North Dakota Human Rights Coalition
Working to effect change so that all people in North Dakota enjoy full human rights
|
North Dakota Human Rights Coalition Working to effect change so that all people in North Dakota enjoy full human rights |
|
Click PayPal link for direct credit card contribution or PayPal payment options. (No PayPal account necessary!)
Interested in Receiving NDHRC Email Newsletter? |
~North Dakota Human Rights Coalition~ PAUR Report
Programs ~ Announcements ~ Updates ~ Resources
Visit our Website at www.ndhrc.org
March 9, 2004
Hello members and friends of the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition!
In this week’s PAUR Report:
Announcements 1) 22nd Annual International Peace Festival, June 18 – 20, 2004, Seeks Presenters 2) North Dakota Human Rights Coalition Paid Summer Internship
Newspaper Articles 3) The Forum (Fargo), Other views: Same-sex marriage debate tainted by language of fear 4) The Forum (Fargo), Shelby Vigen letter: Gay marriage ban an assault on love 5) The Forum (Fargo), Carol Cwiak letter: Amendment wrong approach to issue 6) The Forum (Fargo), Eric Iverson letter: Amendment would take away our rights 7) The Forum (Fargo), Bobby Brand letter: Children a factor in same-sex marriage 8) The Forum (Fargo), Kathryn Joyce letter: The Patriot Act erodes nation’s basic civil rights 9) The Forum (Fargo), Other views: ‘Traditional’ marriage has changed 10) The Associated Press, Fargo judge accused of improper conduct toward women 11) The Forum (Fargo), Women to testify against judge: McGuire denies accusations, says accusers sought revenge 12) Bismarck Tribune, Indian names are not negative 13) Bismarck Tribune, ACLU is a suspect organization
Events 14) Native Spirituality and Its Inherent Social Justice 15) MSUM Women’s Studies Program, Women’s History Month, March 2004
Reminders 16) Pride Collective Discrimination Survey 17) Registration for Town Hall Meeting, “Within Our Grasp: Building a Better Bismarck Through Diversity, April 6, Bismarck 18) Free Anti-Racism Training, March 22 and 23, Moorhead 19) Hate Crime and Bias Incident Community Response Plan Meeting, March 10, Fargo 20) Building Bridges: Understanding Community Crisis, April 2 – 3, Bismarck 21) Tri-College NEW (National Education for Women) Leadership Development Institute, May 23 – 27, 2004, Moorhead 22) Knowing & Understanding Your Rights is the First Step in Receiving Equal Rights 23) Conference Registration and Information Available for the 3rd Annual Building Racially Inclusive Communities Conference, May 6-8, Fargo 24) UND (Grand Forks) Forums Focus on American Indian Experience 25) Principles of Community Organizing Training, April 24-27, 2004, Fargo 26) Sisters of the Presentation at Sacred Heart Convent Presents “Peace Studies” 2003 Series (Various Locations in ND and MN)
********************************************* Announcements *********************************************
1.) 22nd Annual International Peace Festival, June 18 – 20, 2004, Seeks Presenters
This year’s festival coordinator is looking for at least two presenters from each state – ideas for topics include peace/environment/social justice issues.
Presentations are 30-45 minutes speaking, with time for dialog. Audiovisual material is welcome.
They could also use help with publicity and access to a computer with a printer to help send posters and distribute letters. Any ideas for a theme for this year? They also need someone to coordinate/plan some activities for kids at the festival. Folkdancing, singing, and parachutes are suggestions if people want to do those things. How about a poetry workshop where we can pen peace poems.
Email Lynn McLean lbmclean@mts.net if you would like to present a topic on peace, or assist with the organization of the festival.
*********************************************
2.) North Dakota Human Rights Coalition Paid Summer Internship
Position Announcement
The North Dakota Human Rights Coalition seeks applicants for a summer intern to interview individuals in North Dakota who have experienced discrimination and to document those experiences, with a focus on people in the gay/lesbian/transgender bisexual community, people of color (including Native Americans and New Americans) and people with disabilities.
