North Dakota Human Rights Coalition
Working to effect change so that all people in North Dakota enjoy full human rights
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North Dakota Human Rights Coalition Working to effect change so that all people in North Dakota enjoy full human rights |
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~North Dakota Human Rights Coalition~ PAUR Report
Programs ~ Announcements ~ Updates ~ Resources
Visit our Website at www.ndhrc.org
September 21, 2004
Hello members and friends of the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition!
In this week’s PAUR Report:
Announcements 1) Editorial Cartoon: Featuring Commissioner Cosgriff & the Fargo Human Relations Commission 2) "Vote No on Measure #1" Fundraiser September 23 3) 2004 NDHRC Conference November 5 & 6, 2004, Bismarck: Brochure and Information Now on NDHRC Web Site
Newspaper Articles 4) The Forum (Fargo) article regarding the proposed constitutional amendment to prohibit gay marriage or civil unions in North Dakota 5) Bismarck Tribune, Lawmakers seek say in gaming pacts 6) Grand Forks Herald, Dorreen Yellow Bird Column: Improving UND race relations should be goal
Events 7) Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, September 15 – October 15 8) Candidate Recruitment & Reminder from Uniting for Equality
Reminders 9) Mental Health Professional Conference, October 12 & 13, Mandan 10) Developmental Disabilities Conference, October 8 & 9, Fargo 11) 21st Annual Peace Congress of the ND Peace Coalition, October 8 & 9, Bismarck 12) Annual Meeting Celebrating 15 Years of Service, September 23, Fargo 13) Message from Equality North Dakota 14) Message from the Human Rights Resource Center at Cultural Diversity Resources 15) Message from North Dakota Progressive Coalition Leadership Council 16) New Personal Narratives of Discrimination in North Dakota Featured on NDHRC Web Site 17) PSA: Volunteers Needed for Get Out and Vote Project 18) Applications Invited for Soros Fellowships for New Americans
********************************************* Announcements *********************************************
1.) Editorial Cartoon: Featuring Commissioner Cosgriff & the Fargo Human Relations Commission
2004-09-19
View online cartoon here
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3.) "Vote No on Measure #1" Fundraiser September 23
Message from Equality North Dakota:
PLEASE DISTRIBUTE
WIDELY AND FREELY!
*********************************************
3.) 2004 NDHRC Conference November 5 & 6, 2004, Bismarck: Brochure and Information Now on NDHRC Web Site
The second annual North Dakota Human Rights Coalition Conference, “Human Rights: Economic Impact of Discrimination,” will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, November 5 and close at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, November 6, 2004. The conference will be held at the Best Western, Ramkota Hotel, 800 South Third Street, Bismarck, ND.
The conference brochure and registration form are now available on the NDHRC website at http://ndhrc.org/Events/2004%20NDHRC%20Conf/2004ConfBrochure&Reg.htm.
********************************************* Newspaper Articles *********************************************
4.) The Forum (Fargo) article regarding the proposed constitutional amendment to prohibit gay marriage or civil unions in North Dakota
The NDHRC Board of Directors has established a position on the proposed anti-gay marriage constitutional amendment. The position and proposed amendment is as follows:
The North Dakota Human Rights Coalition opposes the proposed North Dakota constitutional amendment to prevent the recognition of marriage or civil unions for same-sex couples.
The NDHRC supports full civil rights for all residents of North Dakota, including gay/lesbian/transgender/bisexual residents of our state. Neither enshrining discrimination in our Constitution nor stripping families of basic protections would serve our state’s best interest. The North Dakota Constitution protects and ensures equal treatment for all people. It should not be used to single out a group of people for harmful and detrimental treatment.
The information that the NDHRC Board of Directors used to adopt this position is available on the NDHRC web site at http://www.ndhrc.org/Goals/NDHRAct/GayMarriageAmmendmentPosition.htm.
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Forum editorial: Let debate on measure flow freely
If Fargo City Commissioner John Cosgriff has his way, appointments to city advisory panels will come with muzzles.
