This meeting is being recorded by Greenfield Human Rights Commission and the city of Greenfield. And if anybody is present this during the same by the chairperson at this time. I'm not seeing that. Okay, I call this meeting to order at 6:02
uh p.m. And we're going to do a roll call. Um Linda. Here. Pia. Here. Kathleen. Nate. I'm here. And Paul is here. And we
have one absence at the moment. Um we're going to approve the minute meetings from April 13th. Did everybody get a chance to look over those and have conversation about it? Cool. Okay, can I get a motion to approve the
minute meetings? Motion to approve the minute meetings. Second. Second by all. All in favor? I. >> I. Abstention? Oh, and that passes unanimously. Perfect.
Okay, public comment. Oh, man. I close public comment at 6:03 p.m. And now we have the updates from the mayor's office and the mayor's here tonight. Hi everyone. I'm here [clears throat] tonight for a
little just for a few minutes because I'm actually supposed to be at Ways and Means. Um but I I had three things to talk about. I wanted to answer a question that came up at last month's meeting
concerning meeting frequency. Um the ask to have fewer meetings is actually not financial, it's about staff availability and bandwidth. Um the Human Rights Commission is supposed to be staffed by someone from
the mayor's office. That would be me or Aaron or Jonathan. I have ways and means tonight which I don't have every Monday and I will be I'm planning on being at your next meeting. Um, Aaron usually has scouts on Monday night and currently um, Jonathan
um, is in school and he has a class on Monday night. Um, we are not reducing. This came up as well in your discussion. We are not reducing the meeting schedule all meetings but are evaluating some of those that are uh,
not responsible for signing off on permits, warrants, licenses or other time sensitive issues. Should you get a Human Rights Commission complaint, you are required to meet as was stated last month and we would accommodate that.
I also uh, heard you say loud and clear last month that you have a busier season um, more so in the fall when you were looking for the um, Human Rights Commission's award and of course we'd work with you to accommodate whatever
that schedule was. Um, was. Um, you were correct in the statement last month that there are 51 boards and commissions that are scheduled and have meetings that we schedule and staff.
Um, and what we are having problem with is that there's just sometimes not enough hours in the day. And and um, folks to cover that I would say each one of us probably does seven or eight. Um, I presently do eight on a regular
basis and I love being there and meeting what all the good the you know, the wonderful volunteers on our on our commissions are working on and have and have to say and getting to know them a little bit better. So, um, I appreciate all of your service.
Uh, I watched last month's meeting twice in entirety. And it is true that you are following Robert's Rules like the the rest of our boards um, and commissions. I heard you talking
about the welcome new packet. That sounded like a very, very good idea. Um, I took note of the fact that your two new members, Pia and Angela, initially were raising their hands when they wished to speak.
For all members to be treated respectfully, um, you need to be recognized by the chair before you speak. Meeting nodding of heads in agreement or disagreements is permissible, but interrupting and finishing the thought of another member or saying out
loud, "Right, right, I agree." while another is speaking is is not permissible. If you are participating, you both lead this raise hand button again and and waiting until the chair calls on you. Generally speaking,
um, at the end of any discussion on any particular topic, the chair recognizes his or herself and states their opinion on whatever the matter may be. Why do I even bring this up? It may seem kind of crabby to bring up something like this.
But, um, why I'm bringing it up is on how it makes people feel. And, um, if these rules are not followed, the more quiet members of the group may
not feel heard or feel validated. Um, more importantly, the contributions of all of you are important. Interrupting or speaking over another is can feel like can can actually feel like a little a of bullying, which I know none of you want
to participate in, but it is important and important enough for me to go out on a limb and say something that is a little uncomfortable. So, um the end. Um lastly, I wanted to speak about your concerns
about the human rights in the schools. I I could hear what you had to say loud and clear. Um I sent a link to the superintendent. Um and the link was sent uh to the entire school committee. So, I've actually heard from other members that
they have watched the meeting. Uh they are aware of your concerns about issues that are going on within the school and they've also heard your concerns about committee as a whole. We are doing our best on that committee.
Um but I I wanted to say that any curriculum, you know, concerns or changes is actually something that I would strongly urge you to bring to the
school committee's attention. I won't personally mention this at um I didn't speak with Stacy this time, so it it won't be on this agenda, but it is the school committee that um it it is the school committee in
conjunction with very well trained educators, of which I am not one, who will design the programs that belong within the school. And I think the best way for any of you to have that
um happen is, you know, speaking at a school committee meeting or speaking with your school committee members. And um that's how that's actually how that works. I just felt the need to say that after watching
and listening to that. So, that was my updates. Aaron is going to stay and I'm going to go off to a um a budget meeting that sounds like a lot of fun right now. I've watched the very
beginning of it and I would just like to say to you, don't ever try to design a budget when there's not enough money because it is no matter what you do, I just heard everything and I thought I kind of you do your best with what you
have. We were a lot short this year, but anyways, I am very grateful to all of you for serving and you brought up very valid points. I just felt the need to say something on the Robert's Rules part and and and the other two issues. So,
again, thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Have a good night. Just two quick things. One is we have spoken to some of the school committee members a while ago, but not recently
about some of those issues, and but we have not been in touch with them recently. And secondly, this is um uh something you brought up the last time
you were here that things that are um uh processes that we go through that have to do with the public should be on the website. And last meeting, which you saw twice,
um the we made sure that clarity of the process if there ever is a um uh a complaint. And
so, that's the kind of thing I think you were talking about that should be um on the website, correct? That was discussed on the and I did hear you. I have not followed through on that yet about how that gets done, but I did
hear you say that. So, I'm going to write that. Um for complaints, if there were a complaint >> Right. It's the process of what time, who does it, etc., etc. I can follow up on that if you want me to. I already talked to Jonathan about
it briefly. Thank you. >> Um so, it's already kind of on the agenda. Just Yeah. Thank you. Yes. So, I've got that. Thank you, Anne. Thank you, everyone. I can give you here. And I can follow up a little bit
more when that we get to that section of the agenda as well. I can just expand a little. Isn't that done? Do you have Do you have any updates, Aaron? Um I was going to speak to the the agenda item that was from a little bit
further down. Did you want to wait till that or I could do it now, whatever. No, we can we can wait till our agenda item comes. Okay. Uh our updates uh after thinking about the meeting order
and how we would um kind of go from every other month, I made a subject a tentative schedule for that. Um so, we would meet this June.
