Please take a deep breath, Nikki.
Yes, discrimination is an uncomfortable subject.
I was surprised by introduction of the topic by CM Erwin last night, because
I've questioned several times in the public meetings why the reciprocal
agreement had NONE of the standard equal protection language that other Park
Board contracts have.
When others questioned the absence of labor guarantees, CM Hauser
subsequently introduced that language. But there was not even any further
discussion of the equal protection/non-discrimination lack.
And Nikki, whether they choose to or not, the fact is that, as a religious
entity, De LaSalle is not legally prohibited from discriminatory practices.
We saw an instance earlier this year where a Catholic school elected to
discriminate against the disabled twin brother in denying his admission
while accepting his able bodied brother. And it was legal because they are a
religious school.
I'm not sure who the "you" is to whom you've addressed your post, but this
wasn't the first time the question of discrimination has been brought up.
In light of the legal exclusion that exist, this is about guaranteeing equal
public access for groups and individuals. There are those whose values are
not in accord with the established church teachings, i.e. abortion rights
groups or same sex marriage supporters, among others.
That also is a question that's been brought up at the public meetings, but
never addressed.
Mr. Sigglekow quickly replied last night that the facility would only be for
sports use. Are other fields limited in that way? And what about use of the
gym for rallies? And how can he guarantee that over the 70 years of the
lease that this access issue is not going to come up?
Brother Michael had responded to Mr. Patrick Scully that some uses might
have to have approval by the Archbishop, since De LaSalle is owned by the
Archdiocese of St. Paul. You are aware of that, because Mr. Scully spoke of
their discussion in testimony at public hearings.
I was surprised but heartened by CM Erwin's move, because this issue has
been of great concern to me.
It's an unfortune morass that one wanders into whenever one crosses that
border to mingle religious and governmental (public) entities.
You seem to think this was some act of blind-siding and was unfair.
In my view, it's about time some official asked these knotty questions and
sought to guarantee the public's equal opportunity for access.
Christine Viken
Stevens Square/Loring Heights
Nikki Carlson wrote:
DeLaSalle and Non-Discrimination? DeLaSalle and Non-Discrimination? What?
Is DeLaSalle discriminatory?
This time you've gone too far. You have crossed the line.
This sort of sneaky ploy makes me sick. You want integrity in government?
Then play fair. Don't use red herring arguments. Don't attempt to smear
DeLaSalle in your by any means necessary fight against this playing field
and the park board.
DeLaSalle does not discriminate. DeLaSalle supports including any
non-discrimination requirement in the reciprocal use agreement.
I was at the meeting last night. John Erwin brought up 3 amendments to the
CAC playing field design motion: non-discrimination, more landscaping, and
alternative parking. Since the motion was about design, most commissioners
asked why he was bringing up non-discrimination at that time. Bob Fine
asked how it differed from statutes already governing city and park
properties. John didn't have anything in writing and didn't offer any
explanation other than he wouldn't support the project without it. So Bob
didn't accept the amendment as friendly so the board could consider it
separately. That's all that happened. Everyone, including Bob Fine, was in
favor of it.
There was never an opportunity for anyone from DeLaSalle to comment one
way or the other.
Then come this morning I read Britt Robson's article written more than an
hour before the park meeting even started last night. It included exact
language from the Ft. Snelling skate park agreement that was not brought
up last night. And he asks "Will Non-Discrimination Clause Trip Up
DeLaSalle Stadium Efforts?" Darn, it didn't. Too bad. Your plot was
foiled.
How dare you call yourselves reformers when you play these deceptive and
manipulative games? Knock it off. You're not fooling anybody. This is a
school. Trying to educate children. Examine your consciences and stop
these sleazy and underhanded methods of promoting integrity.
Nikki Carlson
Linden Hills
DeLaSalle mom
REMINDERS:
1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at
http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation,
contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the
list.
2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait.
For state and national discussions see:
http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html
For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract
________________________________
Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn
E-Democracy
Post messages to: mailto:[email protected]
Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
REMINDERS:
1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If
you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL
PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list.
2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait.
For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html
For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract
________________________________
Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn
E-Democracy
Post messages to: mailto:[email protected]
Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
