| Subject: IMPORTANT: You are invited & November minutes & help needed requests |
| From: "Reis, Elizabeth" < http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org/contact/?id=1> |
| Date: Tue, 12 Dec 2006 16:10:28 -0800 |
| To: "SAFE SCHOOLS: post to \"IMPORTANT NEWS\" list" |
(1) You are invited to attend the next Safe Schools Coalition meeting, this coming Tuesday, December 19, 3-5 pm PDT in person (Seattle) or by conference call. RSVP for directions or conference call info … here for web contact form
.(2) Don't forget that Laugh OUT Loud (benefit for Safe Schools Coalition at the Comedy Underground) is this coming Tuesday, too. 8:30 pm in Seattle. More details: http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org/LaughOUTLoud-SSC_Benefit.html
(3) MINUTES 11/21/06, 3-5 p.m. PDT
Safe Schools Coalition Meeting
Chairing: Beth Reis; Recording: Penny Palmer
Read these minutes in RICH TEXT for best results.
RED = Help Needed
BLUE = Decision was made or someone volunteered
Attending: Lisa Love – Seattle Public Schools Comprehensive Health Education; Tracy Flynn – Planned Parenthood of Western Washington; Megan Farwell – Downtown YMCA; Sean Kirby – Washington State Human Rights Commission, Kaden Sullivan – Planned Parenthood of Western Washington and the Kitsap Safe Schools Network, Mat Vye, Sarah Luthens – Lambda Legal, By phone: Gabi Clayton- PFLAG/SSC Webmaster, Brittany Hoffman – Gender Pac, Rachel Smith-Mosel, Doris Brevoort – Seattle Public Schools, Rudi Kadish – Human Rights Campaign, and Mike Courville – Respect for All Project
(2) FISCAL
a) Laugh OUT Loud -- THIS COMING TUESDAY, 12/19
Comedy Show at the Comedy Underground, December 19 to benefit the Coalition! Come laugh with us! The price is $10 in advance; $12 at the door. Youth tickets are HALF price. And half of everyone’s tickets goes directly to SSC. The entire amount for tickets sold but not used goes to the Coalition.
Thanks to Kathy and Rachel who have peppered the media and distributed many flyers to publicize the event. All money and unsold tickets should go to Tracy. Actual numbers will be an estimate until after the event. Comedy Underground holds approximately 200.
YOUR HELP NEEDED: It would be great if each member agency that’s headquartered in King County, or has a chapter in King County, would take responsibility for selling at least 10 tickets. See you there!!
Beth volunteered to give a “pitch” from the stage and Frieda volunteered to staff a table with t-shirts, buttons, gifting etc.
b) Joyful: AFSC to fund Kristina’s position! Thank you, AFSC. Kristina can be reached at the same email address and also through an AFSC email address.
c) Kristina: HOUSE PARTY @ S.U. – no report yet on plans.
d) THANK-YOU NOTES FOR WKPLACE GIVING … Piper volunteered to send thank you notes; Beth will send her contact info and letterhead.
(3) RESPECT FOR ALL PROJECT (Sharing) – Mike Courville
There will be a screening of “Let’s Get Real” (an extraordinary documentary & curriculum for middle schools re: bullying) in Seattle on 3/7/07 from 7:30 – 9:00. The goals for the event are:
(4) GPAC’s “50 UNDER 30” (Sharing & Decision) – Brittney Hoffman
A draft of the report was circulated. A stunning analysis of the data, it tells the stories of just a few of the more than 50 individuals under age 30 who’ve lost their lives in the past decade due to transphobic bigotry. It examines the alarming correlations between race (most victims were people of color), class (most were poor) and this kind of violence.
Suggestions were made regarding the subtitle of the report. And it was felt strongly that the report needs to contain recommendations for schools. Brittney will take that feedback to GPAC and send another draft to Beth and Frieda for editorial feedback.
