At a recent Human Relations Commission meeting visitors, including a number of students and an educator from a Bowling Green State University class, expressed concerns regarding recent letters to the editor of the Sentinel-Tribune. The concerns expressed had to do with the members of the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgendered community and their allies' potential feelings of apprehension to call law enforcement based on comments made in a letter authored by the President of the Wood County Chapter of Cops for Christ.
The members of the City of Bowling Green's Human Relations Commission very strongly embrace our stated goal to "promote respect for diversity through education and advocacy."
We strongly uphold the First Amendment right to free speech and respect the personal views of individuals regarding their interpretations of the Bible and other religious materials. We recognize that an individual's affiliation with a group does not necessarily represent the thoughts or actions of the individuals.
 

We support law enforcement agencies in Wood County in their work of enforcing the law. We expect our law enforcement personnel to treat all citizens with respect through non-discriminatory practices. We encourage those who feel that their treatment has not met these standards to contact chief executive of the appropriate law enforcement agency.
The commission recognizes the efforts of the City of Bowling Green Police Division in providing for fair and equitable treatment of persons that its members serve. We have been assured that appropriate systems are in place for oversight, supervision and application of the law enforcement processes, as evidenced by inquiries made of the chief of police and the city safety services director in the matter brought before the commission.
The Humans Relations Commission meets at 8 a.m. on the first Friday of each month in the council chambers of the City Administration Building, 304 N. Church St. All meetings are open to the public. Public input is always welcome.
Sandy Rowland
Chair
City of Bowling Green
Human Relations Commission