. Several organizations including the National Congress of American Indians, the American Psychological Association and the United States Commission on Civil Rights have condemned the team for keeping the name. "The choice of the Washington NFL team is making to use a racial epithet for its name is an offense to the values of the people of Minne- 37 apolis," Hodges said. "It is baffling that in 2014 a company would retain the use of a racist logo for its product. From a human standpoint it is reprehensible and from a business standpoint the brand becomes more tainted everyday." Michael Harralson, chair of the city's Civil Rights Commission, called the team's name and logo `offensive, derogatory and disparaging to indigenous people'' Earlier this month Susan Segal told a Council committee that the city lacked legal standing to file a lawsuit against the team over its name because the game will be played at the U of M. She said her office "would like nothing better to file a lawsuit" against the team to prompt a name change. The Hennepin County Board also passed a resolution Oct. 28 calling for the team to drop its name. "This name has no place in 21st Century America. It's time to move on," said Commis- sioner Peter McLaughlin. 0 j April 26, 2011 Dave St. Peter, President Minnesota Twins, Inc., 1 Twins Way MIf•4NEAPOLIS, MN 55403 Dear Dave,, No major league baseball team uses these demeaning, defamatory logos: But one uses this: On Easter Sunday, I attended the Minnesota -Cleveland game at Target Field.. (My granddaughter performed the national anthem with other fifth -graders from Red Pine Elementary.) During the afternoon, Cleveland's "grinning Indian's logo repeatedly appeared on giant screens, conveying a message of bigotry and disrespect to 39,000 fans-.. I became increasingly embarrassed. And enraged. 38 • For many years, the Cleveland owners have defiantly and insensitively resisted demands by Native Americans and others. tw dr -o_ -p. both the- "Indians' name and- vicious caricature,.. Although those ownve pr` en themselves to be plititfully racist and irresponsible.- Twins l le rship- should not mimic: thegt,.. You can do bette Ne ime Cleveland ys here,, just don't display their disgusting lo a: -.e it. Thatt the decent and responsible thing to do. Edi anks in va.nce f your swift and positive attentimn t this t l ,Sanford man 4400 Morningside R ad. Edina, PIN 55416 952 925-573& s 39 May 2, 2011 Mr. Sanford Berman 4400 Morningside Road Edina, MN 55416 Dear Mr. Sanford: On behalf of the entire Minnesota Twins organization, I'd like to take a moment to say THANK YOU for your recent correspondence. It's always wonderful to hear from great baseball fans like you. Regardingyour specific concerns, be advised that I have shared your letter with both the Cleveland Indians and Major League Baseball. We appreciate your comments and perspective and felt it was best for those organizations to hear it directly: Thanks again for your support of Twins baseball. Win Twins! ! ! OW� Dave St. Peter President world champions Dave St. Pe Presi. Direct: 612.659.3 Cell: 612.366:[ Fax: 612.659.4 davestpeter@twinsbaseball Minnesota Twins Baseball! TAR13ETOFI mailing a 1 Twins Way • Minneapolis, MN 55 street add 353 5th Street N • Minneapolis, MN 55 TARGETp FIELC 1 Twins Way • Minneapolis, MN 55403 - Executive Office: 612.659.3400 • Ticket Office: 612.33.TWINS • www.tvAnsbaseball.com 65* 40 . ,. American League Champions Division Champions May 41: 2011 Dave St. Petery President Minnesota Tains Baseball Club Target Field 1 Twins Way 41 CountyBoard condemns use of `Redskins' name Jumping into a national fray, the Hennepin County Board on Tuesday passed a resolution calling on the Washington, B.C., NFL team to drop its "Redskins" name in favor of one "that is not racist and derogatory," Commissioner Peter McLaughlin said in a news release. "This narne has no place in 21st -century Amer- ica," McLaughlin said. "It's time to move on." Commissioner JeffJohnson, iwho is theRepub•- lican Party's endorsed candidate for governor, cast the only "no" vote on the resolution, arguing that the issue has nothing to do with Hennepin County and that the board's addressing of it is part of "what frustrates people so much about government:' The debate has intensified in Minnesota because the Vikings will play the Washington team at noon Sunday at TCF Bank Stadium at the University ofMinnesota. The Uhas published its own objections to the term, which many con- sider a racial slur. Opponents ofthe name, many ofthem Ameri- can Indians and their supporters, have said they will gather by the thousands outside the stadium to protest. Last week, the city of Minneapolis said it lacked the legal standing to keep the team from using the moniker when it comes to town. City Council members had expressed interest in tak- ing aking