Cumbo Stands With Survivors of Sexual Assault, Demands Hospital Issue Apology, Comply with State Law
City Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Crown Heights) chair of the Committee on Women’s Issues and co-chair of the Women’s Caucus, reacts to revelations that The Brooklyn Hospital Center illegally billed survivors of sexual assault for rape kits.
The revelations come as part of an almost two-year investigation by New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. According to initial reports, between January 2015 and February 2017, the Brooklyn Hospital Center conducted 86 exams, known as rape kits. In all but one of those cases, the hospital charged the patient or the patient’s insurance company for the kit without making it clear the exam could be free. The hospital sent at least seven of these bills to collection agencies according to Schneiderman.
“After undergoing such a traumatic experience, it is unconscionable to revictimize survivors of sexual assault who courageously came forward in search of help by illegally billing them for rape kits. They deserve to be supported and encouraged, not deterred. The Brooklyn Hospital Center should ensure that the proper protocols are in place when dealing with patients admitted due to sexual violence. I am also calling on the Hospital’s administration to issue a formal apology to every survivor who was wrongfully billed and train its staff to implement the procedures that will comply with state law,” said Cumbo.
Donovan’s Bill Mandating Anti-Harassment Training For Congress Passes House
Congressman Dan Donovan (R-South Brooklyn, Staten Island), a member of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence, announced that H.Res. 630, legislation he cosponsored to foster a safer and more accountable work environment for all congressional members and employees, unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday.
The legislation mandates that all House members, officers, and employees complete anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training each session of Congress.
Additionally, the resolution requires all members and staff of the House of Representatives to undergo annual sexual harassment prevention and response training. All individuals must complete the training within 90 days of the beginning of the congressional session and are required to submit a certificate of completion to the Committee on House Administration. Additionally, the resolution requires all offices to post a statement of employees rights and protections in the workplace.
“Sexual harassment, discrimination, or disrespectful actions have no place in our society, especially not in the workplace. This legislation will not right all the wrongs or change the bad actions of the past, but it’s time Congress instituted necessary protections and training to prevent future incidents,” said Donovan.
BP Adams Hosts First-Ever Celebration Of Plantsgiving
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams will host Brooklyn Borough Hall’s first-ever celebration of Plantsgiving today.
Adams will partner with Good Food Initiative and Truth Health Culture Festival and advocacy organizations to focus on whole food.
The celebratory vegan gathering will feature an array of live performances from world-class artists such as DJ Stretch Armstrong and Strings N Skins, a chef cook-off, and samplings from restaurants across the city, as well as a panel discussion on healthy food access featuring Borough President Adams and other plant-based activists, including retired NFL linebacker David Carter and Dr. Michelle McMacken from NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue.
The event is slated for 6:30 p.m., today, Nov. 30 at Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
Treyger, Gentile Advocate For Pedestrian & Cyclist Safety In South Brooklyn
City Council members Mark Treyger (D-Coney Island, Bensonhurst, Gravesend) and Vincent J. Gentile (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach) have joined Community Board 11 in advocating for the safety of southern Brooklyn’s pedestrians and cyclists by calling for guard rails to be installed along the Belt Parkway, from Bay Parkway to Bay 8th Street, to separate the road from the Gravesend Bay Promenade and Shore Parkway Greenway.
In a letter sent to the Department of Transportation (DOT) this week, Treyger and Gentile expressed their support for a resolution unanimously adopted at the November 9, 2017 general meeting of Community Board 11, which asked the DOT to immediately begin studying the installation of guard rails along eastbound lanes of the Belt Parkway between Exits 4 and 5.
Currently, guardrails are in place to separate the Belt Parkway from the promenade and adjacent parkland – which run parallel to the Parkway – west of Bay 8th Street. However, no such protection for pedestrians or cyclists exists from Bay 8th Street until Bay Parkway, where the promenade terminates. The area is a popular location where many local residents and visitors engage in recreational activities including walking, jogging, cycling, roller blading, and fishing.
“Many local residents and visitors alike frequent the promenade and Shore Parkway Greenway along the Belt Parkway for recreational activities including cycling, jogging, fishing, or leisurely walks along Gravesend Bay. We need to protect the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. We already have guard rails separating the Parkway from the promenade west of Bay 8th Street. The residents of Bensonhurst and Bath Beach and the visitors who frequent the eastern portion of the promenade and Greenway deserve the same sort of protection,” said Treyger.
