Re: [Winona] re: Hate Crimes forum

[DeanLanz]

Sarah;
At the Hate Crimes forum last night there was a discussion about this incident.
In short, the police department alleged that a) Members of Everland and/or people associated with them had been involved in some illegal activities including "destruction" of property w/ graffiti, and b) the Everland web site contained a link to the Black Panthers therefore the police department refused to be part of the forum if Everland was involved.

I cannot speak on behave of the entire Human Rights Commission, but as a member of the HRC i feel that we dropped the ball on this matter.
Everland had agreed to work with us on publicizing the forum and being a part of it. They held up there end of the bargain and, in my opinion, the HRC should have never allowed the police to issue the type of ultimatum that they gave forcing Everland our of the forum!

Some dialogue was begun after last night's forum between the police and Everland, Dialogue that I was not privy to, however, I fully intend on bringing this matter up at the next HRC meeting in December.
And, since our meetings are open to the public per the Minnesota Open Meetings law I would encourage anyone concerned about this matter to attend our next meeting on December 11th, 6.30 PM at City Hall and let their voice by heard.

Dean Lanz