some kind of action to oppose the name. Minneapolis City Attorney Susan Segal said that while she "would like nothing better" than to act; the cityhas limited options. She said a ban on the name could be seen as a violation of the First Amendment, and she noted that the city's Civil rights ordinance does not apply to the Uni- versity of Minnesota. Other local bodies that have weighed into con- deinn ti to name include the Edina City Council. STAFF REPORTS NOTE: The Edina Human Riohts and Relations Commission recomm.nded to the City Council a resolution condemning tha "P.edskins" team name, but the City Council at its 10-21-14 meeting REFUSED TO 7O SCS, ; SDA1, uCTOPSER 29, 2014. STAB i��13UNE • IfiTRO • B3 Sanford Berman 4400 Morningside RoaO Edina, HA 55416 552 915-5738 "5 1 k4w FROM THE EDITORS DESK Privilege isn't what you think Alfred Wolking Bull The Grcle Managing Edltor he concept of privilege is one that's both acknowledged and dismissed, depending on which side of cultural .identity one hangs one's hat. For many in the Native American community, both on- the reservation and in the urban setting, privilege is something that we see as the cause of our oppression. It's a catch-all for the discrimina- tion we face individually and collectively. Growing up in rural South Dakota, my parents and I were followed around in retail stores in Rapid City, Pierre and Sioux Falls. As tribal nations, we are dren has always been a matter of law, the privilege has generally been exercised by the state. Those are the direct effects of the privilege of class and economics. The indirect effects of privie. lege can be seen in incidents like the Hennepin Theatre Trust's production of "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson," wherein Cherokee, Creek and Choctaw historical figures were portrayed by non - Native actors and written as two-dimensional car- icatures of the complex reality upon which, they were based. While early press information described the production as a "South Park" -like ironic musical that pokes fun at the -tragedy, not one Native person in. the audience laughed, few and far between as they were. New Native Theatre's Rhiana Yazzie attempted to articulate — in English, the lingua franca we Natives adopted so as to explain to non -Natives why_ we have a right to exist — that the privilege the authors, direc- tors and audience members enjoy is not one that we Native folk don't ever get to experience. That privi- lege is not that we take the musical at face value, we are not idiots, we too know that our Cherokee brothers and sisters did not speak in pidgin English. The priv. ilege enjoyed by everyone else in the theater was that they didn't have the collective, generational trauma weighing upon them when we saw those caricatures, When we see a fashion model wearing a headdress, a non -Native person playing Native, or even a sports team with a mascot, we ask ourselves, "What do they know about us?" When the U.S. Patent Office canceled the Washington football team's trademark, cheers arose from all corners of Indian country. Consequently, non=Natives around the country continued to bemoan the march of progress for our cause by say, ing political correctness had — yet again — gone too far. Comments under the stories predictably began with, "I'm not racist, but... " or "All the Native Americans I know..." and ultimately, "I'm Native American and I don't mind at all." The gap in between reason and opinion is one where most non,Native people fall deep. When a group of people say something is offensive, repeat- edly and with conviction -- so much so that national advertising time is purchased to emphasize that position -- it follows general reason that what is. called offensive is actually offensive. When one has to seek out history or one individual who agrees with a prejudiced position, one is no longer rea- sonable, one is. opinionated. When one is opinionated and foregoes reason for prejudice, it's a short trip to "othering" a group of people. When a group of people is othered, they have effectively lost their humanity in the eyes of the prejudiced. We who are othered become less than, we become inhuman, and when we become inhuman, it becomes easy to discriminate. Discrimination then leads to all roads of oppres- sion where might is right and majority rules. And when one is part of the majority, one enjoys a priv- ilege that they never have to think about. The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective 10 July 2014 ART Hennepin Theatre Trust Celebrates Andrew Jackson in Musical ing with someone when the time .has come to speak and after when all deci- sions have been made." To which, Meerdink said, "As an artist, I don't have a right to do what I want to do on stage? That's my second amendment right [sic]." Yazzie expressed her disappointment in