“I was incensed and astonished when I heard of the recent terrorist act on unsuspecting and innocent cyclists in lower Manhattan. It was gut-wrenching to hear of the devastation caused, in which eight innocent lives were lost. While we must continue to live in an open and free society, we must also take basic, yet vitally important steps to safeguard innocent civilians. That is why I join with Councilman Treyger today in advocating for bicyclist and pedestrian safety. I place my strong support behind the resolution passed by Community Board 11 which calls for a Department of Transportation study regarding the installation of guardrails along the Belt Parkway from Bay 8th Street to Bay Parkway. We must ensure that we are doing all that we can to enhance safety in our public spaces, and the installation of these guardrails will do just that,” said Gentile.
Bichotte Commemorates the Long-Standing History Between Haiti and Israel
Assembly member Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Flatush, Ditmas Park) commemorated the long-standing history between Haiti and Israel that was cemented 70 years ago.
The United Nations, 70 years ago, passed a resolution for the formation of the Jewish State of Israel, where Haiti cast the deciding vote in the debate at the General Assembly. The nations of Israel and Haiti share a long and unique relationship. Before the independence of Haiti 213 years ago, the people of Haiti experienced a period of slavery, reminiscent of what the Jewish People experienced for 210 years in Egypt.
The Jewish community was deeply rooted in Haiti during colonial times, due to the Inquisition of 1492 in the Iberian Peninsula which forced Jewish people to flee, convert or be killed for practicing their religion, leading many Jewish people to flee to Haiti. Throughout the 1600’s, various laws ordered all the Jewish people out of the French colonies of America. Jewish people fled and found haven in Haiti, with many of these residents subsequently establishing thriving communities and businesses. In the 1800’s, Jewish people fled pogroms and the oppressive laws of Tsarist Russia and the Levant, and found asylum in Haiti. They settled on the coastline, and in port cities, many of which were involved in commerce and trade. As a result, Haiti was instrumental in saving the lives of 70 Jewish families during the Holocaust. According to the Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, an estimated total of up to 300 Jews who fled Nazi Germany came to Haiti. There were others who never came to Haiti, but were given Haitian passports by the Haitian Government which allowed them to flee Germany and relocate to other countries, escaping certain death.
On the 29th of November 1947, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution calling for Palestine to be apportioned between Arabs and Jews, allowing for the formation of the Jewish State of Israel.
“Not many people know about the relationship between Haiti and Israel, and I am happy to share this part of our joint history. One of the highlights of my world travel has been my 2011 trip to Israel where I was privileged to visit Holy Sites and the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. During that trip I noted that Haiti was not properly commended for their role in saving Jewish people who were fleeing the Holocaust, based on communication I was able to have with Haiti Holocaust Survivor Bill Mohr and his wife Harriet Mohr who found refuge in Haiti for ten months during the holocaust. As a result of this, Yad Vashem added an exhibit where they commemorate this vital history,” said Bichotte.
“After the 2010 devastating earthquake in Haiti, Israel was the first country to come and set up field hospitals and initiate other vital work. Haiti remains grateful to Israel for their help in their time of need. Baby boys born in these field hospitals were named ‘Israel’ in memorialization of Israel’s significant role in the aftermath of the earthquake,” added Bichotte.
Williams Honors Real-Life Wonder Woman
City Council Member Jumaane D Williams (D-Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) will present an official proclamation to Ms. Diana Wright, a public school teacher and real-life Wonder Woman today.
Williams will be joined by Speaker Mark-Viverito and Council Member Mathieu Eugene (D-Prospect-Lefferts, Ditmas Park; parts of Crown Heights, Flatbush, East Flatbush) to honor Diana Wright, a 5th Grade Teacher in Brooklyn who lost her leg in a hit and run accident, who now wears a prosthetic limb. Wright has since spread a message of confidence, passion, and strength to push forward.
The event will be in recognition of and gratitude for the message that Wright has shared and the example she has been for her students, her community, and millions worldwide.
The event is slated for 1:30 pm.m, today, Thursday, Nov. 30, at The City Council Chamber in Lower Manhattan.
