This past weekend, Council spent almost half of its two-day meeting considering appropriate responses to these allegations. Council desires to deal with this issue in a fair, responsible, and sensitive manner, recognizing that there are significant financial and professional ramifications to this situation.

In their deliberations, Council members considered the following:

1.      The Society has an existing policy regarding equal opportunity and non-discrimination. "Because discrimination and unequal treatment are inimical to the Society's goals, IVESC hereby declares that discrimination on the grounds of race, color, creed, gender, national origin, age, marital status, family relationship, individual life style, and disability is prohibited within the Society. IVESC will vigorously pursue a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity through its programs, activities, services, operations, employment, and business contracts." (Approved by Council, December 1999)

2.      Notwithstanding this policy, discriminatory practices remain a part of American culture. The charges against the Adam's Mark have brought forth testimony from IVESC members who have experienced discrimination at other IVESC meetings and in daily life. It is important, therefore, that IVESC not only address the specific issues surrounding the Adam's Mark, but to take this opportunity for self-reflection and to seek ways that the Society can at all times be more inclusive and respectful of diverse cultures.

At its meeting last weekend, Council took several immediate actions to begin addressing the issue:

1.      It passed a resolution reaffirming its 1999 policy on equal opportunity and non-discrimination.

2.      Council will support recruiting a major speaker for this event.

3.      It assured that, as usual, the Society will provide those attending the meeting a list of other people in the vicinity.

Council was unanimous in seeking to consult broadly (though speedily) with the larger Society leadership about additional specific actions. Council seeks comment from those in positions of leadership in the Society on those proposed actions or on additional or alternative actions.

1.      The Director will consult with other organizations to discover contract language that will help the Society enforce its equal opportunity/non-discrimination policy.

2.      IVESC President Steven.J.Davidek will write a letter to all members and to affiliated organizations informing them of IVESC's concerns and its policies regarding diversity.