We would not meet in July. We would meet in August. Not meet in September. And then we would meet in October, November, and December. And um and just 1 second. I'm just raising my
hand for when it's Um and so um that means we would only we would not meet twice. So, that means we would not meet in July, we would not meet in September, um but we would meet in June, August,
October, November, and December. Um we don't have to vote on it at the moment, but we will vote on it tonight. It's probably towards the end of the agenda. I know it's not on there, but after discussing with some folks, um we probably should vote on it so that we can get it
done rather than later. Kathleen. I don't know if not meeting in September makes sense with the um reward thing, if that will screw us up. I was saying October. I suppose we will but we are going to meet October, November, and December. Right, but does that give us Does that give us time
>> people submit by September last last time? We had people submit by September, but that's why we're going to meet in October to review. Right, but that's why >> I mean by October, November we'll have we'll know who the winner is for December. Mhm. We And we're also meeting
in Octo- in in in August. So, that we could start the process actually next month. That's awesome. >> we can start the process next month for our meeting in August and to get get the ball rolling. Yes, Erin. Um and we are prepared already to send out press
releases and and do everything. Whenever you guys are ready, we have it all ready to go. >> Oh, great. So, it just is a matter of Are you going to do it in October? No, I'm just saying it's fine. I don't know if I can do that. Um so we we're ready to go whenever if you guys develop the
the application and and criteria in August and press release out, all that, um in September and then you can vote in October if that's how you choose to proceed. The nice thing is we have a lot we have
a lot of it from last year and I think that we can really we'll be able to plug in Yeah, you're right. Last year it was a new we'll be able to just edit and add, you know, add dates and ends and such. And we would and we would still meet and we would still meet on
the second Monday of the month. It would just be and I'll read it again just so everybody remembers. We're meeting in June. Not meeting in July. Meeting in August. Not meeting in September. We're going to meet in October,
November, and December. Uh and also all the dates that's in your calendar that I sent you through the HRC meeting, I will update those when you make that vote tonight. And I will do that tonight. So I just figured I'd let you guys know.
We're not going to vote on it at the moment cuz I want us to get through the through the agenda, but before the night we would probably should vote on it. So that we can get it through. So that would give us two two more meetings in fiscal in 20 in
Is it fiscal 27 or is it Yes, fiscal. In this fiscal year July through June, that would give us two more meetings. Um in the in the spring. Um or winter spring. >> And then like if for next year we would
meet in January, not meeting February, meeting March, meeting April, meeting June, not meeting July, meeting August, not meeting September, and then meet October, November, December. But that's still more than
Right. Yeah, but that's still But yeah, if it's every other month, we only have two more meetings between January and June. I know. But I mean we can't I mean that's that's what we can do at the moment. Yes. The only kind of stand out
The um I was looking for it and don't have it with me. That all seems to make sense, but I wish I had our calendar in front of us that says what happens at each
month's meeting or the one ceremony debating debating or saying that at this meeting, this meeting. And I'm not against it. I'm just saying that what you're suggesting we maybe we move things to earlier meeting
to get them done if we're not going to And I I That's all. And the second comment is just a follow-up to that. All of this work fell if the only thing we have to do in the fall is
the awards. But if with the new superintendent and with school committee, if they do decide to work on some of the uh issues and bullying and
curriculum that goes to conflict resolution and stuff, then we might want to have meetings, but we can't predict Well, and if they want I think I think if they want I think if they want to meet with us, I think we can meet. They can meet with us during our meeting
time. I don't think we have to add a meeting time for that to meet with us. If that makes sense. But It's just one that meeting. It's But the superintendent's going to be so crazy at some time. In August That's the last thing I just want to do.
Right. Yes, I have. So just to clarify cuz I can I don't know why I can't remember. Does our budget go from fiscal year July to July or does it go through the calendar year? July to July. That's what I thought. So do Does anyone know how much we have left?
Um I can look it up. Yeah, just cuz I think we should spend it on whatever we need before you know, cuz you got don't it's lose it or use it, or whatever that goes. It doesn't carry over. I can look it up. I know the last time I thought that we were like in the 200s. That's the last time I thought it. I thought it was like
500. I think it's I think it's less than that. I think it's >> Yeah. Like my gut says it's in the 160 range. >> Yeah, that's what I I thought too, about 150. Yeah, but I don't know. Maybe it's just a minute so my thought. Maybe we get the flag or something, you know, cuz we've been wanting that.
>> like we talked about last time, starting a scholarship in Packy's name. >> Thanks. Yeah, I don't know if that moves over to that. If that doesn't, I don't know that. But I think about like if we wanted to get like a plaque or something for that person.
You know, that could be something. Anyway, um I just wanted to let you guys know that we are going to vote on that tonight. Um just not at the moment. Vote on the calendar. Yeah. Okay. But you you could just text us. Um It doesn't seem to interfere with our
budget. This is how it can be updated. So. Great. You're so good with the third copy. All right. Do you have any updates? I love it. Okay, cool. Uh okay, we're going into new business. Item one, if it states that
uh if we have any possible feedback from our new members, Pia and Angela, on their first meeting last month. And and they used mainly on the utility of the document. document.
