Blog Note: I initially thought this was a story worth covering. I disagreed that it was worthy of an investigation, but the tip I received said there was an ongoing investigation. Apparently that isn’t so as of yet. Women have been purchasing tickets to attend all along. The more I see about it the more I feel it is an effort to create an issue where none exists in an effort to force a leadership change at the Fort Vancouver National Trust.
UPDATE: The Columbian raises serious doubts as to the existence of the woman, Rebecca Pulliam who is said to have filed a complaint over this event. A name familiar to us all, Marcus Griffith is tied to the matter.
Word has reached CCC that a fundraiser for the Fort Vancouver National Trust is under formal investigation by the Washington State Human Rights Commission for a Civil Rights violation concerning their Suits and a Keg event scheduled for this Friday evening, August 12, 2011.
The issue? It was initially billed as a “Guys Only Event,” that wording having been discarded since the investigation was begun.
Click on image for larger view
As can be seen above, the “Guys Only” has been reworded simply to “this event.” However, the following screen shot taken just now, 12:56 AM Tuesday August 9 shows it still billed as a “Guys Event,” just not “Guys Only.”
The event meant to “capture the spirit of the 1950’s” seems to capture it a bit more than current anti-discrimination law allows by initially billing it as “Guys Only.”.
As a guy myself and beyond seeing this as an incredible waste of precious tax dollars by launching a formal civil rights violation investigation at this time, I don’t see a problem with a “Guys Only Event.” I also have no problem if anyone schedules a “Girls Night Out” for women and the men are not invited.
Far from being a denial of equal rights, I see such “Guys or Girls Only” events as acknowledging the differences between men and women. As much as we want equality in society, we are still different and enjoy different things.
I for one respect and acknowledge those differences between the sexes. That’s a large part of why I labeled this investigation as a huge waste of our tax dollars at this time when our precious tax dollars are dwindling. It’s also what attracts us to each other and helps keep our species going with future generations.
My attitude runs counter to the tipster that sent me word of this. Everybody is entitled to their view, however, whether we agree or not.
Also of issue, Rebecca Pulliam has filed the complaint alleging that she was told this is a “Mens only event” and that Jared Hidden, freelance writer for the Vancouver Voice and who, as a member of the Fort Vancouver National Trust’s development committee came up with the idea for the event told her she would not be able to bring her breast-feeding baby to the event. Why a mother would want to expose her breast-feeding infant to a night of loud music, hors d’oeuvres, cigars, big screens, poker and cold brew isn’t explained, which automatically brings her intent into question, as well as wondering where CPS is in all of this.
Jared Hidden was initially listed a manager for the Vancouver Voice, which is how the Vancouver Voice was listed as part of this investigation. I have
spoken by email with some of the particulars and listed an update below.
This more and more appears to be another attempt at creating controversy where none exists and should just die away instead of wasting thousands of dollars of our taxes.
UPDATE Aug 9: Reply received from Elson Strahan, President & CEO, Fort Vancouver National Trust:
“To your question about a change in our marketing, our publicity materials have always used our tag line of “truly a guys event.” There was apparently a shorthand reference on a few early receipts that indicated it was a guys only event. It never was part of our promotional information.”
“Finally, we have not received any formal investigation inquiry, except for a call asking if we were excluding women, to which we answered in the negative.”
“This is a non-issue. A reporter at the Vancouver Voice apparently stirred this up to create a story, which will ultimately result in a waste of time and taxpayer money if the State’s civil rights staff has to respond. We invite you – and ALL your readers – to join us this Friday.” (emphasis added)
A “non-issue” is exactly what I feel this should be. I wish the event great success!
UPDATE: Both the Columbian and the Portland Mercury have added coverage of this non-issue now. Comments left by readers are not exactly sympathetic.
One name so far left out of this story is the Vancouver Voice’s Marcus Griffith, who seems to be involved, judging by emails I received from him. Asking what he knew of this, I received the reply off, “I was listed as a witness to an alleged violation of Washington’s anti-discrimination laws. I will comply with my ethical and lawful obligations to cooperate with the investigation,” along with the explanation of Washington State Law as he sees it.
Clark County Conservative 