A Woodstock resolution affirming the principles of the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights has drawn the ire of two councilmembers, one calling it a sham.
“Whereas, it is essential that every individual and group in our town understands and upholds the principles of human rights, fostering mutual respect and cooperation among all residents,” read part of the resolution crafted by councilmember Anula Courtis. “Whereas, the Town of Woodstock is committed to ensuring equality, justice, and opportunity for all, regardless of race, color, gender, language, religion, sexual orientation, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, immigration status, perceived immigration status, or other status. Whereas, the Town of Woodstock recognizes the importance of building inclusive communities that embrace diversity, and whereas, the Town of Woodstock actively rejects discrimination in all its forms.”
Councilmember Bennet Ratcliff angrily dismissed the resolution. He was grimacing and whispering to his colleague Maria Elena Conte while councilmember Anula Courtis was reading the resolution she had crafted.
“I find this not just aspirational. I find it exasperational,” he said. “The Town of Woodstock doesn’t actively reject discrimination in all forms. In fact, we are constantly fighting to continue to hire a police officer who has discriminated and [is] biased. We have a new lawsuit by another police officer who was fired because of his claims of bias. Our own supervisor has not brought forward a chair for the Human Rights Commission, even though one came before us and asked to be reappointed, along with another member.”
Supervisor Bill McKenna attempted to correct Ratcliff by saying the officer was still on the payroll list. Officer Anthony Schleuderer was dismissed from active duty because of Parkinson’s disease. He has filed a lawsuit against the town.
The town recently settled a lawsuit filed by three officers and a former dispatcher alleging racist and sexually charged comments by part-time officer Phil Sinagra, who is on paid administrative leave except for one day per week, when he reports to a desk in the supervisor’s office and has no responsibilities.
Rtacliff took another tack.
“This resolution is a sham. It doesn’t even mention clean water,” Ratcliff said.
Source testing and clean water. That’s a human right,” council member Conte said.
“If you believe in every single word that you just said, then you will vote yes,” Courtis said.
“That is just absolutely the most hypocritical thing I have ever heard,” Ratcliff replied.
Conte added, “How about a warming center for homeless people? That’s a human right.”
After more discussion, the resolution passed 3-2. Courtis, McKenna and councilmember Laura Ricci voted in favor while Ratcliff and Conte voted against.
Protecting immigrants
A Woodstock policing policy adopted in 2017 prohibits treatment based on individual demographics, which include race, ethnic background, national origin, residency, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, immigration status, religion, socioeconomic status, age, disability, cultural group or political status.
“All persons having contact with members of this agency shall be treated in a fair, impartial, equitable and objective manner, in accordance with law, and without consideration of their individual demographics as defined by this policy,” it states.
The policy requires requests for assistance from federal immigration authorities be directed to the police chief. The Woodstock police may provide assistance in the form of traffic control or peacekeeping efforts.
The policy specifically forbids detaining individuals in custody for a civil-immigration hold unless a warrant signed by a federal judge naming the individual is provided.
“Individuals who make voluntary admissions that they are undocumented aliens and there is no criminal charge for which an officer can make a legal arrest, does not on its own, justify the basis for an arrest,” the policy reads.
Refusing to provide residency status does not, on its own, justify an arrest, according to the policy.
Join the family! 