>> Yeah. Awesome. You guys have the floor. I I don't currently have any feedback. Um I thought it was a well-constructed document. Yeah, um I'm looking at it and um I still want to dig into it a little more.
Um but I I appreciate the kind of the guidance in terms of how we're organized, what our mission and vision what our expectations are. Um very useful. I'm glad we have it. And so, once it's
approved, it will sit on the website. Is that it? Yeah, yeah. Or no? The >> It'll just be an internal The That's internal. The procedure for That's in the middle of that document. >> Okay. Would go on the website for the complaints.
Okay. Do you have any feedback from last meeting? Um except from last meeting. Um I mean, I heard some of the things that the mayor just said. And she was alluding to the last meeting as well. So, I didn't know if there
would be any additional conversation about those things that were observed. Um >> [clears throat] >> for myself, I just um I'm glad that we're asking the questions we're asking.
Uh I know I said that I would share information that could help us all like think about culturally responsive pedagogy and inclusive excellence in schools and then the way we're fellow educators and so forth. Um I guess the only thing I would say is
just kind of echo it's we have to be just just aware of each other. Kind of aware of the space we're taking up when we're talking and whether there are more quieter voices jumping in or not and just just being mindful. And I think everyone's
well-intentioned here and I feel good and um honored to be in your midst. So, happy to be here. So. Yeah, great. I didn't know if you had anything to say about last meeting. Oh, no. I think um Angela covered everything that I would
have said and about I think most of what I had to say about last meeting I said last meeting. I felt very positive about the last meeting. I felt it gave us an opportunity to really get to know to get to know you or start to get to know you, to get to know both of you and
understand background and what you have to offer offer us especially in the in the role of of the you know from the education standpoint. So I I just felt I know when I left the meeting I just said
this is a good working group. And then I just felt like I felt as if we were respectful of each other and what what we had had to say and that we can disagree and not all go nuts. You know, I mean it's just it just has
you know it was really educational for me. So and I appreciated that. So I didn't look at it twice after the fact. [laughter] Um so it's yeah. I thought that some of the comments were
interesting. Yes Kathleen. Well, I'll apologize again if in case I acted like a crazy grandmother, but I did miss this part of the meeting, but I did read it and I thought it was wonderful and I as you know thank you both bringing a lot to the table and it's great and I agree
with Linda as I think it's a great working group and I think we have you know some good things to do. So thank you. And I don't think we shy away from the hard conversations. I think this is all about the hard conversations.
Um because there are a lot of places that where you can't have them. Mhm. And I think this is a safe space um to do that. Um, I think last meeting was interesting. I had time to think
about it and rewatch it and um I heard the public's view on it. Um I think, you know, and I will still stay true on this conversation and I will still stay true on this comment.
Uh when I first was here, I was all alone. Then Y'all 2 came in, which was great, but I you know, I still stay true on this this thing, I think. You know, talking about what we're, you know, the mayor said. You know, systemic racism and stuff.
I feel uncomfortable talking about it. You know, I'm still student at the school. And I'm still student in the public system. Even after I graduate, I still I've got to call my high school my home. I've got to call my district my home. Um and so I had time to think about it, you
know. I have family who were in state senators and you know, who is a state senator now and we, you know, me and I him and I had a conversation about it. I you know, unfortunately we're not going to fix everything in this world, but um [clears throat]
I know from us three, from our culture, um we have to embrace it and um it you know, I just find it to be um you know, my personal opinion. Like I said, I felt uncomfortable
cuz I'm not sharing my racism experience. And I'm not, you know, I don't I'm not one of the I'm not a parent and I don't know what parents think about what I mean, you know, I mean, look at our population of black folks in this community. I mean, they're shying away for some reason, but
it's not a reason that we can fix, unfortunately. Um so and people can disagree with me on that, but I think that our meeting was great. Could have been spent somewhere else, spent time somewhere else.
Um Yeah. Yes. I think that it is really wonderful that in a town that is 87.2% white that we have a human rights commission that has three
people of color, that we have an expert in the field of developing diversity and inclusion programs and implementing those things to help be part of this, but also that the three of you are willing to give your
emotional energy to this. And that's something that I'm very thankful for as a citizen of Greenville as well as as a staff member for the city because I think that too often we don't have people who are willing to devote their emotional energy because
it's hard. And And that's not a citation at all, but it is hard and it takes a lot and I I appreciate that and I think that it brings so much value to what's happening. Any other comments before we move on? Cool.
Um I'm going to go to our old business. Any feedback? We have any feedback for the mayor's office about posting the HRC website or procedures for the HRC investigation uploaded on April April meeting.
Um yes, there is an update. So, um it was on a list of things to talk about and it was talked about. Um however, the budget was due a week ago. We were here until 2:00 in the morning the night before. I don't think any of us have quite recovered yet, but it is
we're circling back on things that, you know, we've just got just got put on the backburner. So, it's up there. John and I will do a little bit more discussion about getting that updated on the website. Um and then uh one of the things that was mentioned
on the agenda was simultaneous notification to the co-chairs, and that is not possible um for privacy issues in some cases. While we understand that you have a mandated uh
role in the charter, there are cases that might come in that um are dealing with potential criminal issues, potential um there children involved possibly.
Um so, there are some that will have to go through our lawyer before they would be turned over. Um but that's not always the case. I'm just saying like
we can't guarantee simultaneous sharing of any complaints that come in. They're Didn't I I think that was in that original package from the lawyer, Donna? Um you know, the pickle. Yeah. And there is a blurb in there on like page 15 or
whatever. I don't ask me, but I do remember seeing it. Like it's explained. Just wanted to clarify cuz it did say simultaneous, and I I did want to clarify that we'll make every effort when possible, but that's just there are some that
that can't happen. Yes. Um that makes sense. I'm wondering is it just a matter of time before it gets to the chair, or is it
a matter of sometimes it will never get Sometimes it will never. Um, there are ones that that there I know of one that will never get there because it can't be public in any capacity.