Official launch will be 12/13/06. The goal is to bring the murders to the attention of police and others. GPAC is asking for supportive organizations to join them by:
NOTE: While this is a project of GenderYOUTH and therefore focuses on middle school age and above, GPAC also a new program “Children as They Are” which is designed to address younger children’s gender diversity.
DECISION: SSC agreed to be an official partner organization with GPAC in support of “50 Under 30.”
One of the Seattle Y’s programs, Queer Recreation, is a monthly community-building program that includes outdoor excursions. Megan is hoping that this year they can more actively outreach to schools (in the past they have exclusively worked with youth from Lambert House), especially those with active GSAs. We discussed how she might collaborate to make Queer Recreation more accessible to Seattle youth. It is her hope that through this program they can begin to effectively build a strong, city-wide, queer youth community that provides not only opportunities for recreation, but also support and positive identity affirmation. More info: Megan Farwell, Teen Coordinator, Downtown YMCA: 206-223-1631, mfarwell@seattleymca.org
(6) PARTNERING W/ HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN RE: NATIONAL LEARNING STANDARDS MATRIX (Sharing)
The project, which SSC began, articulates the ways in which teaching about LGBT issues satisfies state standards for social studies, history, health (literature?). It will help teachers explain the age-appropriateness of this work in terms of grade level expectations in their own state. HRC’s Family Project is contracting with Ruti to complete some of the other 48 states in the matrix, besides WA & CA. See pgs 3-4 of http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org/whatisageappropriate.pdf for WA’s. It will then be incorporated into the “Welcoming Schools” manual created by the Massachusetts Welcoming Schools Coalition and (which HRC is planning to fund the printing of). Frieda suggested contacting NEA for their support also. More info: Ruti Kadish: ruti.kadish@starpower.net
Lisa and Frieda represented the Safe Schools Coalition (and Seattle Schools and WEA respectively) on a committee convened by the Washington State Office of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI is the WA state’s department of education) to review the draft social studies Grade Level Expectations for bias and fairness. They reported that the meeting was very productive and that participants were supportive of the diversity of the group. There is no WASL (standardized test) for social studies, but there will be classroom-based assessments and making sure they are inclusive of diversity will, in turn, influence what is taught.
Thanks to Pam Tollefsen for encouraging the Social Studies office to include SSC in the bias and fairness review process.
(8) SSC’s LEADERSHIP TEAM GROWS – Beth
Huge thank you to Penny Palmer who has agreed to serve as Co-secretary (along with Kathy Kaminski and Chris Beahler). YOUR HELP NEEDED: Washingtonians read on … The Coalition’s Third Co-secretary position is still open because Chris would step down if someone volunteered to step up. Could you record minutes just 4 times a year? It also means serving on a 6-person leadership team that doesn’t meet separately from the monthly SSC meetings but does occasionally make decisions by email or phone, if an urgent issue comes up between SSC meetings. If you would consider volunteering, please contact us!! here.
(9) MEMBERSHIP
a) Renewal from: Oasis Youth Center/Pierce County AIDS Foundation. Welcome back and thank you.
(10) WEB SITE (report)
Gabi provided the group with a great breakdown of statistics regarding the website for the month of October. Some key numbers are:
(11) INTERVENTION
a) Kristina: The work on posters continues. There may be a possibility of 2 posters.
b) Heidi: Welcome to new intervention specialist Jennifer St.Pierre from Olympia. Also, thank you Heather Murphy for your long years of service for the Coalition.
c) Frieda: Kelso situation – A high school student was disciplined for wearing a skirt on spirit day (heterosexual students were apparently not disciplined for doing so). Frieda provided intervention services (problem solving). There was a community demonstration to support the student. He did not attend the demonstration.
