MPR Archive presents a selection of stories tied to various the aspects, history, and battles for civil rights of individuals and groups within the State of Minnesota.
September 22, 2000 - The Ventura administration is considering whether to join five other states in extending benefits to the domestic partners of state employees. Ventura recently directed his commissioner of employee relations to study the cost and feasibility of domestic partner benefits, which could include health care and other insurance. The proposal will have to go before the legislature, where it could face significant opposition. Anne DeGroot is the director of outfront Minnesota, an advocacy group for gays and lesbians. She's happy to see the state taking this step:
October 10, 2000 - Minneapolis Schools Superintendent Carol Johnson will recommend to the school board tonight that the district stop sponsering or promoting Boy Scout Troops. That decision is a reaction to the U-S Supreme Court ruling which allows the Boy Scouts to ban gay troop leaders. Superintendent Johnson says the policies of the Boy Scouts and the school district are now in direct conflict. Minneapolis Schools Superintendent Carol Johnson.
November 3, 2000 - What do you do if you're not who you think you are? A hermaphrodite's memoires are now the basis of a play in the Twin Cities.
November 16, 2000 -
November 20, 2000 - After years of wrangling, the University of North Dakota is preparing to decide the future of the schools Fighting Sioux nickname. The Sioux name was chosen in 1930, and is a focus of school pride. Since the 1960s people have challenged the name, some charging it is offensive to Native Americans. A commission studying the use of the Sioux nickname held its final meeting today. Next month the U-N-D president will recommend keeping or changing the nickname. The states board of higher education will make the final decision. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Gunderson reports.
November 21, 2000 - Adressing a sold-out crowd at the Minneapolis Hilton Monday, former South African president Nelson Mandela spoke of the need for people on opposite sides of debates to respect one another, and of the ability of the U.S. to influence attitudes on racism around the world. His message was above all a hopeful one that any society can acheive justice. Mandela declined to express an opinion on the U.S. presidential election, but spoke glowingly of President Clinton's efforts to reach out to African nations. Minnesota Public Radio's Amy Radil reports.
November 27, 2000 -
November 28, 2000 - Saint Cloud State University has made headlines over the past five years for at least a dozen discrimination lawsuits brought against the school. One of the longest standing cases - a sex discrimination class action lawsuit -- has been in the courts for almost four years and is now entering settlement talks. Typically, plaintiffs in such actions are advised to not speak out about their case. But the latest discrimination case against St Cloud State is getting attention because the complainant is willing to speak out. Israeli-born Arie Zmora Helms reports.
November 29, 2000 - The Mayflower church in southwest Minneapolis has sponsored boy scout troop 187 for over 70 years, almost as long as the church has been in existence. The church also has one of the most liberal policies toward welcoming gay and lesbian members, and ordaining gay clergy. So in the months since the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the right of the Boy Scouts of America to ban gay scoutmasters, church members and others involved with the troop say their values are in conflict, and they're wondering how best to seek changes in the policy. Minnesota Public Radio's Amy Radil reports.
December 5, 2000 - A Lutheran church in St. Paul voted this week to ordain a lesbian pastoral minister who has been with the congregation since 1983. The decision by St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church defies a rule by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America that prohibits the ordination of gay or lesbian pastors living in committed relationships. Pastor Paul Tiedaman says the congregation took the action after many years of waiting for the ELCA to change its position. But he says ELCA officials finally ruled last month that they would not approve Anita Hill's ordination.