On Monday, June 14th, Mayor Deb Frank Feinen along with, Tracy Parsons and Rachel Joy from the office of Equity, Community and Human Rights met with the head of the Israel Military Schools, and other students attending the Israel National Defense College. Lt. Col Tim Scott (Marine Corp) who is currently studying at the college for a year, served as host for the group. The students are pursuing a master’s degree in political science, and this visit focused on race relations in the US.
Mayor Feinen provided an overview of the City Manager form of government, and discussed the role of City Council in setting policy. In addition, Tracy Parsons and Rachel Joy provided information on the Human Rights Ordinance; Community Coalition; and engaged the students in a robust and honest conversation about race in the US, most specifically in Champaign.
Mayor Feinen was presented with a special recognition, and all students received a City of Champaign welcome bag.