Council splits on Human Rights Commission sponsorships: denies ticketed screening, approves student dinner and Mr. Rogers screening

Moscow City Council considered three sponsorship requests from the Human Rights Commission (HRC) that exceeded the council’s $500 approval threshold: a free community screening of 'Won't You Be My Neighbor?', a Kenworthy Center silent‑film festival showing 'Told in the Hills' (ticketed), and a community dinner aimed at University of Idaho students.

Erin Ghegidias, HRC chair, told council the programs align with the commission’s mission “to eliminate discrimination, improve human relations, and effectuate the spirit and intent of applicable human rights legislation.” She described the Kenworthy screening as ticketed and said the commission hoped its sponsorship would reduce cost barriers; she described the community dinner as an outreach effort for students who lost identity offices and supports.

Council members debated whether a ticketed event was an appropriate use of commission funds and raised concerns about late‑fiscal‑year timing and transportation/access for students attending evening events. One council motion to deny funding for the Kenworthy silent‑film sponsorship passed 5–1. The council then approved funding for the student community dinner (4–2) and, separately, approved sponsorship for the Mr. Rogers screening planned for November (5–1).

The HRC chair said the commission intends to use budgeted funds and noted that unspent HRC funds revert to the city’s unanticipated fund balance. Council directed staff and the commission to consider transportation and outreach plans to ensure student participation.

Next steps: HRC and staff will finalize logistics for the community dinner and the November screening; the Kenworthy screening will not receive city sponsorship under this vote.