Lawrence Alliance Minutes

January 10, 2007
Submitted by Deb Taylor

Note: We did not have a quorum. Thus, these are unofficial minutes.

Members Present:

Bruce Ney, Anne Burgess, Bob Hubert, Deb Taylor

Members Absent:

Sarah Terwelp, Barbara Bonnekessen, Peter Luckey, Lori Tapahonso, Hilda Enoch

Staff Present:

Rehelio Samuel, Paul Winn

Meeting

Deb Taylor called the meeting to order at approximately 7:30 p.m. at the Human Relations Department, 947 New Hampshire. Since we did not have a quorum, the Minutes of the November 8, 2006 meeting were not read or approved. As a result of not having a quorum, the following information merely reports what was discussed at the unofficial meeting.

Deb noted that the presentation given by Moussa Elbayoumy to the Lawrence Police Dept officers was a huge success. She plans to speak with Capt Mike Pattrick--who is the new Training Supervisor--to ensure that we can continue this alliance with the Police Department.

Deb mentioned that she is working with Lydia Leon to find a member of the Hispanic community who is interested in joining the Alliance board. 

Bob Hubert reported on the FYI programs at Lawrence High School which includes substance abuse prevention education, the Cultural Heritage Panel, and Unitown, which is a cultural diversity program. He gave us handouts on these programs.

Deb mentioned that a KU student named Carrie Wallace (senior in Sociology) would like to conduct some sort of study on diversity or discrimination in Lawrence. Members who were present responded favorably to her potentially working with us.

Deb mentioned that she received a report from a young lady in Lawrence that the employees at It's Brothers Bar is discriminating against people who are Native Americans, Hispanic, or gay/lesbian. Rehelio mentioned that his office (Human Relations) had already been working on this situation with the owners of and staff at It's Brothers. To his knowledge, the situation is resolved. He welcomes anyone with further concerns on this or any other business in Lawrence to contact the Human Relations office. Deb said she would pass on this information.

Rehelio stated that this was his last meeting as the City liaison for the Alliance since he is retiring as Human Relations Executive Director. He invited us to his upcoming retirement celebration. 

Deb encouraged board members to attend the January 22 Appreciation Reception for City and County Advisory Boards and Commissions.

Deb mentioned that the Lawrence Domestic Partner Registry that is currently being considered by the City Commission. She is already involved in this issue on a personal level but she wanted to know if board members felt we needed to take action. Members who were present believe that no action is necessary at this time but perhaps we should prepare a written statement in support of the Registry in the future (if necessary).

Adjournment

The meeting unofficially adjourned at 8:57 p.m.

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