Just period. And I can't go into any details about it. But um you know, again, there are there are things that will people will write things that have to do with
things involving minors or criminal investigations and that is stuff that can't go it just can't. Like Like well, that just can't. There's I don't know the the exact statute, but it can't.
Yeah. And so things that were let's talk about racial discrimination and if it involved if if obviously I would assume the adult is bringing it relative
to something about a minor. That can never come here? >> No. I I'm just not clear why on that. Because we don't deal with issues regarding minors. We don't release any information about them. If it has to do with the school system, it has to go through school channels.
Um it there's already a legal procedure for that. Anything having to do with a minor does not go it it's it's really protected. Highly highly protected information. Right. Exactly. Like it's just for an example. At one point
in my life I was having a difficult time with a domestic partner and a minor child was involved. They made everybody leave. Everybody in probate court had to get up and leave. Someone contested it, the person and said they needed some information, whatever and they said
that's too bad for you. They need to leave. Like it's quite a thing, especially under 14 and then 14 to 18 is a little bit leeway, but still everybody had to get out. And I was like, oh, wow, and it was like a win for me, but
>> [laughter] >> I had no idea that that was going to happen. That's my point. I I [clears throat] I I I'm just looking for clarification. I'm not arguing here. So, anything that a parent complained about the school
an adult's action in the school we never get to deal with? Nope, that has to go through the school legal channels. And the school has uh you know, they have their own civil rights, you know,
investigation process, but nope, this and then it's very, very, very protected for minors. Just there are there are that is one area where there are a lot of privacy laws that we can't turn over information
um about about minor children um especially to appointed public figures who you know, you aren't going through like all these other background checks and not that I think anybody's No, I I doing or saying
anything nefarious, but um that is that is a really strongly protected area for for privacy. But we're not vetting the people. And and I My book of the law. Having been an educator for 46 years, I understand that.
But now standing on the outside of something, it sounds like you're asking for the institution to self regulate. >> regulate, which is if they had been regulating all along, it wouldn't have been happening. Well, I
think you know, we're talking about confidentiality. I mean that's I mean every educator, every person who works in education and even I when I used to work at a camp, we had a three-day training on confidentiality. >> No, I I understand that, but
do you understand the point I'm making? You're asking them to self-regulate. Sure, I do, but it's also not it's not something that that we can change at this point. Like that is just non-negotiable.
>> I'm trying to think of a way I think I'm trying to think of a way to do it without involving the kid, but I can't. Yeah, I don't think that's [laughter] possible. I mean and and if a if a parent makes a generic accusation of racism in the district,
that's that's That's not helpful at all. That's not I mean, sure, but it needs because you have to have examples um uh yeah. And so anything about a minor
is not ever going to be seen by anybody outside of you know our small legal team stuff. >> Yeah. Did you get him? Yeah, and all I was going to say is while I understand your frustration, but like anybody here with children or
grandchildren, I just want you to imagine for a second a group of like random adults who you've never met, none of whom have a CORI check or some of some of you might, but not all of us. And you hope and you pray and you cross
your fingers that none of these people who you have never met, who don't have like who don't necessarily have degrees in law and psychology and any of that don't give out enough information on this like legally publicly reported
meeting that's going to be broadcast on BCTv publicly available on the YouTube channel until the end of time. True. And like as discouraging as that is to what we're trying to do like that's that's something that I like
completely and deeply understand. Like if that had happened to me as like a child I would have been devastated. Um and it it does still leave us the avenue for if educate like if
there's a suspicion of like an educator or somebody in the school system being racist to a parent that we're still available for that parent for like the the interaction that they had with the school. But even with that interaction if
the parent was spring the student into that interacting we're done because that student that student is now involved between the teacher and the parent. Yeah. Yes, Elena. But I think what it points out is
the absolute importance of the curriculum and the education piece and it would be very interesting if if the if the school district implements if the school district implements
whatever program um that's going to deal with some of these issues. Whether or not over time the school district actually receives fewer complaints. That I mean to me that's that's the test
of whether or not a curriculum is is successful in this particular area if the education process does hopefully what it what we want it to do or what we hope the school committee will want it to do. >> And the mayor's office already rarely
receives complaints regarding the school. Like the people go to the school administration and the school committee. We just don't get much of that at all. So, that's you know, it's just a very separate process and I think most people
are going to do something, they'll go to the school before they would go to the mayor's office. So, If I could follow up on thought that I was having similar to what Linda said. Does the school system keep track of
>> [clears throat] >> not the results of and not the details of, just how many complaints they get about racist behavior, how many complaints they get about bullying, that kind of thing. And that we might be able
to I don't think we could look at it. No, we would not what it was, but that there was a complaint. Potentially, if you could if if they do keep track, I don't know, but you could FOIA it. But I don't know if they keep track. >> I would assume that they would keep
track in their archives. But Whether they did anything about it or not is that Well, but that we can't Yeah, we can't deal with that, but we can deal with the idea of Does it Do Are they aware that these
things are being reported, etc. And that's all cuz they I I just I taught in schools where there were complaints about racism all over the place and I taught in schools where there were many fewer.
