3/9/2004 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION Minutes

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Affirmative Action Committee Meeting of March 9, 2004 Page 2 The Affirmative Action Committee met with the Recreation Department. Every kid had a chance to participate—they got three to four kids. Scholarships are available. If kids do not have the money to participate,they have the money. George mentioned that his edge was being in the community and being an elementary school principal, He talked about getting the involvement of parents when he was principal at the East Falmouth School. He asked them directly and made himself visible. He found something of value for them to do, George has dealt with issues of harassment. He talked about the gay/straight alliance. They focus on respect, They had issues of graffiti in the bathrooms. He got the"No Place for Hate" Committee involved and discussed it with the School's Affirmative Action Committee. It was noted that there are two different Affirmative Action Committees in the Town(one for the School and one for the Town Government). There are eleven members on the School's Affirmative Action Committee and seven members on the Town side. The make-up is of community people and parents. There is a broad representation of people who like to deal with critical issues and take action. Falmouth also has a"No Place For Hate" Committee which consists of 76 members. When asked how they had so many people on the committee, George responded that it was due to a controversial issue on racial profiling which brought the people in. In working with the Police Chief and other law enforcement personnel, they identified some key issues. As a result, there will be a brochure for law enforcement, there will be awareness and sensitivity training on racial and gender profiling. George mentioned that Roscoe Morris from M.C.A.D., who did the training for the Boston Police and Fire Departments,would assist Falmouth. Another issue they dealt with was the desecration of the Jewish Synagogue. They take a community approach, deal with issues and take action, For the"No Place For Hate" campaign, they had the kids work on an art poster project which will be made into postcards. They have a donation account to defray the cost. They plan to have the winning poster put onto a T-shirt with the"No Place for Hate" decal at a cost of$5. They will have a"Serve the Server" day(half day) in May for seasonal workers. The intent is to let people know where to go in Town. It will be an informational session. There will be ethnic foods, etc.