This is a full-time summer internship for an undergraduate college student, 40 hours per week, $8.75 per hour. Information about the internship and application information is available at http://ndhrc.org/Annoucements/2004%20NDHRC%20Internship%20Position.htm.
North Dakota Human Rights Coalition P.O. Box 1961 Fargo, ND 58107-1961 (701) 239-9323 (701) 478-4452 (Fax)
********************************************* Newspaper Articles *********************************************
3.) The Forum (Fargo), Other views: Same-sex marriage debate tainted by language of fear
This article was posted in the March 3 NDHRC PAUR report. Here is the online link for the published version.
Other views: Same-sex marriage debate
tainted by language of fear
View full article here
*********************************************
4.) The Forum (Fargo), Shelby Vigen letter: Gay marriage ban an assault on love
Shelby Vigen letter: Gay marriage ban an assault on
love
Is anyone getting as sick of the whole “ban on gay marriages” thing as I am? I think it is getting a little out of hand.
The concept of banning two people, who love each other, from the union of marriage is outrageous. I think that if the couple loves each other, no matter what the circumstances, they should be allowed to marry.
Trying to ban gay couples from an official marriage is the same thing as trying to ban interracial marriages. Sexual orientation is an uncontrollable trait, just like one’s race and should not be singled out. These people, many times, could have a much more successful marriage than some straight couples. The fact that they have to go through so much public scrutiny and still stand by each other is amazing.
Love does not choose by race, color, size or shape, so why do we have to say it should be illegal to want confess that love and be married? Nobody should have the right to make the decision that two human beings cannot be married. It’s their lives, not the governments.
Love should be all that matters, not someone else’s disapproving beliefs.
Shelby Vigen
Mapleton, N.D.
View online article here
*********************************************
5.) The Forum (Fargo), Carol Cwiak letter: Amendment wrong approach to issue
Carol Cwiak letter: Amendment wrong approach to issue
I was dismayed but not surprised to hear that President Bush is contemplating supporting a constitutional amendment that limits marriage to a union between a man and a woman.
Marriage at the legal level is contractual in nature. In that vein there can be no logical argument made to restrict it based on sexual preference. The furor over gay marriage is based upon a religious perspective of marriage.
It appears to me that separation of church and state is the real issue here. I don’t want George Bush’s religious perspective to factor into a constitutional amendment. Religion is an individual right that is generally respected in this country. We can worship who, where and what we want. The Constitution is a collective right to equality. It is purposeful in its intent to exclude religion from governmental decisions.
Clearly, America is a country of great faith -- many great faiths, but that is because of the limitations on what any one faith is allowed to promote in government. The Constitution is a protection for all of us, regardless of faith, gender, color or sexual preference against those who would seek to promote inequality.
The Constitution is the cornerstone of this country. It protects our freedoms and liberties. It is what we fight to defend and holds the values that we espouse to other countries as the American way. I find it appalling that while so many brave soldiers are in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting for the concepts that our nation holds dear, President Bush is at home treating the U.S. Constitution like it is nothing more than a set of clubhouse rules.
You may not be comfortable with gay marriage, but don’t let that be the barometer by which you assess this situation. If you want our country to remain strong, the law must be the same law for all and religion an individual choice uninfluenced by government. Otherwise, who knows what George’s next new clubhouse rule will be.
Carol Cwiak
Kindred, N.D.
View online article here
*********************************************
6.) The Forum (Fargo), Eric Iverson letter: Amendment would take away our rights
Eric Iverson letter: Amendment would take away our
rights
The proposed federal constitutional amendment denying same-sex couples the 1,049 benefits outlined in the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act would be the first amendment that would take rights away from a group of people. It would reverse Supreme Court decisions in Massachusetts and Vermont and redefine equal rights to exclude homosexuals, rendering them as less than human.
This amendment claims it defends the institution of marriage, but anyone who has recently looked through a primetime television schedule can see a myriad of reality programming like “Who Wants to Marry a (Fill in the Blank)” that trivializes the foundations of marriage and exploits the institution for the highest commercial dollar. In addition, celebrity weddings seem to be over before they ever began. All of this is troubling, since the media can be one of the largest influences shaping societal norms.