And it was not a norm. And um we have to when I say we, not just us, but school committee, us, has to keep track of somehow how how is
it doing? The system. I think the best place to start would be to FOIA that information if they keep records of um specific types of complaints and uh the dates. They'd have to be anonymized, of course, but that's that's
I think the best place to start. Just send a FOIA. You can do it on the website if you don't know how. You can walk to my office, which is a disaster, and uh I'll walk [clears throat] you through the process. We're going to go to item two, cuz we got a lot on here. Um
we're going to I guess you're up next again. Uh the [clears throat] promote to the posting of the 2025-2026 minutes and HRC minute and meeting recordings on the HRC website. Um so the minutes um need to be
sent to the city clerk after every meeting as well or after they're approved, as well as to Jonathan, and then they can be posted. I know the recordings are posted on there cuz I see I I mean through and they're on there. That's great. So we just need to send all the minutes
to the city clerk. The city clerk and the communications director. Both? Yes, once they're once they're approved. Once they're approved. Yep. And Jonathan will get them put up on the website. Um I don't have access to that part of the website. He's kind of
one of only a few people and I don't want access, either. So there we go. Um Apparently we finally talked about the feedback from the mayor's office on a uh complaint form. So I guess we don't need to do that one. But,
uh C, we kind of talked about the discussion of the possible bi- bi-monthly meetings. We can vote on that right now, since we're talking about it, since that's part of item two. Um so, at the moment we're voting on for
just 2026, just just 2026. Just in 2026, and then in that's say our reorganizing meeting is going to be in August. So, we'll we can do all this stuff for next year in August. We can just start talking about that in August.
Uh cuz I realized Jenny was telling me about it. She's like, "Are you guys having a reorganization meeting?" I was like, totally forgot about that. So, we're going to do that in August. And then it's stuck in a little Twilight Land. Um so, we're meeting in June.
We're not meeting in July. We're meeting We're not uh We're meeting in June, not meeting in July. Meeting in August. Not meeting in September, meeting in October, November, December.
I will say that again. We're meeting in June, not meeting in July. We're meeting in August, not meeting in September. We're meeting October, November, and December. Does that sound correct? Yes. And I'll send out an email tonight to kind of get
you guys going with that. Okay? Can I have a motion to approve? Motion by Linda, can I have a second? Yep. Second by Packy Second Sorry. Shelly sat there. Yes, second by Pia. Um and for this one I would like to do a
roll call vote, so that we can get everybody in. So, uh >> [clears throat] >> I Can you do the roll roll call? Okay. Pia? I. Linda? Yes. Nate? Yes. Andrew? Yes. Kathleen? I.
And that passes unanimously. So, we will not we will meet next week next month and not meet July. So, that will start by next Just um Aaron, just uh in point of information, are other
commissions like the Public Safety Commission and stuff doing a similar thing now? Um there are some other ones that are doing it. You know, culture has gone down. Um Public Safety is still monthly because they do a few more things that have to
do with like um more emergent issues like licensing, permitting, zoning, like all those types of things that are more time sensitive. Um Uh there are others that have gone down though that don't have >> force went down.
>> The task force went down. Um Kind of the like like the mayor was saying, like, you know, The Planning Committee you know, Trying to get a feel for it. Yeah. Um we will be making the same suggestion at the Historical
Like Commission. Um cuz they're monthly. Um that's another one I staff. Just we just don't have the bandwidth. Like It It just is what it is. So. So, um
Yeah, so I'll send out an email tonight giving you guys the new dates. I'll also update the Google Calendar invites that I sent everybody. Um they're going to still be on the second Monday. Um and I will send out the months that we don't meet, I will send out the agenda and the link and the
minute meetings. So, they're up there for the month after. Thank you. It it me out in July cuz I'm going to be in California all of July, so this is great. Um Item three
says that we are getting an update on the city hall plaque for winners of this year in 2025. Who led that initiative? Me. So I now have the two plaques.
Um I I I found um someone to engrave them. Paul's going to send me the names of both winners, the one for 2024 and 2025, right? Yes. Um and um >> [snorts] >> um
we should She lives in Greenfield. The cost is going to be minimal. I will I will take care of it myself. I asked >> money in the budget. >> I understand, but I asked her it'll cost more to cut the check. Okay. Right. You
think I'm seriously I asked her so what would it cost, you know, to do whatever and she said see the font. She said oh a couple dollars a plaque. Am I really going to submit for four bucks? Okay. >> I think so. So if it had got to five, I'd be you know, I'd be in a situation. Um but that's awesome. Keep her number.
Exactly. So and I found her through Clary Jewelers. And I was waiting until Clary opened. >> Right, I thought about that. And I didn't go the first weekend. [laughter] That's amazing. Um and she was yeah, she was wonderful. So um now that I have
them, Paul send me what I need. I'll hopefully drop them off and see her this week and and have them and then we can schedule whatever we want to do to Yeah, I was um to invite whomever to Wendy Goodman Wendy Wendy Goodman. Yeah,
I have I have Wendy's [clears throat] contact and I have Larry, so we'll schedule something. I'll we'll figure it out cuz if if if say this was done by like we could do something in September when we're not meeting, but we're still
convening as a body. Um so that's something that's that's different. So we'll figure it out. Maybe >> Maybe we could do it before the August meeting at like 5:30. Yeah. Or even the June meeting. June meeting. Yeah, if I
get this done in the next week Yeah. um You have time to publicize. Yeah. We have time to you know, I mean I'm assuming a photographer of the two people who were here. You know, it's not um I don't know if it was going to be a big deal. Last time I took the picture and
got it to the Right. I was going to say last time we even had a person. You know. They don't we just make it very simple and with the commission and Yeah, the managing editor there accepts
pictures. Right. Yeah. Let me, that's so great. Linda, thank you. That's all. Um that was it. I mean that was it would couldn't have been more simple. Okay. Now we're on to item four. We're going to continue discussions
about the approach to take about bullying and racism in public schools. Who would like to lead this discussion or start talking? Yes. I only have intro very introductory remarks. Um I think
we should deal with the school committee a little bit. But given a new superintendent other than you know, the fact that we spoke to the interim superintendent I don't think it makes a lot of sense um
to go back to the interim superintendent about this. Um and we should wait till the at least the summer um and try to speak briefly because this the new
superintendent is going to be so busy. They will be very busy. I'll give you my word. Yes. When do they start the new superintendent? July 1st. Okay, couldn't remember who was coming to the door. I know I saw him. And I know that that Angela had
mentioned kind of putting together um some resources. I need to educate myself. Mhm. So, I mean not that I need this much. Um but if there were some recent you know summer reading if there's some
resources that I can um work on over you know over the next few months. Um for me that would be really helpful. Um it's so that we have a similar we have a similar
focus or at least you know in in reading some of these things and and say oh that looks like that's that's something that that would make a whole lot of sense in this community or hmm I'm not so sure. And then we actually have things to talk about.