Last week, Cosgriff criticized the Fargo Human Relations Commission for taking a stance on the North Dakota marriage amendment. The measure aims to constitutionally ban same-sex marriages and deny civil benefits to same-sex couples. It will be on the November ballot. The commission urged a no vote.
Cosgriff said that since the human relations panel receives city funds, it should not take a position on "an elected matter." That's a curious conclusion, since any number of city-created committees and commissions speak out about issues with which they deal. Some end up on the ballot.
Without assessing (at this point) the merits of a no vote or a yes vote on the marriage amendment, it seems well within the job description of the Human Relations Commission to speak out on a proposal that might affect the rights of North Dakota individuals, businesses and governments.
If passed, the measure would amend the state Constitution to prevent granting rights to a specific group of North Dakotans. In addition to prohibiting same-sex unions, it would stop the private sector and local governments from offering benefits to same-sex couples - benefits which are routinely offered to heterosexual couples and individuals. A handful of private employers already extend benefits to same-sex couples.
The Human Relations Commission's work is meaningless unless it focuses on real and perceived violations of civil rights. If commissioners believe the marriage amendment is a threat to basic rights, they have an obligation to speak out. If they avoided tackling controversial issues - as Cosgriff seems to favor - they would be violating their mandate.
<snip>
View full article here
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Presenter: Same-sex marriage contributes to moral
breakdown
The biggest threat facing America isn’t terrorism, but the moral breakdown of society, Tom Prichard, president of the Minnesota Family Council said Tuesday.
Support for same-sex marriage is the latest symptom of this collapse, he said.
“As marriage goes, I think our society goes,” Prichard said.
Christians must pray for their nation and political leaders, vote for candidates who oppose same-sex unions, and push for the approval of state and federal marriage amendments, Prichard told a dozen people at Valley Christian Church in Moorhead.
North Dakota voters will face an initiated constitutional measure which seeks to define marriage as a union between only a man and a woman on the Nov. 2 ballot.
While a gay union wouldn’t affect one couple’s existing marriage, Prichard said, it would affect society by redefining the institution and giving “society’s stamp of approval” to a union that’s less than the ideal.
Marriage is a lifelong, sexually exclusive commitment between a man and a woman, he said. Same-sex marriage would eliminate this understanding.
“It’s like trying to call a cat a dog,” he said.
<snip>
View full article here
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5.) Bismarck Tribune, Lawmakers seek say in gaming pacts
Lawmakers seek say in gaming pacts By Deena Winter Bismarck Tribune – 09/15/04
A panel of state lawmakers is considering legislation that would require the Legislature to give its stamp of approval to any gaming compacts negotiated by the governor and Indian tribes.
Gaming compacts are 10-year agreements -- between the governor and tribes -- regulating Indian gaming on the state's five reservations. Currently, state lawmakers have no say in negotiations, although they can give their input if they're in session while the compact is being negotiated. If they're not in session, the majority and minority leaders may attend negotating meetings.
An interim committee of lawmakers is considering draft legislation to change that.
Gov. Ed Schafer and the tribes inked a 10-year compact in 1999, with an option to renew for five years. At the time, the compact hadn't quite expired, but the tribes sought a new compact so they could better obtain financing for casino expansions.
Lately the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa tribe has been talking about possibly building a casino in Grand Forks -- which would require the gaming compact to be renegotiated with Gov. John Hoeven.
But that's not why the lawmakers are looking at changing the law governing compacts. The issue arose during a meeting of the Budget Committee on Human Services, which discussed problems collecting child support on Indian reservations.
Sen. Judy Lee, R-West Fargo, made a motion to prepare a bill draft requiring legislative approval of Indian gaming compacts. Lee said she didn't have the Grand Forks situation in mind, she just thinks the legislative branch should be involved in the process.
<snip>
View full article here
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6.) Grand Forks Herald, Dorreen Yellow Bird Column: Improving UND race relations should be goal
Dorreen Yellow Bird Column: Improving UND race relations should be goalGrand Forks Herald – 09/18/04
It's fall on campus and the beginning of a new year - a new page for these students. Unfortunately, an old issue - the Fighting Sioux mascot and logo - is haunting incoming students.