Further, marriage for convenience, high divorce rates, and domestic violence plague the sacred institution, and pose greater threats than same-sex marriage. Since this amendment does nothing to address these threats, one wonders if its aim is to protect the institution, or if it is nothing more than prejudice against homosexuality.
Further, the passage of this amendment would really mean that marriage is between a man, a woman, the President and the 535 members of the House and Senate. It invites government to meddle in our personal lives and to prescribe with whom you can and cannot fall in love.
Eric Iverson
Fargo
View online article here
*********************************************
7.) The Forum (Fargo), Bobby Brand letter: Children a factor in same-sex marriage
Bobby Brand letter: Children a factor in same-sex
marriage
I’m writing about the concept of the adoption of children in homosexual marriages. I have no problem with homosexuals or a homosexual marriage. My problem is the ability of a gay couple being allowed to adopt a child.
I know I’m in no place to tell a person who has the right to adopt a child but you need to think of the child. I understand that the couple wants to have something that they share and something that they can call theirs, but I still feel it is wrong to submit a child to that life. This is something that a child will keep with him his whole life. He/she will go to school every day and get made fun of for something he/she can’t control.
I think if these couples cared about children, they wouldn’t submit them to this life of emotional stress. Hopefully if these children are submitted to this life, the children will have the decency to understand what is going on and realize that there is nothing that the child can do about it. In other words, that’s not going to happen.
Kids will be kids, and they will always make fun of others.
Bobby Brand
Fargo
View online article here
*********************************************
8.) The Forum (Fargo), Kathryn Joyce letter: The Patriot Act erodes nation’s basic civil rights
Kathryn Joyce letter: The Patriot Act erodes nation’s
basic civil rights
George W. Bush has recently asked Congress to renew the Patriot Act. This act takes away several rights given to the people by the Constitution. This act gives the government the right to arrest suspected terrorists without due process. They may also deprive the accused of a phone call and an attorney. This is frightening to me as an American.
The Constitution was written by some of the greatest men that have ever existed and is the basis of our country’s government. If the president is willing to disregard several aspects of this document, what else is he willing to do?
Most people ignore this proposed act, as they don’t expect to be accused of terrorist actions. However, this act provides too much power, and history shows that when someone is given an abundance of power they are bound to abuse it.
Kathryn Joyce
West Fargo
View online article here
*********************************************
9.) The Forum (Fargo), Other views: ‘Traditional’ marriage has changed
This article was posted in the March 3 NDHRC PAUR report. Here is the online link for the published version.
Other views: ‘Traditional’ marriage
has changed
View full article here
*********************************************
10.) The Associated Press, Fargo judge accused of improper conduct toward women
Fargo judge accused of improper conduct toward women
By The Associated Press Posted (web): Bismarck Tribune – 3/2/2004
FARGO - A state disciplinary panel began hearing testimony Tuesday on the conduct of East Central District Judge Michael McGuire, accused of making sexually explicit comments and of offensive behavior toward women who worked in the court system.
McGuire, 62, has said the women have misinterpreted his behavior or taken it out of context. One of the first witnesses, Deputy Court Clerk Linda Weaver, said McGuire once came into her office to apologize for the way he handled an office reorganization. After she accepted his apology, she said, he put his elbow on her desk and asked, 'Now, can I sleep with you?"'
Weaver said McGuire made other offensive comments and that she was "humiliated, offended, angry" by his behavior.
McGuire's attorney, Mark Condon, said some of the judge's accusers were angry at the way he reorganized his office. Condon tried to show that Weaver was angry at being passed over to fill in as the chief clerk.
Weaver said she did not confront McGuire about his conduct because she was afraid of retaliation.
Paul Jacobson, the attorney for the state Commission on Judicial Conduct, said he planned to call seven women to testify. He said the evidence will show McGuire violated specific codes of judicial conduct.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
11.) The Forum (Fargo), Women to testify against judge: McGuire denies accusations, says accusers sought revenge
Women to testify against judge: McGuire denies
accusations, says accusers sought revenge
Four times in the past 24 years, Cass County voters have chosen Michael O. McGuire to punish their criminals, settle their divorces and decide their lawsuits.