Cuz at the moment I don't feel like I have the bandwidth to have to have the right kind of discussion as to the the approach that should be taken. I really feel that you're the expert and you know you really are the expert in
this area and you've got a lot of years um working and working in this area. I want to second that. I would love for that to happen. >> When do we set the meeting? >> convenient getting resources for this group to read more about
racial equity and anti-racism efforts in in schools. Like I mean I'm all for it. I just don't want your job from your school job, your higher ed job to be interfered with this. Mhm. So I mean I
think it's all great for it, but you know, you have a you have a you know, you're the vice president for that's the specific area. Um and I think it's great that you'll give us the resources. Right, but
you know, this is I mean I I mean I don't know how you feel, but yeah. Um I feel like one part of being on a human rights um mission is being able to um bring up some of that ourselves. And
I think maybe while we're um adjourned until our next next meeting, each of us should make some individual effort to find some of these resources, and then we can bring them to the next meeting as part of like our own continuing education. Oh, that's a good idea.
>> Like I said, I I send all the resources you have, but I think we can educate ourselves in some different capacity. Like going to the library. I don't mean to sound like a kooky old lady, but I mean probably I am like Yeah, I mean
there's resources online that you can read. There's articles online that you >> online. I'd rather go to the library. I mean I can read online. I just don't prefer it. But This is like [clears throat] Yeah. Yes, we can. I think going to the library is an excellent idea, especially since there's going to be like somebody
at the counter able to help you. >> Okay. That's why yeah, I like the library. Okay, I'll go. When do we can go together? Yes, we can. Get a snack. >> feel that this is you know, this is your this is your expertise, and I'm not
asking you to do your your GCC job here. Right. Right. But it with the discussion last you know, last month you had said, "I've been doing this for decades. I've done this in communities. I have
resources." I don't feel like I want to reinvent the wheel when you have you have that expertise. And if it means here's just a reading list. Here's a reading list of 10 things that you know, and then then
it's my responsibility to parse and figure out what you know, what's going to work for me or what is going to is what's going to make sense. But to try to start from me with a and figuring out where's the basic where's the basic reading list, right? Um when
you know, I mean it it's if I were dealing with my own expertise in a particular area, I would want to be able to share that with somebody and then say, "Oh, and usually when you find those resources, those resources also have other resources." Yeah, you can really go down
you can really go down you know, quite deep with it. I don't expect to become an expert. I want to be able to to see what has been used successfully in other communities.
Which often have a very different makeup than Greenfield might have. Absolutely. But I think it's a I think for me it's a place to start. That's all I'm suggesting. And no, I don't want you to feel that you're the
the be-all and the end-all in that you know, in that particular area, but it is what you do. Yeah. Just my thought about it. I appreciate all the sentiments and and the care and the genuine concern
that that we have on it. One of the and so first yes, I will share some resources and I think it is good for people to do their own research and work on subject that they want to learn something about. But the second thing is
I would like to for us to make sure that we have the capacity to understand racial issues in a community just outside of schools. Not just about schools, but just about living in Plainfield, right? And and how can we
look at it from an interpersonal standpoint from a team dynamics standpoint from even from a from a public service standpoint. So how can we you know, think about racism is like it's a
gargantuan topic. It's a like drilling down to think about what are the constructs for example um you know, you've heard of white privilege. You've probably heard of white fragility and DiAngelo's work. So
or not, right? So I don't even know what people know to even know where to even start to help someone. But I I'm am interested and I'm always learning. So I'm also wanting to go back to some resources see how can I link
these constructs and looking at the different racialized hierarchies in rural Western Mass and and looking at those case studies here and maybe seeing how it could be useful to us. So that's what I can offer. Yeah.
If you want if if you feel like that would be helpful. Be interesting to know if even somebody's done that work in Western Massachusetts and so it's around racial hierarchies. Yeah, it would just be interesting to know. Yes. I know I keep adding it back all
the time. But I would also like us to keep looking at the issue of bullying and um conflict that exists in the schools.
That's sometimes is centered around racist things, but other times is centered around lots of other things. Body image and um gender and
gender identification, etc., etc. Um I would offer, if it's something that people would like, a long time ago I sent to you the index of a What is a conflict resolution curriculum look
like? >> [clears throat] >> But to bring you books to look at. What would a teacher do and what are the topics in there? Sure, racism is one of the topics in there, but it really it's pure conflict resolution.
And if that's something people would want to see, what does that look like? So, we're not talking about something out there in the ether. Yeah, I think that's a superb topic. And it it seems to
permeate all kinds of committees and um um schools and all kinds of things. Me. >> Okay. Yes. I again want to reiterate though that that these conversations about school curriculum need to happen in the school
committee setting. Um you making recommendations to the school committee is a great idea, but that's the process that it needs to get. Okay, just wanted to clarify >> This is This is the same way I think it was that was going on before.
