Creation of new social justice commission in South Windsor hits road bump
Apr. 17—SOUTH WINDSOR — The Town Council will continue discussing the creation of a Social Justice and Racial Equity Commission to further the work of the Black Lives Matter Subcommittee on Monday, after discussions grew contentious during a March council meeting when it was suggested the commission was redundant.
At the March 15 meeting, Republican Councilwoman Janice Snyder suggested the council evaluate boards and commissions that may have overlapping duties. She suggested the Human Relations Commission and the Social Justice and Racial Equity Commission were examples of boards with the same duties.
Democratic Councilwomen Karen Lydecker, Erica Evans, and Mary Justine Hockenberry responded with alarm to Snyder's suggestion at the March 15 meeting.
NEW COMMISSION
WHAT: Council to discuss whether to create the Social Justice and Equity Commission.
HOW TO WATCH: Monday's meeting begins at 7 p.m. and can be viewed on Cox Cable 16 or online at
Responding to claims that she did not want to create the new commission, Snyder said she was still in support of it.
"It is important that we try not to grow government," she said. "I am shocked for being attacked for bringing up the idea. I was bringing up as an example, and I believe it was misinterpreted."
The four-member Black Lives Matter Subcommittee, which includes Snyder, Lydecker, Evans, and fellow Councilwoman Lisa Maneeley, was formed last June when the council declared systematic racism a public health crisis in the community.
One of the tasks of the subcommittee, which was meant to be temporary, was to formulate ideas to continue its mission, Mayor Andrew Paterna said. As such, they proposed the new commission.
Hockenberry told the Journal Inquirer that she referred to Snyder's suggestion as a political ploy, adding that she does not believe the Republican Party wants to see the new commission established.
"If you continue to do things the way they are, our town is going to stay stagnant," she said.
Snyder said Friday that Hockenberry's assertion was "absolutely not true."
Evans said she was taken aback because there have been ongoing discussions within the subcommittee about creating the new commission, and a letter of support from all members, including Snyder, was sent to the council.
In response, Snyder told Evans that a year ago she had proposed enhancing the duties of the Human Relations Commission.
Lydecker said the new commission's duties include promoting policy changes, which do not occur at the Human Relations Commission.
Lydecker further suggested that the racial makeup of elected officials, government and school staff, and the Police Department lack adequate representation from Black, indigenous, and other minority groups, adding, "It is not a high majority."
Paterna said he believed there was a difference in the two commissions' duties. He said the Human Relations Commission focuses mainly on cultural understanding of diverse groups while the new commission would tackle policy issues when it comes to race relations.
The new commission's tasks would include addressing the root of racial bias and encouraging a more diverse community.
Founded in 1978, The Human Relations Commission's purpose includes fostering "mutual understanding and respect among persons and groups of diverse backgrounds," promoting educational programs that further understanding and tolerance," and "securing equality of treatment of and opportunity for persons and groups of diverse backgrounds," according to its mission statement.
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