the unedited musical's performance because of what she and other Native audience members believed to be the continuedexclusion of perspective. "The sad part, though, is that it's a. parry of the genocide of my people and when you actually live that and you actu- ally survive that — I don't know, I hope and what I was actually kind of thankful for when I saw that version was that, 'Minneapolis gets Native people. Because we work with Native people, we have 11 reservations here, our friends are Native people and we wouldn't put up with saying those things about Native people.' And so, I actually was really happy to see that version," Yazzie said. "All I really wanted to say was that reaching out to the Native community and Native artists would have enriched this production.. Because ultimately if the point is to talk about the history of what happened to Native people, would- n't ouldn't it be lovely to get to know them in the process?" "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson" ran at the New Century Theatre from June 6-29. It was written by . Michael Friedman and Alex Timbers, directed by Steven Meerdink. BY ALFRED WALKING BUIL rt imitated life after a June 19 performance of "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson," a production of the Hennepin Theatre Trust that portrays the exploits of the U.S. president responsible for the Trail of Tears. In the run up to the performance, New Native Theatre's Rhiana Yazzie organized a protest of the musical after she wrote an open letter about the play. In the letter, she decried the organization's choice of sub. ject matter, "I think it was an unfortunate choice for Minneapolis Musical Theatre to produce this play and I have no doubt they played into the same disconnect the authors did, not considering the effect it could have on real people or that Native Americans might actually be audience members." In the production, references to Native American culture included the joke, "Tell me what's the difference between a little homosexual Indian boy and George Washington? Besides the fact you'd murder either of them without thinking twice?" In addition, Yazzie objected to the fact that Native charac- ters were portrayedby non -Native actors who were written as stoic and speaking in a halting manner. Additional refer- ences to Native culture included the character of Andrew Jackson (played by Philip C. Matthews), disparaging Native art and music with a declarative, "Your music suc .. After ini protest attempts, Yazzie New Native Theatre's Rhiana Yazzie (center) explains the position mat --tsioouy oloouy Andrew Jackson" revels in its stereotypical portrayal of Native American history to Steven. Meerdink (left) as University of Minnesota history professor David Chang (right) listens. (Photo by Alfred Walking Bull.) was then invited to watch what she believed to be a heavily -edited version of the musical that was to be performed for the remainder of the production's run. But in a talk -back session after the June 19 performance, which included Yazzie and University of Minnesota his- tory professor David Chang, Minneapolis Music Theatre artistic director Steven Meerdink said the show was shown in its entirety. "That was an error with an actor remembering lines, we were dealing with an awful lot that opening weekend w' an actor being hurt. I did not touch t script," Meerdink said. When Yazzie expressed her disappointment, he defended the non -profit's position as artistic freedom. "I respect your opin- ion, however, when I think that when I first got ahold of the script, I viewed this not as a retelling of an exact history and not a slam, degradation, of the Native American population. I was looking at the show more as a political statement of politics in general." Chang presented a counterpoint, say- ing, "Respect is a process and not simply a word said after the fact. Respect is something that's shown through speak 12-3-14 Cataloging Policy & Support Office Library of Congress Washington, DC 20540-4305 Dear Colleagues, In 2010, Arsenal Pulp Press in Vancouver issued Gord Hill's 500 VeErs of resistance comic book. A third printing (2012) includes this Canadian CIP data: Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication Hill, Gord, 1968 - The 500 years of resistance comic book / Gord Hill. 1. Indians—Government relations--History—Comic books, strips, etc. 2. Government, Resistance to-America-History— Comic books, strips, etc. 3. America—Colonization—Comic books, (strips, etc., I. Title. R. Title: Five hundred years of resistance comic book Assuming that LC's treatment is analogous, I submit that this significant work has been woefully and negligently represented in the cataloging record. No note indicates the wide-ranging conttent nor extensive introduction by Ward Churchill. No access points are specified