This is educating ourselves internally before we have You can't talk to other people if you don't know what we're talking about. Absolutely. I just wanted to clarify to make sure that Great. Thank you. Definitely. And just to speak as much as
I do think, you know, starting from the little people up and making the community a place where it feels safe and, you know, we can all go back to forever. Um I have a dream was what, 1960
four? That might whatever, you know, if I had to speak. And here we are um 60 years later and I feel like we've gone backwards. Um we can just agree with that. >> [laughter] >> I think we probably all feel that way.
But my point is that even though maybe we can't permeate the school, we can certainly permeate the community so that it starts from a point of making the community a safe space that eventually
it kind of is a trickle down and then if you have parents who don't act in a particular way, I mean this is just my thought process, that maybe when their kids get to school So I do feel like we can make a difference even if we can't, you know,
change Greenfield school system personally. I think as a community if we stand out a little more, maybe that presence can really make a difference in how people see it. And you know, is my idea. Yeah, and I good idea. Bringing
that presence out, you know. Being present, being at things and in community events where Yeah, diversity and equity comes in. You know. Even the farmers market it's not necess- it's not It's a very I feel like the
farmers market is a really great experience. I go there all the time and I do all kinds of networking there for Blooming Greenfield, but I've talked about the HRC there. Maybe we table one day when we're having a meeting is it July? Maybe we table in July and show ourselves and put out brochures and put
out some candy that's I don't You know what I mean? Something and people are going to come up and talk to us and kids can draw with their chalk. Whatever it is that we can come up with and that could be great. And they want you there for free. So, it's definitely too late by now, but have Have we ever done anything for
pride? Have we ever had a booth or a float over? Yeah, we've walked in it and passed out pamphlets last year. Did it pour? And where it was hotter than hell. So, the past 2 years the weather's been crazy. Last year poured. The year before people
were fainting cuz it was 100°. But we were there cuz I felt faint. I mean, we can also Oops. We can also in that Juneteenth. That's something in that GCC.
Um And the mayor marches and the task force we are welcome to march with the task force and march one year in the pride parade if anyone wants to. They were you know, you can. It's a lot not that long. Long enough.
Yeah. Do you have your hand up? Yeah, I was thinking about if we do take it upon ourselves to increase our collective learning um and application to kind of the the charge that we've been given on the commission,
then maybe we could take that and and and see if there are other governmental offices because I was looking at here at some of the things that we are responsible for. Maybe we could take the those lessons and and those learnings and share them with other governmental
offices like on some kind of We can inquire and say you know these are some these this is what we went through. We went through our own training. We went through our own dialogues. We did it first ourselves. These are our lessons and learnings. We
bring them to you. Something just just like maybe a longer term idea. Something like Um I remember a couple of meetings ago there was something that seems to have gotten a little lost. Um reaching out to
other human rights commissions for other local towns. And I'll see what they do. Yeah and maybe during the busy months like the October and November December where we are meeting again every month and that's something we can maybe hop back on and
start to pursue. It can be a goal for next year as when Yeah when those I had the list. >> Yeah. I mean I did come up with I did have I did you know sit send the list. The couple of um places I reached
out to to get some of more information. People almost never got back to me. There's only one left. Yeah. There's only one. Um I wanted to kind of piggyback on that idea because I know that the Richmond County CDC
above the wall street has done really good work internally about having anti-racist agendas anti-racist funding opportunities. They've done such good work. They have book lists they have
conversations they examine who they're giving money to how when why where. What is the name? What are the organization it goes by? The um the Franklin County CDC. For what? No, not the college. Franklin County Community Development Corporation. Oh,
the CDC. The CDC up on Wall Street. They do such a good job. Like they've really helped. They do great work. Yes. To your point, um Tracy Talbert and I are working together um
I'm not familiar with the actually. Wait, is it the The yeah, the racial reflective journey. >> Yeah. Uh and what that is, uh we're working on kind of this this game idea on on online where people would take themselves
through a journey. But through like through in a in a fun way, right? Like that someone would become kind of reflective and and learn as they go through this through this game. And uh we would then facilitate
conversations about, you know, how are you having these what are your views on these racialized experiences at work? Like at different institutions, um personally, you know, media, when you're exposed to racialized ideas, to racism itself,
you know, how do you process it? And so this is a tool that that we're working on. And so I was thinking about that before you said anything. I just wasn't sure if I should bring it up now or later. But that could be something that we go through that racial reflective journey. Um
and participate in that. And we want to promote it. Like we want to share it throughout the county, so. And I think like go like go back to what Kathy said was exposure. Being in the community, I think that's that's [clears throat] you know, being
that a diverse city, you know, as we are, the HRC should go to those events that you know, some of us go to the MLK Day at GCC, some of us go to other events, you know, that and the third. I think that finding those events
that we can put in our calendars and be like, "Hey, can three people go to this event this month or this a monthly event that the HRC folks can go to and just sit there and just kind of you know, talk about what the HRC does or just sit there and listen and see
what citizens are saying that can that we can bring to the table even if it's not about racism, but about other key issues that they might see in the city that maybe we can start dialogue with, right? And so, that's
that's something else. I mean, I I sit on a you know, on a youth advisory council for the FRCOG and we sit there and I see I hear students talking about Greenfield issues and I bring those issues to city council members that I know. I'm like, "Hey, this is what the young people are
saying. Do you know anything about this? Give me the tea, right?" There's there's so much things that there's that we can do to just be together and and be in community. I think that's what our goal is, right? Kathleen? I have two
questions on June 19th. That's where I met you last year. We did a proclamation. Are you doing one this year? Do you know? >> The city will probably do a proclamation, but the we are not involved at this point with what's happening at GCC. I had a brief phone
call that No, but the proclamation is is by the city. Yes. >> And then is there's a June 19th celebration this year at GCC? >> Yes. And that's and that's on Friday. And then is there another one? Remember last year there was another one that was on a different day.