Thursday afternoon, I attended the "welcome-back" picnic for American Indian students. It was well attended, with President Charles Kupchella, his wife, Adele; Robert Boyd, vice president for student affairs; UND professors and staff; and friends and even candidates running for political offices. The majority of the attendees at the picnic, however, were the new and returning Indian students.
People roamed University Park's picnic area, visiting as if it were a "wing- ding" at some posh Washington, D.C., establishment. But instead of having a glass of wine in hand, we wandered with plastic foam cups of lemonade.
Students were calling to each other across picnic tables. It was, perhaps, the first time they'd seen this or that friend since May.
It was good to see. But I was disappointed to hear that some of the students were feeling more uncomfortable with each passing day.
Why?
Students have been approached about the issue of the Fighting Sioux name. The Indian students were asked, why isn't the name honoring? Some of the new students weren't aware of the issue and couldn't respond, but they felt intimidated, I was told.
<snip>
View full article here
********************************************* Events *********************************************
A calendar of events for September is available on the NDHRC web site here.
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7.) Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, September 15 – October 15
Sept. 6 –Oct. 12Registration for Coloring Drawing and Writing Contest 1st-3rd Grades Coloring Contest 4th-7th Grades Drawing Contest 8th-12th Grades Writing Contest Adult Writing ContestWinners announced October 17
Sept. 28-29
Sept. 28, “Rosita’s Jalapeño Kitchen” 7:30-10pm Concordia College Centrum
Rosita’s Jalapeno Kitchen A humorous yet poignant play that displays the often-detrimental quest of urban development on ethic neighborhoods. After much hesitation the feisty Rosita is about to lose her restaurant to corporate community developers. Rosita enlightens us as she tells us about the past and describes and illustrates the many interesting events of her life
Sept. 29, “Manzi” 7:30-10pm Minnesota Community and Technical College Auditorium
Manzi Manzi is an ever-popular biographical and anecdotal account of the childhood story of Latino civil rights leader, Ceasar Chavez as seen through the eyes of his older sister Rita. Following Rita’s reminiscence, we see the story of three Latino children during the great depression unfold before us through humorous exchanges and sometimes-mournful songs.
Oct. 12Coloring Drawing and Writing Contest Due
Oct. 15
“Coming of Age: 15th Birthday Quinceanera for Mujeres
Unidas”
Oct. 15-17Film Festival at Fargo Theatre“What if 12 Million Mexicans Vanished”The film depicts what might happen in the nations richest and most-populous state if Hispanics suddenly vanished. 1:00-5:00 pm Reception with Food and EntertainmentShow time is 7:00 pmAll shows are $5.00 including matineesFilm will run Oct. 15-17th
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8.) Candidate Recruitment & Reminder from Uniting for Equality
Message from Uniting For Equality:
Greetings
Collaborative Members and Supporters, *********************************************
9.) Mental Health Professional Conference, October 12 & 13, Mandan
The Mental Health Association in North Dakota is sponsoring a professional conference in Mandan on October 12 and 13. The theme is “Stress Related Disorders: Children, Families, Military”.
Conference begins Tuesday, October 12th, 2004 at 1:30pm until 4:30pm and continues Wednesday October 13th, 2004 from 8:30am until 4:30pm at the Best Western Seven Seas Inn 2611 Old Red Trail, I-94 at Exit 152 Mandan, ND 58554, 1-800-597-7327.
CEUs pending for Social Workers, Counselors, etc. For More Information Call: 1-800-472-2911 or mentalhealth5@juno.com.
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10.) Developmental Disabilities Conference, October 8 & 9, Fargo
“Focus on Developmental Disabilities in North Dakota” a public policy conference will be at the Ramada Plaza Suites in Fargo on October 8 and 9. This conference is sponsored by the Arc, Upper Valley of Grand Forks.