for either the introduction writer or alternative press. And no genre heading permits searching by form. Worse, the three specified subject tracings collectively fail to denote what the book is pointedly about: the holocaust and subjugation inflicted upon Native Americans --and their long-standing resistance to such oppression. This might be a more a curate and helpful treatment: Hill, Gord, 1968 - The 500 years of resistance comic book. Vancouver, 8C: Arsenal Pulp Prems,, Copyr ght 2010. Includes an introduction by Ward Churchill, 5 -page bibliography, and material on the 1492 invasion, Inca insurgency, Mapuche uprisings, 1680 Pueblo revolt, Pontiac's 1763 rebellion; Seminole, Apache, and Plains wars; the American Indian Movement; Wounded Knee and Oka crises; Zapatistas; 1995 Ts'peten standoff; and 1995 Aazhoodene/Stoney Point occupation. 2 July 2014 NATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS 0 PATENT OFFICE CANCELS WASHINGTON TEAM'S TRADEMARK WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office canceled six trademarks belonging to the Washington football team on June 18, saying they are offensive to Native Americans. . The team, which has said it has spent millions defending trademark over the years, will appeal the decision, a process that could take years. The Patent Office will continue to treat the trademark registrations as though they are valid during the appeals process, according to a spokesperson. In the meantime, the team can continue to use the logos portraying a Native American profile with feathers. If the decision is upheld, it will be hard for the team to clairx ownership of its brand, a crucial step in going after the makers of unlicensed merchandise. Instead, the team will have to illustrate that it has always used the logos, rather than relying official trademark registrations. The decision came in response to a suit brought by five Native plain- tiffs. In May, 49 senators, including Majority Leader Harry Reid, signed a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell saying that the "team is on the wrong side of history," and that he should endorse a name change. A week later, a coalition of 77 tribal, civil rights and religious groups, including the National Congress of American Indians The Circle: News from a Native American Perspective and the NAACP, signed a letter urging players to cam- paign to change the team's mascot. The team adopted its name and logo in 1933, when it was based in Boston. It had been known as the Braves but changed the name to honor William Henry "bone Star" Dietz, their coach at the time, who was a Native American, according to a legal brief filed by the team in a previous matter. The trademark, which was granted in 1967, has been renewed several times, but the Patent Office previously canceled the registration in 1999. A federal judge over- turned that decision in 2003, saying there was no proof that the name was disparaging at the time of registration. The team's trademark attorney Bob Raskopf said he believed this decision, like the previous one, would be overturned. NATIONAL MEWS BRIEFS 10 HISPANIC CIVIL RIGHTS GROUP JOINS IN MASCOT FIGHT WASHINGTON, DC - The National Council of La Raza — the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States — called on the NFL and Washington football team owner Dan Snyder to change the team's name. The council's board of directors unanimously voted in support of the move Oct. 26. "Our brothers and sisters in the Native American community have been clear and consistent in their call to change both terms and images that they consider demeaning. As an organ- ization committed to fairness and equality for all, NCLR fully supports these efforts," La Raza President and chief executive Janet Murgula said in a statement. "The Latino community well understands that words matter and that they can denigrate, disparage and dehumanize. We should treat all people with the respect and dignity they deserve." Snyder has promised to keep the name, which he says honors Native people. The team cited polls show- ing that a majority of Americans - and even a majority of Native Americans in one 10 year-old survey — do not find the team name offensive. La Raza had previously joined with the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights — a coalition of organizations including the NAACP and the American Civil Liberties Union —, in its effort to change the moniker. Last year, the conference approveda' resolution that called on the team to change its name and "refrain from the use of any other images, mascots, or behaviors that are or could be deemed harmful or demeaning to Native American cultures or peoples." "When groups like La Raza, NAACP, ADL and NCAI are saying in a singular voice that it is time to change this offensive name, it should, -,serve as a wake- up call