d) YOUR HELP NEEDED: Washingtonians read on … We are still short Intervention Specialists for Monday’s, Saturdays and Sundays. And really any day, since two per day would be ideal. We especially seek current or retired teachers, school counselors and other school employees. Others with experience navigating schools and/or supporting LGBTQ youth are very welcome to volunteer. If you are considering volunteering, contact : Heidi Bischoff"> or 206-849-5513
(12) SPEAKERS BUREAU – Beth, Kristina, Rachel, Joyful
a) Rachel: exploring some SSC activism (table? Speaking gig?) on upcoming R-Family vacation
b) Beth: WA State PTA Conference – partnering with Bellevue PFLAG – May 4-6, SeaTac. YOUR HELP NEEDED: Washingtonians read on … Can you volunteer in the last week of April to help with assembling goodies for the table? Can you take a shift to help with tabling at the conference? Contact Ariane Kurita: mtnviewsea@msn.com
(13) HEALTHY YOUTH ALLIANCE & comprehensive sexual health education bill – SSC agreed to sign on as a supporter again this year.
(14) POWER OF ONE CONFERENCE -- SSC agreed to sponsor again this year.
(15) EXCITING GRANT OPPORTUNITY – Beth, Frieda and Penny will meet on Monday 11/27 to work on a proposal.
(16) APA LEGISLATIVE DAY – SSC agreed to endorse it again this year. This article describes last year's day: http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-117832496.html
(17) VOW TO TAKE A STAND – Sarah Luthens
“Vow to Take a Stand” is a series of five events to be held in Washington to build a statewide movement for LGBT rights and marriage equality. Working with Lambda Legal, ERW is spearheading the development of local planning committees in Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Vancouver, and Spokane. Scheduled to happen in January and early February, these events are designed for coalition building, education, advocacy and organizing. As the new legislative session starts it’s important we have a shared vision for how to move forward. Request from Lambda Legal for SSC to cosponsor “Vow to Take a Stand”. SSC agreed to support. YOUR HELP NEEDED: Volunteers are still needed for planning with group. Contact Lambda or ERW: Info@equalrightswashington.org
(18) WASHINGTON STATE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION – Seth Kirby
Washington State’s new non-discrimination law INCLUDES SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY/EXPRESSION! AND IT COVERS “PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS” INCLUDING SCHOOLS!!! It is within WSHRC’s jurisdiction to investigate and handle complaints of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity/expression against students or school employees!!
Seth, from WA State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) came to discuss how WSHRC & SSC might collaborate to address harassment and bullying in public schools. Seth reported on how HRC is working to implement the new law. He brought several handouts for illustration. There are 5 commissioners appointed by the governor to work on investigations, outreach and complaint resolution. Most complaints so far have been regarding discrimination in employment. WSHRC has developed a self-assessment checklist for this area and are working on one for housing and real estate issues. Beth requested one for schools also. Seth indicated a desire to work with SSC perhaps on complaints, flyers to schools and information available from our website. Contact Seth for more information (360) 586-3413, skirby@hum.wa.gov … For more details, see the end of the minutes, below.
(19) SHOWING OF THE DOCUMENTARY DVD “QUEERSPAWN” – postponed until Dec. meeting.
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UPCOMING MEETINGS … contact the chair if you have agenda items to suggest or if you need instructions about attending (in person) or calling in (by conference call)
All are welcome- you do NOT need to be a Coalition member to attend.
Dec 19, 3-5 pm. Marsha chairs and Penny records
http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org/contact/?id=15">Marsha: 206-601-8942
Penny: 425-487-2813; holdyrhorses@verizon.net
We will show NCLR’s DVD “Breaking the Silence: LGBTQ Foster Youth Tell Their Stories” or the excellent documentary about children with LGBT parents, Queerspawn.
Jan 16, 3-5 pm.
Frieda chairs and Kathy records. 253-765-7062
Kathy: 206-767-0760, 847-421-7009;
kathykaminski@yahoo.com
Feb 20, 3-5 pm.
