Ten Common Questions You May Be Asking About Us

1) What is the Anti-bias Task Force?

2) How do I submit a report, concern, or complaint?

3) What happens after the ABTF receives my report?

4) Who are the members of the ABTF?

5) How does the ABTF reach out to achieve its aims?

6) Will my report be available to the public or kept private?

7) Can the ABTF recommend a local individual to speak at my informal, or school, function on an anti-bias topic?

8) Are police and schools required to report anti-bias incidents to you?

9) Can I appear before the ABTF and discuss my case?

10) Where else can I get assistance?

1) What is the Anti-bias Task Force?

Ans. The ABTF promotes and advocates heterogeneity, rapport, and acceptance on the North Fork. "As the town of Southold is enriched by the diversity of its population," read the 1995 resolution, "no form of bias, bigotry, or prejudice is acceptable in Southold." Consequently "an affirmative program of anticipating and reducing intergroup tensions, promoting community harmony, and fostering respect and tolerance is in the best interests of Southold Town." Cordiality plus a spirit of pulling together are thus both essential and welcomed. Therefore, "the goal of the Southold Town Anti-bias Task Force is to plan and implement programs to promote intergroup harmony, reduce prejudice, foster respect and tolerance, and shall advise the Town Board on the appropriate responses to bias-related issues and incidents whenever necessary."

2) How do I submit a report, concern, or complaint?

Ans. Either to any member of the ABTF; or in writing care of The Southold Town Hall (Attn. Anti-bias Task Force), P.O. Box 1179, 53095 Main Road, Southold New York 11971. We are interested in what you have to say as well as what you have experienced.

3) What happens after the ABTF receives my report?

Ans. We can facilitate and assist you in the progress of your complaint, or advise you on resolving the issue. The 1995 resolution lists our responsibilities, such as (a) to serve as liaison between the community and government when an issue of bias occurs or is perceived to have occurred; and (b) "serve as the community resource to which the public should be encouraged to turn to with complaints about bias-related incidents." If an aggrieved party, states the resolution, "is not satisfied with progress on complaint for whatever reason," the ABTF’s "responsibility is (a) attempt to act as intermediary between parties and resolve differences, and (b) inform the ‘aggrieved’ of further steps he/she can undertake." Furthermore, quoting again from the resolution, "The Anti-bias Task Force can act only on specific complaints from individuals or groups." However, please note that the resolution also states that the ABTF "has no investigatory or police authority and serves in an advisory role to individuals, groups, or government."

4) Who are the members of the ABTF?

Ans. As of Jan. 2003 our members include: Ruth Oliva (chairperson), Merle Levine (vice chairperson), Gina Rusch (treasurer), and Cindy Smith (secretary/minutes). We also have on board Paula Bengston, Ed Blesch, Lee Carlson, Sabrina Crenshaw, Viola Cross, Michael J. Domino, Keith Douglas Griffith, Kate Kasprzyk, Eleanor M. Lingo, Carolyn Peabody, Val Shelby, and Ethel Singleton. And on an ad hoc basis: Vanessa Craigo.

Note: The members are appointed by the Town government for two year terms, half may have their terms up at the end of any given year. And the group meets generally once a month at the Town Hall (meetings here may be, and usually are, open to the public). Additionally at other times members may meet elsewhere in one of three subgroups (see #5) or out in the community as our activities and services warrant.

5) How does the ABTF reach out to achieve its aims?

Ans. One way is through our subcommittees: Legal, Education, and Community. Each subcommittee has their own monthly meetings to focus on specific needs of Southold Town. The 1995 resolution specifically asks us to "organize activities and educational forums to help foster good will and understanding in the diverse Southold population."

6) Will my report be available to the public or kept private?

Ans. That’s entirely up to the complainant. Please specify such when corresponding to us.

7) Can the ABTF recommend a local individual to speak at my informal, or school, function on an anti-bias topic?

Ans. We are in the process of compiling a list of individuals who have made it known to us that they have in the past spoken on this topic and can do so in the future. Please remember that hiring these speakers is entirely between the two parties involved and not through us. Listing them does not constitute our endorsement.

Note also: If you would like to be added to our lists, please contact us in writing stating the topic(s) you’d be willing to speak on, within our town.

8) Are police and schools required to report anti-bias incidents to you?

Ans. No, we learn of them entirely through reports filed by you, the public. While all crimes including bias incidents must be reported to the police, the 1995 resolution only stresses that the police "should report to an established contact on the Task Force" occurrences of bias in the community and, then, only if reporting the circumstances to us does not interfere with their police procedures. Currently neither the present police department, nor the schools, notify us at all on any bias-related events they have been made aware of. In the end, our effectiveness, comprehension, and enlightenment regarding prejudice in this community relies solely on the public informing us about each and every case of biases encountered by residents in the Town of Southold. We look forward to hearing from you.

9) Can I appear before the ABTF and discuss my case?

Ans. Please do. We meet every third Thursday of the month, presently between 9:00 and 11 AM, and welcome comments from the public once our current business has been dealt with. If possible submit beforehand or bring with you a written statement detailing your incident to the meeting. We’re here to make the process of rectification less difficult!

10) Where else can I get assistance?

Ans. Help is all around. Part of our resolution urges us to outline additional government resources that are available. Check the phone book to get in touch with these and other helpful organizations: the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission office; the NY attorney general, NYS Division of Human Rights, NY Civil Liberties Union; Housing Complaints; NYS and Suffolk County Dept. of Labor; the Naturalization and Immigration Service; Legal Aid Society of Suffolk Co.; and the East End Gay Organization.