All posts in the topic Remembering Allan Spear (Short link)

From: Dyna Sluyter Date: Oct 13 17:38 UTC Short link

We are all deeply indebted to Allan Spear for continuing the
Minneapolis tradition of protecting civil rights without compromise.

	When we passed the nations first Civil Rights law in 1948 under
Hubert Humphrey's leadership we raised the bar. Before that, the most
attention human rights had gotten was a wartime executive order. Then
mayor Humphery later that year defied the dixiecrats and put his own
political future on the line when from the podium of the Democratic
National Convention he demanded that the nation match Minneapolis'
protections for human rights. In 1974 our city again raised the bar
when we added protection of gay men and lesbians to our civil rights
law.

	Fresh from that victory democrats in the state legislature attempted
to expand Minneapolis protections of gay men and lesbians statewide
in 1975. But the gay community was divided- some favored a strategy
of expedience, attempting to pass the Minneapolis law that left out
half the gay community- transgender, transsexual, and intersex folks
and anyone else who due to their gender non conformity couldn't pass
for straight. It's hard to believe today, but republicans from
Minneapolis and Duluth- then representative Arne Carlson and Senator
Ulland- carried the amendment to make the bill inclusive and the
democratic leadership supported the less inclusive bill. But when it
came up for a vote, first the amendment and then the gutted bill
failed, with several promised votes for the bill disappearing.

	The bill was brought up again several times, but didn't have a
chance as the republican party swung to the right and gained more
seats in the legislature. In 1993 the democrats retook control of the
legislature and the bill had a chance of passing- but it would be
close. In the closing days of 1975 Minneapolis added a few words to
our civil rights law that included the whole gay community. Saint
Paul later added the same inclusive language to their civil rights
law. As the bill was being written for submission to the 1993
legislature, Senator Allan Spear insisted that the Minneapolis
language that included the whole gay community be included, despite
the fact that they had barely enough votes to pass the bill.

	As the bill went to the senate floor, supporters were unsure if they
had enough votes to pass it. Senator Allen Spear gave a moving speech
telling of his life as a gay man, including his unsuccessful attempts
at denial and finally acceptance of his identity. When the roll was
taken after Allan's speech, conservative pro-life republican Dean
Johnson of western Minnesota was so moved that he voted for the bill
as it narrowly passed. Senator Allan Spear had that ability to
inspire, as well the taste to play classical music as a prelude to
senate sessions to calm the partisan political emotionalism.

	Allan, we are forever in your debt and you inspire us all to
passionate civility in these partisan times.

		Dyna Sluyter from Hawthorne
    

From: David Strand Date: Oct 13 20:56 UTC Short link

Yes, much thanks to all for sharing these tributes most well deserved.
Allan's legacy is a true inspiration.

David Strand
Pymouth, MN
    

On Mon, Oct 13, 2008 at 12:55 PM, Joe Nathan <jnathan@umn.edu> wrote:

> Very insightful and moving tributes from many, including but not limited
> to Dyna and Laura.
>
> Allan Spear supervised an independent American history project that I
> did for college.  He was bright, fair, thoughtful, interested,
> challenging and very very supportive.  This was my first encounter with
> him.  He was a model for everyone who works at a university in the way
> he dealt with me, and from what I've heard, many, many other students.
>
> He was a vigorous supporter of expanding public school choices (PSEO,
> open enrollment, etc).  He wanted students and families to have more
> strong options.
>
> He was, as Dyna wrote, very eloquent and passionate, but also very
> compassionate.  He was respected by many who disagreed with his
> political ideas.
>
> A great man, who touched and helped transform many, many lives.
>
> Joe Nathan
> Humphrey Institute
> University of Minnesota
>
>
>

From: David Tilsen Date: Oct 18 14:43 UTC Short link

In 1968, When the African American Action Committee occupied Morell Hall at
the University of Minnesota, Allan saw it for the important historical event
that it was, and marched his entire class over to the building to learn what
was going on, talk to people and many of them (including Allen) stayed to
support the students.

This was my introduction to Allen, and I admiration for him lasted for the
next 40 years to the present as I worked with him in many capacities.

When I was Chair of the Minneapolis School Board, and he was President of
the Senate we had many opportunities to lobby each other, strategize (and
sometimes disagree) but he was always supportive, honest and respectful even
when he were on opposite sides.

I morn him, but rejoyce that we had him with us for as long as we did.


David Tilsen