Beth">Beth chairs and : 206-296-4970
Chris records.: 206-723-1818
ADDENDUM re: Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC)
Seth Kirby
Program Specialist 3
Washington State Human Rights Commission
711 Capitol Way Suite 402
P.O. Box 42490
Olympia, WA 98504-2490
(360) 586-3413
skirby@hum.wa.gov <skirby@hum.wa.gov>
www.hum.wa.gov <http://www.hum.wa.gov>
______________
The mission of the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) is to prevent and eliminate, and remedy discrimination by enforcing the State Law Against Discrimination, using resources efficiently, and making partnerships with the community. We are the fourth oldest state civil rights agency in the country.
The WSHRC’s unique contribution to civil and human rights in Washington is its use of the State’s police power to enforce civil rights statutes. It is not an advisory commission, though it does advise the Governor, the Legislature, and State agencies.
They have a Commission structure, with five Commissioners appointed by the Governor. The Commissioners select the Executive Director.
The most common type of case concerns disability in employment, making up about 40% of complaints. Employment cases account for most of the caseload. Retaliation and sex discrimination are the next most common type, after disability.
The WSHRC receives about 12,000 inquiries a year. We have a free 800 telephone number within the State of Washington. The website receives over 15,000 visitors a month.
The WSHRC has 40 staff in five offices—Olympia, Seattle, Spokane, Yakima, and a satellite office in Vancouver.
The WSHRC has jurisdiction over discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation/gender identity, disability, age, creed, martial status, and familiar status, depending on the organization and type of discrimination alleged.
Their jurisdiction covers most employers with eight or more employees; State agencies; many housing transactions; public accommodations like theaters, medical appointments, schools, stores, stadiums, transportation facilities, and restaurants; financial transactions including insurance and credit; and some whistleblowers. This is much broader than the federal anti-discrimination jurisdiction. The WSHRC does not cover religiously controlled non-profit entities or tribes.
The WSHRC mostly investigates complaints of discrimination, and also uses alternative dispute resolution. The WSHRC can also hold public hearings, gather information, and issue studies. The WSHRC enforces discrimination findings through administrative law judges and the State courts.
New initiatives include outreach about sexual orientation nondiscrimination, satellite offices, social marketing of nondiscrimination, hate incident response and prevention, statewide civil rights strategic planning, distance learning through our website, and transformational mediation.
ESHB 2661 was signed by Governor Chris Gregoire on January 31, 2006. The new law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. The new jurisdiction became effective on June 8, 2006. The Commission sees this as a natural extension of civil rights.
There were already a number of protections in place, including an Executive Order to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation when hiring at the state level. The Safe Schools bill was passed and implemented in 2002, which is under OSPI’s jurisdiction. The Cities of Seattle and Tacoma and King County already had similar protections in place.
People are now protected against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity/ expression in employment, housing, public accommodation, credit and lending, and insurance transactions. RCW 49.60 defines sexual orientation as “heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, and gender expression or identity. As used in this definition, gender expression or identity means having or being perceived to have a gender identity, self-image, appearance, behavior, or expression, whether or not that gender identity, self-image, appearance, behavior, or expression is different from that traditionally associated with the sex assigned to that person at birth.”
RCW 49.60 defines sexual orientation is very broadly and includes gender identity and heterosexuality. Although gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals are statistically the most frequent targets of sexual orientation discrimination, the law also protects heterosexual persons from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. For example, the law will protect a heterosexual person who is discriminated against in employment because he or she is heterosexual.
WA is the 17th state to protect people on the basis of sexual orientation, and the 8th to protect people on the basis of gender identity. Other states like Illinois and Maine recently added similar protections to their state anti-discrimination laws. States like Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and Minnesota have had this jurisdiction for years.
RCW 49.60 specifically says that the new law has nothing to do with same-sex marriage or hiring preferences or quotas. The law exempts employers with less than 8 employees, tribal governments, and religiously controlled non-profits.
For further information, please go to www.hum.wa.gov <http://www.hum.wa.gov/> , or call 800-586-2282.