>> just Okay. So, that's what I wanted to make sure I got it all straight in my head the year before. I have the flyer. I can send that to you. Okay. I think I saw it. I just wanted to make sure I had it all right. Aaron. Speaking of being in community and learning things, this weekend is the the
350th anniversary of the Turner Falls massacre and at Great Falls Discovery Center Saturday from 12:30 to 3:30, there is a day of remembrance and reconciliation. I try to go every year. It's very powerful. David Bull, head spinner of the Nonotuck
project, he's an absolute gem and uh it's a great opportunity to put some of this conversation into action and that was probably a violation of Robert's Rules because it was not on the agenda, but I snuck it in. Sorry. Um Yes. I wish I could go, but I'm
working the B Fest. So, that's I have a prom. Oh, wow. Let's hear about the prom. I love prom. I don't know if you want to hear about it. Oh, no, I do. What color is the tux? Emerald? Emerald? >> [laughter] >> The whole thing? No, there's a black and then With the red tie? Red tie?
>> Red tie and a red tie and all the Amber one. Who's the date? It's not me. It's not me. I can't expose her name online. What is she wearing? Red? She's wearing red. Oh, see how I guessed that. Do you need us to come take photos? >> No, I have a photographer.
I have a photographer. Where is this happening? >> [laughter] >> At uh Farm Table. Is it with the band? No, it's with everybody. Oh, I might have to drive by there. Good Girls Pizza. >> [laughter] >> Um Pizza? Yeah.
The Farm Table? Yeah. It's a fancy restaurant. I don't know if they have fun. I'm going to be there. All right. It's economical to go pizza opposed to the It's kind of like I >> [laughter] >> like something else. See that? Oh, I can't wait. Yeah, I'll I'll I'll maybe I'll put pictures in it.
>> want to find another location. >> Yeah. I might have to go do it on >> [laughter] >> my own. I know where you live. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So, anyways, for people that don't know, and now this
is are we done with item four or do you want to continue talking? I think I think we're good. Okay. We're just going to go to I guess one of another update of mine. I kind of told the people that were here I am going
MIA after today. I have a lot going on the next three weeks. So, if you text me, email me, all emails are going to get pushed back. I'm going to say, "Please don't email me. I am busy." But, so if you have any questions, you can text me, but I might respond to you
very late. So, I figured I'd let you guys know that today cuz after today I am in graduation mode and finishing my curriculum and getting finals done and all that stuff. So, I figured I'd let you guys know about that. I also figured I'd let you guys know about that because
I want the public to also come. My party, my graduation party, is June 19th. Not 19th, sorry, June 13th. At my home. I'm not going to expose my address, but it's at my home at 2:00 p.m. Oh, I can come for an hour
cuz my grandson's having a birthday party at 2:00 p.m. At my home. There's going to be food. There's going to be volleyball. It's There's going to be underneath a tent. So, if it rains, there will be a big tent that everybody can sit under. Um, I will have like my goodbye speech to share with everybody.
And it's just going to be around my family and friends and community leaders in our city and other folks. So, if you're interested, let me know. I can send you all the details and the address, but I'm sure people would like to come. Um,
we don't have any updates from subcommittee meetings. Um, possible table tabling and recruitment. I have been recruit- the I've been recruiting for our full one C. Um, a lot of young people at the moment
are stuck as I said, stuck in finals. It's the week of finals at GCC this week and then the week of finals um for seniors in high schools next week. So, everybody's kind of swamped. Um I'm going to try to do a
a pitch um at peacemaker awards meeting peacemaker awards ceremony. I also encourage folks to go to the peacemaker awards ceremony tomorrow night. It's at the >> the piano. I just heard about that. It's at the All Souls Church on Main Street. It's right next to It's actually right
on next to the court that wooden church. Um, that's tomorrow at 6:30. >> Oh. >> Um, so there's some folks are going to be recognized. I'm one of the keynote speakers. >> All Souls Church. >> Is that the one that I need? So, what
No, that's St. James. Oh, I go there all the time. I have to write this down because I'm Um, I'm one of the Yeah, I'm one of the keynote speakers. Yeah, I'm one of the keynote speakers for the young folks. >> I heard there's a great talk. And yep, Henry's Hen- Oh, Henry's son is
speaking. I don't know if I can make it or not. Um, but I figured I'd let you guys know about that. Um, Aaron sharing event on Saturday. Hope you guys can go to that. If you have flyers, send that out. I can send that out to my email tonight. Um What else is happening? Yes.
>> When is graduation? May 30th. My graduation? >> Yeah. >> Oh, my graduation >> No, Aaron's. Oh, my graduation's May 30th. It's going to be on GCTV for folks. Is it at GCC? It's no, it's at the high school. >> this year? >> the high school, but it's only for
people that get >> Right. We can't all go like we used to. What made them change that? >> Well, you have 60 graduates. >> Oh, that's why. So, is that really all? Yes. No way. But, um so that those are just two
events that I I will I will try for you guys to pitch. So, like I said, peacemaker tomorrow at 6:30 at the church and then the the um event that's happening on Saturday. Can I say something else? Um our next meeting
is June 8th, 2026. We are meeting here in person or via Zoom from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Um and then we will not be meeting in July. So, this will be our last meeting of fiscal year 27 of 26.
Um so Oh, so it's not the 15th. Okay. So, um June 8th, 2026. Yes. So, on June 8th, we can vote if we have Well, Aaron's going to send us some how much money if we're going to buy something with that like a flag or even if we supplies for our next whatever Yeah.
Yeah. So, we should If you guys want to If you guys want to spend anything Yeah, we should. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So, I was thinking about that actually. Okay. So, uh can I have a motion to adjourn tonight's meeting?
Motion to adjourn. Motion by Pia, second seconded by Angela. Um and I adjourn this meeting at 7:16 p.m.