Cheryl Sandford, Vice-Chair of the Library Committee, spoke that the Library Committee had voted unanimously to pass the new labeling policy. She shared a portion of the current library material selection on page 6. Ms. Sandford stressed that the Library Committee was not suggesting removing books from public libraries, but moving them to a restricted area. She continued they were not censoring any constitutionally protected speech. She said the Library Committee aimed to help parents choose books appropriate for their children.
Lilly Mikkelsen, a student, asked the Board to fund the Family Justice Center (FJC) by accepting and approving their new grant application request. She spoke about how domestic violence directly affected the lives of children. She pleaded with the Board to approve the FJC grant application request.
Camille Mikkelsen, a resident and member of Down Home NC, asked the Board to approve the grant application request for the FJC. She spoke about the FJC being the sole domestic violence service provider in Alamance County and how vital their services were to the community. She continued that the FJC has saved the lives of countless individuals by providing shelter during a crisis, connecting victims and families with invaluable resources. Ms. Mikkelsen mentioned that domestic violence did not discriminate by race, ethnicity, or income level.
Jasmine Alston, a resident, spoke in support of the grant application request from the FJC. She shared that she had been a victim of domestic violence and utilized the services of the FJC. She said FJC provided her with therapy resources, where she openly shared what she had been through. Ms. Alston commented that therapy had given her the strength to assist others in getting out of those situations and finding a safe haven. She noted that many people would be lost without the FJC's resources.
Ebony Pinnix, a resident, shared that she had experienced domestic violence. She continued that without the help of the FJC, she would not be standing there. Ms. Pinnix spoke that places like the FJC needed to be funded,as domestic violence not only affected the adults, but also affected children and other family members.
Aletha McKenzie, a resident, spoke about the benefits of the FJC and the opportunity to change people's lives. She said the FJC allows people space to get themselves together. She mentioned that the FJC needed more funding. Ms. McKenzie continued that the Board had the opportunity and privilege to improve people's lives. She thanked the Board for their service.
Teresa Draughn, a resident, spoke about the critical work of the FJC to help survivors of domestic violence. She commented that she was glad to see FJC pursuing opportunities and available resources. She mentioned the previous grant opportunity that the Board had turned down. Ms. Draughn said that the grant required no financial contribution from the county. She indicated that the Board denied it, citing concerns over language and the use of the word "inclusion". She asked the Board to commit additional funding to the FJC that matched or exceeded what they lost when the grant application was denied.
Kelly Stutts, a resident, spoke about the Library Committee and labeling of the library books. She shared her passion for protecting children and advocating for the prevention of child sexual abuse. She said it was the adults' responsibility to protect children. Ms. Stutts mentioned that movies and TV shows had labels. She supported labeling the library books because a four-year-old could not decide what was normal or safe.