to the NFL and Dan Snyder that they are on the wrong side of history," spokesman for the Oneida Indian Nation, Joel Barkin said. 2 November 2014 The. Circle: News from a Native American Perspective A, �• ,1��f7tPpl;:aC1�� 1HHN To: HRRC Agenda Item #: IX. From: MJ Lamon Staff Liaison Action ❑ Discussion ❑ Date: 12/11/2014 Information Subject: Chair, Commission Member, and Student Comment Action Requested: None. Information / Background: Attachment: Affordable Housing & the HRRC. City of Edina • 4801 W.4W h St. • Edina, MN 55424 Affordable Housing in Edina & the HRRC Edina City Code: Division 2. Human Rights and Relations Commission, Section 2- 116. Policy Statement It is the public policy of the city to: (1) Secure for all of the residents of the city freedom from discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, familial status or national origin in connection with employment, housing and real property, public accommodations, public services, credit and education. Edina City Code: Division 2. Human Rights and Relations Commission, Section 2- 118. Duties The commission shall: (1) Advise the council on matters relating to discrimination and human relations referred to herein. (2) Implement such programs of education and community action which are designed to effectuate the public policy stated in section 2-116 and which have been approved by the council. 44 Affordable Housing in Edina & the HRRC Total Rental Units in Developments - 509 Subsidized Dwelling Units located in 5 Developments 393 Designated for Seniors 116 For Families Total Units outside of Subsidized Developments - 383 Subsidized Rentals and Owned (mortgage assistance) Units 366 in various condo & townhome areas (mortgage help) 8 Section 8 rental assistance thru Met Council & City 9 Assistance thru West Hennepin Affordable Housing Land Trust (WHAHLT) Pending Rezoning & Construction - 91 Subsidized Rental Units 10 Designated for Seniors - 10% of 100 units (65th & France) Total 195 units 39 for Homeless Young Adults - 100% (66West Project) 10 Designated for Seniors - 10% of 100 units (Continental Gardens, 7121 York) 32 affordable (20%) of total 160 units — (72ndFrance Potential Prelim Approval 12/16/14) New Developments Without Subsidized or Affordable Housing- Southdale I - Wickes Property- Byerly's Devl't- 232 Rental Units 242 Rental Units 256 Rental Units 45 DRAFT TO: Edina City Council FROM: Edina HRRC RE: Statement of Support for 7200 France Development DATE: December 11, 2014 Low income and special needs housing is desirable for diverse, healthy communities; as is business, quality schools, housing for the majority and medical and social services. The Edina Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code have been amended in the past to encompass needs reflective of the changes in our community and its priorities. The Metropolitan Council and the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities (Minnesota) both strongly oppose any effort to reduce or alter a city's authority to carry out the functions associated with providing Affordable Housing under the recognized definitions. Funding is provided in the private sector, through MHFA and other resources. Developers, land use consultants and planners have stated that high land values within Edina make Affordable Housing additions in new and rehabilitated construction difficult to achieve. The Boisclair Corporation in its proposed rental apartment mixed use development at 72' and France Ave. has included 20% of its proposed rental units as Affordable Housing in accord with Metropolitan Council Guidelines. These units would be available to the general community with income needs that qualify them for rental assistance or other programs that qualify for reduced rents. Accordingly, in its role as the advisor to the City Council on human relations and matters within the scope of its mission; the following statement of support is directed the Edina City Council: The Application for a Planned Unit Development and necessary zoning changes for the property located at 72"d and France Ave by Boisclair Corporation is supported by the Edina HRRC without reservation. The Developer is commended for including 20% of the total residential units as being available to persons in need of Affordable Housing. The proposed mixed unit development will be located within an area offering employment opportunities, public transportation, a nearby elementary school and a variety of public facilities, parks and services. The HRRC recommends that the City Council enact any necessary changes and take all other actions needed to support this initiative, which will build a stronger, more diverse community and offer more opportunities to new residents to build this community, while at the time signaling other real estate developers of the direction Edina chooses to lead .