At the conference you will learn from the experts and leaders in disability advocacy about hot issues in public policy. Learn more about the role of government in family related activities. Train in legislative advocacy related to developmental disabilities and health care issues, Meet people interested in public policy and developmental disability.
Watch for details and registration materials to arrive soon or contact The Arc, Upper Valley at 701-772-6191 or e-mail thearc@arcuv.com.
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11.) 21st Annual Peace Congress of the ND Peace Coalition, October 8 & 9, Bismarck
Americans Deserve Democracy, Too! Celebrating 21 Years of the North Dakota Peace Coalition!
On the beautiful campus of the United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, ND
Program:
Friday, October 8 – Gathering and Arts Celebration – Music, Poetry and Movement United Tribes Technical College, Jack Barden Center (southeast corner of campus) 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Registration and Reception 8:00 p.m. – Music, Poetry and Movement - Kris Kitko, singer/songwriter will perform new songs for peace and justice. Dragon Jane, duo Bonnie Torrance and Karen Van Fossan, will perform creative poetry & dance. Mixed media artwork will be displayed by artist Jane Peterson.
Saturday, October 9 – Congress United Tribes Technical College, Jack Barden Center 8:00 a.m. – Registration and Continental Breakfast 9:00 a.m. – Opening Celebration and Greetings Acting President's Report by Acting President Brian Palecek 10:00 a.m. – Keynote Address by Amy Goodman: “Working for Democracy in the Media: Democracy Now!” 12:00 – Lunch and tour of United Tribes Art Gallery of traditional and contemporary arts 1:30 p.m. – Strengthening the Statewide Peace Organization Annual Meeting to select Steering Committee for 2004-2005 Discussion on Empowerment through Local and Statewide Activism, which will include a panel of current Steering Committee Members 2:45 p.m. – Making Connections Panel North Dakota activists make connections between their work and the ongoing challenge of peace and justice work of standing up to the Military, Industrial, Congressional, Energy (Media?) MICE Complex. Representatives of human rights, veterans, environmental, educational, arts, and women's advocacy organizations will share their views and insights. 4:00 p.m. – Fundraising Auction and Hoopla for Hope. Please bring an auction item to share. 5:00 p.m. – Adjournment of Congress
Supper of Celebration United Tribes Cafeteria, Bldg 72 - South side of campus along Ft. Berthold Ave. Saturday, October 9 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Banquet honoring Tom Disselhorst, our Prairie Peacemaker for 2004. The Supper of Celebration is co-hosted and co-sponsored with United Tribes Technical College to honor Tom.
For registration and information contact the North Dakota Peace Coalition, P.O. Box 2547, Bismarck, ND 58502, 701-258-8495 or register via email to Steve Merrill at merrils@btinet.net .
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12.) Annual Meeting Celebrating 15 Years of Service, September 23, Fargo
Annual
Meeting Celebrating 15 Years of Service When:
September 23, 2004 Where:
NDSU Alumni Center, 1241 N University Dr., Fargo Agenda: 5:00 Board
Meeting
Freedom
Resources
13.) Message from Equality North Dakota
PLEASE DISTRIBUTE
FREELY AND WIDELY!
*********************************************
14.) Message from the Human Rights Resource Center at Cultural Diversity Resources
Recently, the Human Rights Resource Center at Cultural Diversity Resources received 12 Human Rights Videos and a $750 programming grant from National Video Resources. This is very exciting and a great addition to the Human Rights Resource Center. The videos focus on Refugee Rights, Women’s Rights, Children’s Rights, Economic, Social and Political Rights, and Arms, Conflict, and International Humanitarian Law. For more information on the videos and suggested programming, please go to www.humanrightsproject.org.
I am now looking for volunteers to serve on the planning committee for this awesome project. Two informational meetings will be held at Cultural Diversity Resources, 303 North Roberts Street Fargo: Tuesday September 28 at 1:30 pm and 5:00 pm. Please plan to attend either of the informational meetings to find out more about this project.
If you will be attending either session please call Rachel Mertz at 526-3000 to let us know you will be attending.
