Does Delco need an HRC?
By Bob Small
Sometimes I regret not being at a meeting I read about. This is about theproposed Delaware County, Pa. Human Relations Committee (HRC) from the same County Council that was missing in action during the recent hospital closures.
The idea of a HRC can be seen as a punishment for prejudice, which we should no longer need, as we’re past the time of “No Irish need apply” times.
Or are we?
Carris Kocher cited the example of the “Boston Museum of Fine Arts canceling their Kimono Wednesdays program in 2015 after protests accused it of cultural appropriation.” “”
Others cited the very real discrimination that GLBT, among others, can be subject to.
However, the question remains whether Delco needs it’s very own HRC.
Commenting on one speaker’s objections, Nick Williams said I “This is a familiar conservative playbook…acknowledge that discrimination is wrong, but then oppose every single tool designed to address it. “
To quote Carris Kocher again, “This commission’s vague set of rules is not a guarantee of protection for victimized groups. It represents instead the potential for discriminatory, frivolous fines, subjective authoritarian rulings, countless judiciary filings and escalating legal costs for the county and taxpayers “
However, one local publication seemed to land on the side of support Delaware County News – The Spirit with an article entitled “Is being fair, unfair?” including the line “Supporters said the measure would bring fairness and accessible remedies for victims of discrimination “
Another anti-spokesperson said “I find it offensive to have these protected groups. Aren’t all of us protected under the law?”
Wally Nunn, now of Broad and Liberty, said “These unelected appointees will wield the power to investigate, conciliate, adjudicate, and fine citizens who somehow stumble over the 18 pages of protected classes and prohibitions.
Less you think it’s only Delco Chesco and Montco are following, with only Bucks lacking.
Here in Swarthmore, we don’t believe in prejudice as long as you vote Democratic and have the “right”degree (the Poison Ivy League or Swarthmore or Stanford).
If you don’t have a college degree, you may get exiled to Morton or Ridley.
