LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Dover Human Relations Commission Holds Its First Meeting |
by Mark Aguirre |
The first meeting of the city of Dover Human Relations Commission was held on April 29th. The fifteen-member commission was created to promote and develop an environment of fairness and respect among the diverse citizens of Dover. One of the appointees was Phyllis Levitt an advocate for the arts, humanities, civil liberties and a long time supporter of the lesbian and gay community. She said, "The first meeting went very well. It was an opportunity for the commission to get to know each other. I think it's a wonderful group of people."
When asked whether she was aware of any openly lesbian or gay members of the newly appointed commission she replied, "It didn't come out in introductions through what people were saying. They spoke of human rights, women's, and race issues. I was the only one to speak about gay and lesbian issues. But, people tend to not repeat what has already been said." Levitt is past Chair of the Delaware Humanities Forum, has served on the Synagogue Congregation Beth Sholom Community Outreach, is a current Board member of the ACLU of Delaware, and is a retired Chairwoman of the Dover High School English department. Ms. Levitt also testified on behalf of House Bill 99 earlier this year. The bill, passed by the House, proposes including sexual orientation language in Delaware anti-discrimination code. The chances of a Senate vote on the bill this term are decreasing as it is held in the Small Business Committee by Senator Robert Venables. Dover Senator John C. Still III, serves on the Small Business Committee and is opposed to HB 99. Under redistricting Senator James T. Vaughn would also serve parts of Dover. He had not come out in support of HB 99 and was unable to meet supporters in favor of the bill during two weeks of lobbying. When asked whether this was a reflection of how the Dover community felt about its lesbian and gay citizens Levitt replied, "I hope not. Remember that Dover Representative Nancy Wagner was part of the one vote margin that passed the bill in the House." Doug Marshall-Steele, a representative of The Gay and Lesbian Project, said, "I wish more gays and lesbians were involved. But, Phyllis Levitt is a valuable ally to the gay and lesbian community and has our interests at heart." Levitt later said, "Unfortunately, a lot of people are apathetic. They just don't get involved. I've never been apathetic. I believe if you have something to say you should say it." Councilman Reuben Salters explains the origins of the Human Relations Commission; "The idea blossomed as a result of a crisis in the city of Dover more than a year ago. A young African American man lost his life while in police custody. It caused an outcry from many Dover citizens. As a result of this several ideas were put forth to improve open communications between races." One of those ideas was to establish a Dover Human Relations Commission patterned after the state commission of the same name. Councilman Gene Ruane was instrumental in conducting research and drafting a proposal. Ruane explains, "This is a positive approach to help people understand each other better. Our commission would be sensitive to the community and reflect its diversity." Ruane further says, "However, the city does not have civil rights statutes. They exist at the state level and are enforced that way. This group will become a referral organization and is not empowered to provide remedy through the courts. The Human Relations Commission will work by coordinating education programming, celebrations, and activities that will honor the fact that we are a diverse community." Ruane was a member of the selection committee for the commission. The criteria for the selection process concentrated primarily on having representatives by sex and race. Sexual orientation was not considered criteria. Ruane said, "If people had suggested that to those of us doing the interviews it would have been additional information that would have been taken into account. Unless somebody self identifies you can't make that determination. We did know that some of the people we were selecting had sympathies with the gay and lesbian community." There are fifteen members on the Human Relations Commission. The Council President appoints ten members and the Mayor appoints five. Members will eventually serve three-year staggered terms. Five current members' terms will end in one year and another five will end in two years. All will be eligible for reappointment. Anyone interested in learning more can call the Dover City Clerk's Office at 302-736-7008. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 12, No. 04, May 3, 2002. |