If you are unable to attend but would like to be involved, please contact Tammie Yak at 526-3000.
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15.) Message from North Dakota Progressive Coalition Leadership Council
House Parties.
It is time to party…We are looking for members of our member groups to host
house parties (socials) in September and October to engage and energize the
members of our member groups to participate in public events, issue efforts and
the Coalition’s literature door-to-door in October. The rest of this year
depends on how successful these house parties are in mobilizing members of our
groups. PLEASE consider hosting one of these house parties yourself or
find a member or two or three to host one. Contact Don Morrison via email
at
NoDakPC@aol.com or 701-224-8090 for more information.
Forums, Public Meetings, Actions, Events – Sept and Oct. If we are going to make sure that the choice is very clear this year between 1) justice and hope or 2) more of the “divide and conquer” race to the bottom, then we must have folks who will volunteer for a doable one or two hours at public events, asking the tough questions, making statements, carrying the message of our groups and Coalition. Please let us know of events or public hearings and we’ll work with you to prepare.
NDPC Position on Ballot Measures. The NDPC Board of Directors discussed and approved policy positions on two efforts to amend the state Constitution: 1) to prohibit gay marriage and 2) to require a 60% vote on all tax increases by every governing body in the state. The Board voted unanimously to authorize the Executive Director to speak and make statements in opposition to both efforts. This does not make these a new campaign for the NDPC, but it does mean we can work with our allies. Both proposed amendments are “divide and conquer” political ploys. One would enshrine discrimination in the Constitution and the other would hamstring the ability of representative democracy to function effectively.
Vision. The NDPC is working to change the balance of power in North Dakota. The purpose of our current economic justice campaign is to frame the debate about North Dakota's economic future in progressive terms, to build our capacity and our groups’ capacity to do our work long-term, to base our work on grassroots organizing and participation, especially by the members of our member groups. We chose the issue of economic justice and then chose the focus on reforming publicly funded economic development because it was a way to bring us – our member organizations – all together better than any other issue at this time to work for long-term change in the balance of power in North Dakota.
During the next several months, there will be so many opportunities to make it clear “whose side those currently in power are on” when it comes to making public choices about our economic future in North Dakota. We will show how “it doesn’t have to be that way” and we will lead the charge for positive change. Please let us know real stories of people who are working hard, doing what they should do and still falling behind because of how those in power are setting things up. Keep in touch. Stay connected.
For more information about the North Dakota Progressive Coalition visit their web site at www.ndprogressive.org.
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16.) New Personal Narratives of Discrimination in North Dakota Featured on NDHRC Web Site
The North Dakota Human Rights Coalition is currently interviewing people in North Dakota who have experienced discrimination to document those experiences.
Our focus is on discrimination involving:
These personal stories are being posted to our web site regularly and can be viewed here.
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17.) PSA: Volunteers Needed for Get Out and Vote Project
For
Immediate Release
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18.) Applications Invited for Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Deadline:
November 1, 2004 *********************************************
***Member Reminder*** Please keep us in mind for your group or church social action/social justice meetings! We’d be happy to provide a presentation at a meeting or provide newsletter articles for your organizations.
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Do you have a Program, Announcement, Update or Resource that you would like shared on our weekly PAUR report? If so, please send an email to AndreaDeegan@NDHRC.org and we will do our best to accommodate you.
If you are not yet a member of NDHRC, what are you waiting for? Sign up now! The membership form is available on line at http://ndhrc.org/membership_form_revised.htm.
Not getting the PAUR Report directly in your email? It's so easy to be added to the PAUR mailing list! Email HumanRights@NDHRC.org.
If you have received this email in error, or would like to be removed From the PAUR Report mailing list, please send an email to AndreaDeegan@NDHRC.org for immediate assistance.
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North Dakota Human Rights Coalition P.O. Box 1961 Fargo, North Dakota 58107-1961 Phone: (701) 239-9323 Fax: (701) 478-4452 Email: humanrights@ndhrc.org
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