On Tuesday, seven women are expected to testify to a state judicial conduct panel that McGuire’s courthouse behavior demeaned that office with a history of crude remarks and advances toward his female staff.
McGuire has denied he broke any judicial canons, which if proven could result in his dismissal from the bench before his planned retirement at the end of the year. For his defense, McGuire’s attorney will call to the stand two of the other seven judges from the East Central Judicial District, which covers Cass, Steele and Traill counties.
In his response to the accusations, McGuire, 62, maintained he is “a family man of high moral character and integrity.” He called the 14 charges against him vengeful attacks borne from unpopular administrative changes he tried to make last year.
“The evidence at hearing will amply demonstrate that the charges involve distortion, inflation, or fabrication and are primarily motivated by vindictiveness and retaliation,” he wrote in court papers. “Even in the presence of the most prudish, strait laced or overmodest women the worst that any of the allegations could be considered is insensitive, foolish, silly, ridiculous, or tasteless.”
Acting on the advice of their attorney, the seven women named in the charges have declined comment so close to the hearing. Five of them still work in the Cass County courthouse.
<snip>
View full article here
*********************************************
12.) Bismarck Tribune, Indian names are not negative
Indian names are not negative
By MYRON GREYBULL, Bismarck Bismarck Tribune – 3/2/2004
Hey ya! About the protests going on against CBS and the group OutKast on the performance at the 2004 Grammy Awards:
These protests are an ongoing thing, what with the Washington Redskins, the old Stanford Indians and, of course, the "Fighting Sioux." The list goes on -- the Braves, etc.
I'm a 54-year-old Hunkpapa Sioux Indian and also a recovering alcoholic from Cannon Ball. I believe the Indian names and performances are an honor bestowed on us -- not a negative.
I think some of these protesters are in it for their own selves, to get media attention. The reservations need all of the positives they can get and need to look at life in a more positive way, instead of reading or hearing negativism in everything.
I believe most of us don't take offense at the names and performances -- just a few who like their names in print or on TV. Why not use that energy in working on our backyards, like the Rez?
We have to be positive and thankful for what we have. May the Great Spirit be with you.
View online article here
*********************************************
13.) Bismarck Tribune, ACLU is a suspect organization
Letters to the Editor
ACLU is a suspect
organization
View online article here
********************************************* Events *********************************************
14.) Native Spirituality and Its Inherent Social Justice
Join Speaker Prairie Rose, and musician Al Demaray as they share with us some of the rich tradition, music, and ritual of Native American Spirituality. Rooted deep in the earth and in relationship, this perspective emphasizes the balance of all life and the responsibility of each to all. Please note that white sage will be burned as a part of the presentation.
Also as a special treat, Laurie Seifert and Nadine Fiddler will provide a traditional Native American fry bread as part of our refreshments following the service.
Service is at 11am Sunday March 14th at the Unitarian Universalist Church, located at 121 South 9th Street in Fargo.
*********************************************
15.) MSUM Women’s Studies Program, Women’s History Month, March 2004
All events are free and open to public.
For more information on Women’s History Month Events go to www.mnstate.edu/women or contact Laurie Blunsom, Director of Women’s Studies, at 218.477.4606, blunsom@mnstate.edu
********************************************* *********************************************
16.) Pride Collective Discrimination Survey
The Pride
Collective has developed a survey to gain more detailed information about
discrimination that members of the GLBT community may or may not have
experienced here in the Fargo-Moorhead area. We are hoping for a large number
of responses and from a wide variety of points of view. You do not need to feel
that you have experienced discrimination to complete the survey. In order to
speak more effectively on behalf of our local GLBT community, it's important
that we have a representative sampling of people's opinions.
*********************************************
17.) Registration for Town Hall Meeting, “Within Our Grasp: Building a Better Bismarck Through Diversity, April 6, Bismarck
View the Town Hall Meeting registration information here.
This workshop is sponsored by the City of Bismarck Human Relations Committee and the North Dakota Fair Housing Council through a U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development grant.
