Medford Human Rights Commission

November 12, 2014

Present: Chief Leo Sacco, Marie Cassidy, Dale Bryan, Diane McLeod,
Muhammad Chowdhury, Judy Kaplan, Charlotte Swartz, and Lois Bronnenkant
Not present: David Harris (David mentioned that his time is limited and he
asks that someone else take on the Chair position) Diane will follow up on
process.
Introductions
Everyone introduced themselves and touched on their background and
interest and Judy and Muhammad had their resumes for interest in
membership and spoke of their interest. Diane will speak with the Mayor to
follow up.
Public Participation
None
September and October Minutes
Dale motioned to accept and Marie seconded, all in favor.
Old Business
Revised Ordinance
Diane was just able to meet with the Solicitor this afternoon. Judy made some
great edits and Diane will send the draft to the commission to review.
Updates
Dale and David have not had a chance to follow up on the youth project. Dale
had a small group he hoped to work with, but the lead youth is not available
due to health issues.
Dale also thought of a possible media project with Tufts around violent rapper
language. He also noted that a couple MHS students are working with Tufts
students involved in the Tufts Daily to get a high school publication going.
Dale feels we dont have to do something in November and can possibly end
with our MLK event due to the complexity of trying to get a viable date
around the holidays. Diane will check with Neil to see if the NAACP has any
specific plans for MLK. Diane thought it would be good to focus on youth for
that event.

Lois also spoke of an article in Teaching Tolerance from the Southern Poverty
Law Center. Its called Speak Up at School and deals with students
responding to comments and language that is inappropriate. She also
mentioned all the posters, dvds etc. that are available to educators for free
from SPLC.
Muhammad mentioned that he will attend the UN in December with Dr. Hai
Van Ha, President of Project Hope for South East Asia. He is also Political
Advisor of the Vietnamese American Community - U.S.A, and Former
President of Vietnamese American Community of Massachusetts,
Massachusetts Governor Advisory Council (1997), and Human Rights
Commission at United Nations Geneva, Switzerland who was appoint by
President George W. Bush. He will be moving to Medford soon and he
suggested having him come to speak to the group. We all thought it was a
great idea. Muhammad will follow up.
New Business
Focus for the Year
We discussed an International Family Celebration at the end of March.
Muhammad spoke of the events at DCR where they celebrate various cultures
by showcasing Asian cultures, Hispanic cultures, etc. Individual employees
dress in traditional clothing display food, the flag, etc. of their country. Marie
has done this for many years and can get her families involved. Marie also
does an event during one day of April vacation that we could work into as
well. Diane suggested we have a subcommittee to bring back ideas. She will
send a meeting notice and all are welcome.
Correspondence & Announcements
Marie noted that she has ESOL classes on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 3:30 5:30 and has space for adults in intermediate and advanced classes, but the
childcare is full. If anyone needs ESOL without childcare they should contact
Marie at (781) 393-2016.
Lois volunteered at the Mobile Food Market in November. She talked of trying
to get more seniors involved by picking them up at the Senior Center before
stopping at City Hall. Marie would like to get her families involved. Diane will
forward the flyer. Marie mentioned doing something for the kids waiting in
line. Diane will touch base with Eileen Dern.

Chief Sacco mentioned that they have caught the individuals who did the
anti-Semitic graffiti in South Medford in April of 2013. They were two 16 year
old youths from Medford who were drinking. There was a reward for
information which was a help to solve this. The DA is sorting out charges.

Motion to adjourn by Marie, seconded by the Chief, all in favor. Meeting

adjourned at 6:30PM.
Next meeting date - December 10, 2014