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MINUTES .City of San Leandr~o.C:ity Cuuncil Special MeetinJ?:-Decembc!:. ?, 2002 Page 12 B. Resolution No. 2002-169, resolution supporting equal opportunity in San Leandro and eliminating the use of the te1111 "minority" in City of San Leandro programs, services, documents, and operations (resolves the City's intent to support equal opportunity in San Leandro and to discontinue using the te1111 "minority" in City programs, services, documents, and operations). (1123) Bernard Ashcraft, 14168 Outrigger Drive, addressed the City Council, requesting the Council adopt the resolution, and saying the tcrm "minority" has negative and divisive connotations. Lou Filipovich, 15376 LaVerne Drive, addrcssed the City Council, stating the rcsolution was crafted without public input and suggesting modification to the language in the first paragraph. Larry Norry, 2532 Williams Street, addressed the City Council, stating the word "minority" when used properly and not for racist pU'1)oses is not offensive and should not be eliminated. Heidi Finberg, San Leandro Chamber of Commerce, addressed the City Council, representing the Chamber orCommerce Executive Committee, Full Board of Directors and the Asian Business Council. Ms. Finberg stated all three bodies unanimously support the resolution. Ms. Finberg noted from a business perspective, business people should be recognized for the quality ortheir work and service or product and not the color of their skin. Mayor Young noted having some dilliculty accepting the wording in the first paragraph or the resolution. Council member Nardine agreed with the Mayor and some orthe speakers and took issue with the term "other" as she believes it is disrespectful to lump groups together that way. Councilmember Nardine suggested using the tcn11 "all ethnic groups" or "all people" instead. Councilmernber Nardine asked why the Council is being asked to take this action as she has spoken with stafT and was told the City does not cUlTently use the term in any of its pro,b'Tams or materials. Councilmember Loe[Jler stated that in the arguments presented to the Human Relations Committee, there seem to be negative connotations associated with the label "minority." Councilmember Loeffler noted the resolution will put the City on record as not furthering the use of the term and its negative connotations. Councilmember Grant stated the resolution is not an indictment orthe City, but rather it is meant to hold the City up as a trendsetter in recognizing the use ofthe tCI111 as demeaning. Couneilll1ember Loeffler suggested by deleting the first paragraph of the resolution, the objections orthe Council are addressed, yet the content is maintained and the intent is still achieved. Mayor Young and Couneilmember Nardine agreed with the suggested change.