Tompkins County Human Rights Commission Hosts Lieutenant Governor, Conversation on Issues Facing Residents

Friday, August 16, 2024

Introducing himself to the group, New York State Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado described issues being faced in this time of "divisiveness and incivility," calling for leaders and institutions to find meaningful ways to partner and connect. Lt. Governor Delgado emphasized the goals of "wellness and resilience as communities" which can be achieved, in his view, by leading with love.

The Lieutenant Governor discussed his leadership of the New York State Hate and Bias Prevention Unit and a newly unveiled Office of Service and Civic Engagement. He described the need to connect with people on a human level and make the resources available to meet people where they are and provide meaningful supports.

Chair of the Tompkins County Human Rights Commission Dr. Peyi Soyinka-Airewele, who fondly remembered teaching Delgado years ago at Colgate University, remarked that his "integrity resounds" as it did then and does now in his role with New York State. Soyinka-Airewele led a discussion on the commission's work on issues facing the community and the challenges faced making progress addressing human rights at the local level.

Dr. Ken Clarke, Director of the Tompkins County Office of Human Rights spoke about the types of discrimination faced by the Office's clients. Clarke described the housing and employment concerns that "seem to predominate." Housing discrimination complaints are made to the Office from residents who experience landlords or property managers not making reasonable accommodations, not addressing livability issues, or charging more than one month's rent for security deposits. Employment issues raised to the office are often around equity in the workplace, with clients reporting feeling singled out because of their federally protected class.

Clarke announced to the group that over 100 community leaders and residents have signed onto an August 6 letter decrying recent local acts of racial harassment.

In conversation with Lieutenant Governor Delgado about the commission's work and a "culture shift" necessary to accomplish its work, Chair Soyinka-Airewele described the trust developed with the elected legislature and the wider community. Soyinka-Airewele remarked on the need for consistency across issues and "at every single intervention."

Chair Soyinka-Airewele invited commissioners to detail the community-based work that they are doing. Commissioner Ruth Yarrow identified the local efforts to reform policing and reimagine public safety as directed by New York State Executive Order 203. Yarrow spoke about successes like healing events, community resource hubs, and a data dashboard all led by the Community Justice Center. The successes were mentioned alongside the importance of reminding all law enforcement leaders in Tompkins County of their responsibilities to serve people of color and carry out the reform work called for by the community. Lieutenant Governor Delgado inquired about how community engagement was providing foundation to the work - Yarrow replied that the work and plans are predicated on significant and heartfelt input by people of color, "the groundwork is solid."

Building on the discussion of the recent letter published by the Office of Human Rights, Commissioner Peaches Gillette recounted her family's experience of racial harassment at Stewart Park this summer, "for the first time I was so angry. I can't remember the last time I felt that way" adding that it wasn't one isolated incident, but two on back-to-back days, "something is going on here that needs to be addressed." Gillette spoke about being angry at the community members who didn't respond when they witnessed the harassment, saying that this is supposed to be a "loving" community, "focused on racial justice and having each other's back, but no one stood up." Commissioners called out the passivity of community members who could intervene when it comes to racism. "Where is our fervor, where is our courage?" she concluded.

Chair Soyinka-Airewele spoke about the need for awareness of rising hate and bias situations, including her own experiences facing racist death threats in her role as a Professor at Ithaca College. She spoke about hearing directly from women across Tompkins County during a commission-held event, "Unmute Yourself" on experiences of discrimination in the healthcare system.

The Lieutenant Governor spoke about the need for preparing the community to engage in those moments, while not defaulting "to a position of convenience." He spoke about this work being forward thinking and proactive, adding that "to assume it [action] will materialize on its own is a disservice to our children and communities." He added an appreciation for "turning pain into purpose."

Commissioner Theresa Fulton provided an overview of the work being done to call attention to homelessness in Tompkins County and discussions around housing as a human right. Fulton spoke about the work the commission has done to speak directly with people experiencing homelessness about what could have helped to prevent those situations for them, and any ideas for solutions they may have. She spoke about the role of the commission in advocacy and volunteerism around the issue "…work to help the public understand that people can and should be helped."

Later this year the commission will embark on a broad community survey asking for perspectives on human rights issues led by Commissioner Yolore Airewele, who serves as the community survey coordinator. Airewele spoke to Lieutenant Governor Delgado about the need for a survey to set a baseline on the community's experiences with human rights issues and opportunities for change. Lieutenant Governor Delgado stated that "the information you get will be important, but surveying will raise the public's consciousness and elevate awareness" of the issues.

Chair Soyinka-Airewele appealed to the Lieutenant Governor to continue to increase the staffing resources at the State Division of Human Rights and look into prohibitive rules at the Department of Education limiting relief for students and parents filing cases of discrimination.

Lieutenant Governor Delgado offered closing remarks on how his office is working to deliver resources across New York State and offered his office to help engage and work with local people and organizations on these issues.