2/4/2020 MASHPEE INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY COMMITTEE Minutes

Home Browse Search

particularly in the high school, as well as bystander training. There was discussion regarding bullying that occurred on the B-bus and Ms. Johnson-Graham shared current examples of hate encountered in Mashpee and efforts to provide trainings for Indigenous Peoples Day at schools here on Cape. The Chair noted the difference between a town committee and ad hoc committee. Ms. Waterman inquired about whether Barnstable addressed all categories in their mission and Ms. Elias responded that they had discussed the matter at length, but noted their preference to keep their description simple. Among their programs, Ms. Elias noted that they were working one on one, as well as offering training days at the Barnstable Adult Center and discussions at the libraries through a Bigotry Challenge discussion. Ms. Waterman inquired about using the NPFH criteria and Ms. Elias responded that there had been a call received from the ADL regarding use of the logo, despite discussion with staff. Ms. Johnson,Woods Hole Diversity Advisory Committee(woodsholediveri sty.org), stated that the program was initiated 15 years ago with a Memorandum of Understanding among the 6 scientific institutions. The Committee was created to take action on diversity and inclusion, initially related to race and ethnicity. A budget was established with contributions from each of the institutions, and a 10-week internship program was developed to create a gateway to provide access to different people. Ms. Johnson stated that their program resulted in high retention. Ms. Johnson also described the Brad Brown Program initiated in the 1970s that was once established to hire 15-20 people of color, but over time, the numbers had dwindled to 3 or 4. Ms. Johnson shared about perceptions in the scientific community of sacrificing excellence for diversity, indicating that it was a constant struggle in academia and stereotypes that were driven through society. Ms. Waterman inquired whether the group was voluntary and Ms. Johnson confirmed that 98% of the group was voluntary, but that funding had been secured for two full time staffers. Some staff members were allowed to work with the Committee as part of their job responsibilities. Ms. Johnson shared a variety of events such as movie nights, Juneteenth and festival, Listen Up events, networking events and the Bullard Diversity Award. Ms. Treistman, Falmouth Affirmative Action Committee, noted that their Committee had dwindled to two members but was now evolving and looking at a larger community. Ms. Treistman shared their history during discriminatory school hiring incidences in the 1980s and including the work and advocacy of George Spivey. Ms. Johnson-Graham shared previous similar discriminatory practices and actions with Mashpee police. Ms. Treistman stated that her Committee could gather information, but could not take action, but a public petition would be appearing on the next Warrant to reinstate a budget and position to address matters in Falmouth. A survey had recently been conducted in Woods Hole which concluded that an Affirmative Action Coordinator was necessary to address issues occurring Falmouth. Ms. Treistman noted that the MLK Breakfast enjoys an attendance of 300 people. Ms. Elias noted that they had invited the District Attorney's office into some issues and Ms. Treistman agreed that they had been advised the same. There was consensus form attendees to work together by meeting and attending local events and talking to and comforting others. The Chair suggested developing an email chain to communicate activities and events. Ms. Treistman recommended the March 3 event at Falmouth Highs School, 6p-7p. 3