HomeMy WebLinkAbout1972 05-01 HRRM14: inutes of the Proceedings of the
Duman Rights Commission of the
City of Brooklyn Center In the
County of Hennepin and State of
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TV-ay 1, 1972
The Human Rights Commission met in regular session and was called to
order by Chairman Ordner at 8:11 P. M.
Roll Call: Chairman Ordner, Commissioners Mero, Weyrauch, Meyer,
Winkelman, Gustafson, and.TKyle. Also present: Councilman Maurice Britts and
Administrative Assistants Blair Tremere and Daniel Hartman.
l otion by Commissioner V%eyrauch and seconded by Commissioner Moro
to approve the minutes of the April 3, 1972 and April 20, 1972 meetings. Motion
passed unanimously.
Chairman Ordner introduced Mrs. Vi I-anatz, representing the Womens
Equality Action League (VI.E.AL.). l irs.IlKanatz stated that she wanted to inform
the Commission of her organization and of the many apparent inequities that
exist in Minnesota Statutes dealing with women and women's rights.
Commissioner i yle arrived at 0:22 P. N%
IAIrs. Ka.natz stated that in 1971 the United States Congress passed and
sent to the states the Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution. She commented
that at present eight states have approved the amendment which will be brought
before the 1973 Minnesota State Legislature.
She further state that W. E.AL. would be actively involved in lobbying
efforts for the passage of the amendment.
She also commented that W. E. A. L.'s basic goal was the protection of
women's rights through statutory revision. She continued by pointing out the
need to update state law and eliminate the inconsistencies that exist from one
state to another.
Mrs. ,'anatz then commented on the need for involvement by all
(Human Rights orientated) groups to pursue the appropriate statutory revisions.
She stated that if human rights groups in the metropolitan area could work
together many of the goals of W.E. A. L. would be fulfilled.
Councilman Britts arrived at 8:39 P. M,.
Commissioner Xyle inquired as to what the Human Rights Commission
of Brooklyn Center could do to help W.E.A. L. Mrs. Kanatz replied that the
Commission could serve as a community-based organization in pursuing the
necessary statute revisions.
Commissioner Gustafson then commented as to the scope of. Vf. E. A. L.
Dirs. I,anatz replied that vI. E. A. L. has a nationwide base and at present has
organizations in 20 states.
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Z rs. Kanatz concluded by stating that state law only protects women's
rights in employment and that work must be done to extend this protection to all
areas of civil rights.
The meeting recessed at 9:16 P.1_. and resumed at 9•42 P. i-.
Chairman Ordner then established a committee to work in the area of
womens.~rights and to coordinate Commission efforts with W. E.A. L. He
appointed Mrs. Kanatz as the citizen-at-large member of the committee. He
stated that it was important for the Commission to understand thoroughly all
aspects of the W.E.A.L. organization to adequately assist in elimination of any
inequities in the Minnesota statutes.
Commissioner Vvinkelrcan then discussed a directive that had been
issued by the Minnesota Department of Education dealing with the rights of
minority children in schools. He stated that he had met with a committee
established in Osseo School District for the purpose of discussing minority
children in their schools and the need for equal rights in education for all
children. Commissioner Winkelman stated that he would keep the Commission
informed as to the progress of the Osseo School District Committee and any other
directives issued by the State Department of Education.
Motion by Commissioner S\/_~ero and seconded by Commissioner
Vveyrauch to adjourn the meeting. Notion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn
Center Human Rights Commission adjourned at 10:16 P. tVi.
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Secretary
Chairman
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