Lawrence Alliance Minutes

May 9, 2007
Submitted by Deb Taylor, Chair

Members Present:

Bruce Ney, Anne Burgess, Bob Hubert, Baha Safadi, Robbie Derritt, Carlos Otero, Chris Keary, Deb Taylor

Members Absent:

Sarah Terwelp, Lori Tapahonso, Peter Luckey, Mike Monroe

Staff Present:

Paul Winn

Guests Present:

Annette Dabney, Speech Language Pathologist/esl, Hillcrest Elementary; Diane Ash, Prevention Specialist/Team Leader, Lawrence High School

Meeting

Deb Taylor called the meeting to order at approximately 6:05 p.m. in the Heritage Room at Plymouth Congregational Church, 925 Vermont. She welcomed new Board Members Carlos Otero and Baha Safadi. She also welcomed guests Annette Dabney and Diane Ash. Minutes of the March 14, 2007 meeting were read. A motion was made and seconded to accept them. The minutes were approved on a voice vote. 

Deb reported that Lori Tapahonso has agreed to lead the cultural awareness session during the Police Department's June training. She will address Native American issues. Deb also reported that Sarah has been speaking to Loring Henderson about the possibility of heading up a future homeless session for the LPD training. 

Annette Dabney and Diane Ash spoke about diversity in the Lawrence Public Schools. Annette mentioned that even though an increase exists in the number of inservices on diversity issues at Hillcrest and other Lawrence schools, teacher and administrator accountability is lacking. She said that textbooks have changed to become much more multicultural, but time restraints and other issues prevent teachers from adopting what they have learned on these issues. Annette also talked about poverty and its impact on education. Today, "class" (economic) sets children apart from others just as much as "race" does. Not being accepted by their peers prevents kids from learning. Schools are built on middle class values, notes Annette, but we must learn how to embrace kids for who they are. 

Diane Ash also mentioned that new ideas concerning approaches to diversity are being discussed in inservices. Unfortunately, not enough time exists for long-range planning in order to implement these ideas. Diane noted that the Cultural Heritage program at LHS (and the separate program at FSHS) is made up of high school students who share with junior high and elementary school students their stories of feeling marginalized. The students discuss issues such as sexuality, stress management, careers, alcohol and drugs, and peer education. Diane noted that the program is successful because peer education works: kids are teaching kids on sensitive issues so they learn more. Diane stated that the Principal at LHS is very sensitive to diversity issues and that most elementary and junior high school teachers throughout  Lawrence ask the Cultural Heritage panel to speak to their classes. Many are discussing race, and they are trying to understand the issues.

Deb reported that Hilda Enoch sent her an e-mail indicating that the Lawrence Alliance should write a letter to the City Commission in support of the Domestic Partner Registry. Bruce explained to the Board the purpose of the Registry. He noted that the Commission plans to discuss the registry on May 22. After some discussion, Robbie made and Anne seconded a motion for Deb to prepare a support statement. The motion passed on a voice vote.

Adjournment

Bruce made and Chris seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at approximately 7:57 p.m. The motion was approved on a voice vote.

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