Roe Opinion Prompts Questions On West Hartford Board

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Following questions on how it opined on the recent overturning of Roe vs. Wade, the local human rights commission has streamlined how it will issue such statements in the future.

At a special July 6 meeting of the West Hartford Human Rights Commission, members by consensus decided to create a subcommittee to discuss commission statements and then a procedural policy where special meetings could be held to formally render opinions to the public.

The move comes after the June 24 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned the court case that legally gave women the right to choose abortion regarding unwanted pregnancies.

On June 27, West Hartford's human rights board posted a lengthy statement on Facebook about the decision.

"We commissioners recognize that for some, this decision is welcomed as a move forward in the realm of human rights," wrote the commission in the June 27 post.

"But we also acknowledge the profound loss of human rights this represents to millions of Americans. Depriving people of the right to abortion nationwide will not end abortion. This decision only makes it harder to obtain one, endangers lives, and disproportionately impacts the poorest among us."

While the message wasn't debated July 6, how the commission arrived at its decision to post this was of concern.

Namely, that commission members utilized digital means of communication, like texts and emails, to iron out what it wanted to say.

After some consultations with experts, West Hartford Human Rights Commission Co-Chairperson Dawn Ennis said this means of communication when deciding on something as a commission must stop.

"The town requires that we have an open meeting," Ennis said, adding such communications, including private emails, are deemed public documents if used the way they were last month.

"It was apparent that there needed to be more clarity," said commission member Kristen Rosen-Jacobs, who asked for the special meeting to discuss the matter.

As a result, members Ted Mancini and Aurora Melita will head up a subcommittee that will look at how and what statements the commission will put out.

Then, the full commission will vote to decide on those statements either at a regular meeting or a special meeting, which requires 48-hours notice, but can be done virtually if need be.

Melita said at the July 6 special meeting that the urgency of the June 24 Roe vs. Wade issue required a fast response.

"This is not going to be our typical form of action," Melita said, adding the formalized procedures agreed to are the best way to handle future issues. "Moving forward, that makes complete sense."

Established in the 1970s, the West Hartford Human Rights Commission meets quarterly at West Hartford Town Hall and/or virtually. It's members are appointed and serve three-year terms.

To watch the full, July 6 special meeting of the West Hartford Human Rights Commission, click on this link.

To view the West Hartford Human Rights Commission's Facebook page, click on this link.

For more information on the West Hartford Human Rights Commission, click on this link.