The mission of the City of Bismarck Human Relations Committee is to protect and promote the personal dignity of all Bismarck citizens and eliminate any discriminatory barriers that prevent them from reaching their full human potential. They seek to make education and compliance a meaningful and visible strategy as they work to recognize the value of a diverse community. For more information, visit: www.ndfhc.org/HRC.htm
The mission of the North Dakota Fair Housing Council is to provide support, encouragement and assistance to those seeking equal access to housing in North Dakota and eastern South Dakota. For more information, visit: www.ndfhc.org
*********************************************
18.) Free Anti-Racism Training, March 22 and 23, Moorhead
Monday,
March 22, 5:00-9:00pm &
*********************************************
19.) Hate Crime and Bias Incident Community Response Plan Meeting, March 10, Fargo
In response to the concerns and workshops that have been offered through local Human Relations, Human Rights, local Non-profits, and many active citizens. You are invited to attend a meeting in which we will discuss the development of a Hate Crime and Bias Incident Community Response Plan.The meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 10, 12:00 pm at Cultural Diversity Resources located at 303 Roberts Street in Fargo. Feel free to bring your lunch.For more information contact Prairie Rose, Fargo Human Relations Commission 237-4453 after 2pm or prose_civic_junkie@hotmail.com.Also for your interest: The ND Department of Labor Human Rights Division will be doing a presentation on what they have to offer in regards to complaint process, and what they do. This will be Thursday, March 5:5 p.m. at the Wesley Center109 9th St.
South Fargo
*********************************************
20.) Building Bridges: Understanding Community Crisis, April 2 – 3, Bismarck
Building Bridges: Understanding Community Crisis April 2-3, 2004 Doublewood Inn, Bismarck, ND
Conference Objectives
To present the biological and neurological basis for brain disorders as it relates to behavior while interacting in the community.
To provide information on the Crisis Intervention Team Model involving law enforcement officers, mental health providers, family members and consumers of mental health services.
To foster collaboration of community partners in addressing inappropriate incarceration of individuals with brain disorders.
To investigate the purpose, principles and roles of Assertive Community Treatment teams which provide an evidence-based practice for outreach-oriented delivery of services to people with severe and persistent brain disorders.
To explore the treatment of a person’s traumatic experiences using the EMDR method.
Intended Audience
Law Enforcement Officers, Social Workers, Attorneys, Psychiatrists, County & State Correctional Employees, Psychologists, Judges, Professional Counselors, County Commissioners, Nurses, Legislators, Physicians, Families, Consumers of Mental Health Services Clergy, Addiction Counselors Persons who have been incarcerated Any person interested in brain disorders including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia and others.
For more information contact Janet Sabol at 701-527-4936 or email at jsabol@srt.com.
*********************************************
21.) Tri-College NEW (National Education for Women) Leadership Development Institute, May 23 – 27, 2004, Moorhead
The North Dakota Human Rights Coalition has been participating in the planning meetings for this event. One of the goals of the Coalition is to increase the diversity of representation in state and local government in North Dakota, including increasing the number of women, people of color, people with disabilities, and openly gay people.
Are you interested in developing public leadership skills? Or do you know of a woman who you would encourage to explore public leadership?
The Tri-College NEW (National Education for Women) Leadership Development Institute will be held on May 23 - 27, 2004 at Minnesota State University Moorhead, in Moorhead, Minnesota. The institute is an intensive five-day residential program designed to teach participants about the diversity of women's participation in politics, connect participants with women leaders, and cultivate participants' leadership skills.
Approximately 40 women will be selected to participate at no cost to the participant. Any woman who is interested in politics, leadership, public service, or community service, and has a desire to develop her own leadership skills are encouraged to apply. Both college students and non-students will be accepted; you do not need to be in college or involved in formal political roles, or consider yourself a leader now, to be considered.
More information and an application form is available at http://appserv.mnstate.edu/whitede/conference/. Applications will be accepted until March 15, 2004.
Please forward freely.
*********************************************
22.) Knowing & Understanding Your Rights is the First Step in Receiving Equal Rights
Learn how to attain your rights
1st Thursday of Each month 1:00 p.m. –
3:00 p.m.
|
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
|
