Campaigning for equality, faculty and a mayor's job

Friends of Moscow Mayor Nancy Chaney are inviting backers to a campaign kick-off for her 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the home of Tim Gresback and Sarah Nelson, 614 S. Adams St., Moscow (the yellow house one block south of the county courthouse). The event will include country bluegrass music by Yellow Dog Flats.

"Join us for snacks, beverages and an overview of this year's Moscow City election," wrote Chaney Campaign Treasurer Kenton Bird. "Children are welcome."

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This is the 40th anniversary for the American Federation of Teachers Local 3215 at the University of Idaho, reports Nick Gier. ATF Local 3215 has been the de facto UI faculty union since 1973 with regard to handling grievances, he reminds us, and invites all UI faculty, staff and spouses or guests to come celebrate 40 years of ATF supporting faculty and staff in their educational mission 5-8 p.m. Thursday at the 1912 Center, 412 E. Third St., in Moscow. Hearty hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be provided. Several charter members of the union, including emeritus Professors Alan Rose and Gier, will attend.

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The INKster received an email from Joann Muneta this week reminding her of Human Rights Day 8 a.m.-1 p.m. today at the Moscow Farmers Market. The theme of the day is "Women and Work: Supporting Progress Toward Equality."

Joann posed an interesting question in her email: "Did you know that although women earn more than 50 percent of Ph.D.s, only 23 percent of full professors are women? In Idaho, men with a graduate degree earn an average $64,700; women with a graduate degree earn $46,000."

These are just some of the facts that will be displayed today at this year's Human Rights Day at the market, a special event held annually with a different human rights theme each year. This year's event is sponsored by the Latah County Human Rights Task Force, the city of Moscow Human Rights Commission, the University of Idaho Women's Center, the UI LGBTQA Office and Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse.

The Human Rights Day Tent will be on the fountain side of Main Street near the city of Moscow Tent. Activities at the table will include displays, brochures and coloring and puzzles for children. New this year is a gallery of pictures and information about Moscow women representing different areas of work. Joann said organizers would like to see people of all ages stop by and take part in the community dialogue.

The annual Human Rights Day at the farmers market was instituted in Moscow in 1990 as a response to neo-Nazi activities in northern Idaho, including the Aryan Nations Church in downtown Coeur d'Alene.

"Rather than going north to protest, our members decided to sponsor a positive proactive program right here in our town center to show that Idaho is too great for hate," said Joann, who chairs the Task Force.

... the blotter rests.

Vera White pens INK. To contribute to INK, mail vnwhite@cableone.net.