Establishing a civil rights commission isn’t worthwhile for the town of Munster because it doesn’t “engage in discrimination,” according to Town Council President Andy Koultourides.
Koultourides read a statement during Monday night’s Town Council meeting saying a civil rights commission could potentially cause “consequences and conflicts.” Residents who spoke before his statement expressed disappointment.
“Sixteen other municipalities have one (in Indiana), so there is no reason we can’t be proactive,” said Paul Rotatori. “It’s your choice. In order to continue being a bedroom community of Chicago, you can be ahead of the curve and be seen as welcoming instead of begrudgingly going along.”
Koultourides, who said in his remarks that he doesn’t speak for the entire council, reiterated that council members met with advocates wanting an ordinance or commission established earlier this year. Establishing a commission or ordinance, however, could be an “overreaction.”
“The only specific instances of alleged discrimination which were referred to concerned the schools, and the information we have received suggests that the schools have a detailed policy designed to prevent instances of bullying, harassment or discrimination for any reason, and that the schools take their policy very seriously,” Koultourides said. “We don’t think it is the town government’s place to intrude on or duplicate policies for the schools that already exist.
“Nondiscrimination has always been the town’s policy, and we will continue to reassert and reinforce that.”
Tracy Rucinski, who grew up in Munster, said she would’ve liked to have been “pleasantly surprised” by the town having something in place. She, however, remained disappointed.
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“As someone who’s considering buying a home in my hometown after many years abroad, the lack of willingness to adopt a largely symbolic ordinance is disheartening,” she said.
Resident Lynn Eplawy agreed, saying the whole thing seems like a “no-brainer.”
“It’s such a simple thing,” Eplawy said. “In order to be a good community, I don’t think what we’re asking for is too much.”
Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Koultourides statement
Munster Town Council President Andy Koultourides’ remarks:
I am the current president of the Town Council, but I do not speak for the entire council.
We had a work study meeting with the advocates for a civil rights ordinance several months ago, and received input from them.
I believe there is a sense on the Town Council that creating a civil rights commission with power to subpoena parties, hold administrative hearings, and assess fines and penalties may be an overreaction at this time. There is a potential for unforeseen consequences and conflicts that may not make such a commission worthwhile alternative at present.
We believe Munster is, generally speaking, a diverse community which does not engage in discrimination on any of these bases suggested by the parties urging creation of a commission. We have not been made aware of instances of discrimination in the general community.
The only specific instances of alleged discrimination which were referred to concerned the schools, and the information we have received suggests that the schools have a detailed policy designed to prevent instances of bullying, harassment or discrimination for any reason, and that the schools take their policy very seriously. We don’t think it is the town government’s place to intrude on or duplicate policies for the schools that already exist.
Nondiscrimination has always been the town’s policy, and we will continue to reassert and reinforce that.
The Town of Munster does not discriminate and adheres to all federal and state laws regarding this matter.