Mansfield HRC to work on Stopping Stones project, orders supplies and pauses Senior Center conversations

The Mansfield Human Rights Commission on May 4 voted to participate in the Stopping Stones project, approved an order for outreach supplies and agreed to pause hosting community conversations at the Senior Center for the time being.

Commissioner Debbie Pallatto-Fontaine moved that the commission work on the Stopping Stone Project; Commissioner Elizabeth Vitullo seconded and the motion passed with all in favor. The meeting record shows Jeannine Kanadia presented background on the project and commissioners discussed whether the HRC had the capacity to participate.

Commissioners also approved an order for pens and notebooks for outreach purposes. Commissioner Jane Fried moved to have the maximum number of pens and notebooks produced; Commissioner Debbie Pallatto-Fontaine seconded and members voted unanimously to approve the order.

Jeannine Kanadia stated that the HRC will, for the meantime, stop hosting community conversations at the Senior Center but will "stay in the loop" for Senior Center events. Member reports included discussion of commemorating Juneteenth and student-led campus activities; Commissioner Hasana Davis reported work by the Discourse and Deliberation course and the Black Student Union. Commissioner Grace Pereira Lopes noted recent rollbacks in intersex youth rights in Portugal and restrictions on flying pride flags on public buildings there; Commissioner Debbie Pallatto-Fontaine noted a Coventry Youth Council event June 16 at Patriots Park.

A guest, identified as Martina, offered brief public comment and said she was glad to attend. The commission adjourned at 7:34 p.m.