Southold Town

Anti-bias Task Force

Contact Us

In July of 1995 the Town of Southold passed a resolution creating the Southold Town Anti-bias Task Force Steering Committee and gave us this mission statement:

"The Anti-bias Task Force shall promote diversity, unity and understanding in Southold Town. It is their mission to organize educational and group activities as well as legal and legislative efforts to eliminate all forms of bias and prejudice."

First Annual Community Picinic August 28, 2010

Anti-bias Brochure

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

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

Ans. Please do. We meet the third Tuesday of every month, between 10 a.m. and noon at Town Hall. (Please call 765-1800 to confirm the date, time and location) We welcome comments from the public, and will try to make room for your business as early in the meeting as possible. It is very helpful if you submit beforehand (or bring with you) a written statement detailing your incident.  We're here to make the process of seeking help less difficult!

4) Who are the members of the ABTF?

Ans. As of July 2010 our members include: Peter Bel, Edana Cichanowicz, Marjorie Day, Mike Domino, Patricia Fulford, Rev. Nathaniel Heyward, Audrey Horton, Cynthia Kumelos-Smith, Jean LePre, Merle Levine, Eleanor Lingo, Caroline Peabody, Jeanne Marie Merkel, Betty Murphy and Val Shelby.

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 are usually 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) 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.