The Human Rights Commission is hereby authorized and empowered as follows:
(A) The Commission may create and modify rules regarding its meetings, hearings, and procedures to carry out its functions. At its discretion, the Commission may accept volunteer services, including volunteer services of private legal counsel.
(B) The Commission may create committees and sub-committees comprised of members and other volunteers, which in its judgment will aid in effectuating the purposes of the Commission, including, but not limited to: a committee formed to study the problem of discrimination; a committee formed to foster good will, cooperation and conciliation among the diverse groups and population of the village; and a committee formed to make recommendations to the Commission for the development and implementation of programs of formal and informal education and public awareness.
(C) The Commission may, with the consent and approval of the Village Manager, call upon other officers, (departments and agencies of the village government to assist in its programs and projects. The Commission may recommend to Village Council policies, procedures, practices and legislation in all relevant matters.
(D) The Commission may enlist the cooperation of racial, religious, ethnic, community and civic organizations, and other identifiable groups of the village, in its programs and campaigns devoted to the education and advancement of tolerance, understanding and equal protection of the law for all groups and individuals regardless of membership in a protected class.
(E) The Commission may seek and accept contributions, financial or otherwise, on behalf of the village from any person including but not limited to any private, public, governmental, charitable, religious, labor, civic or benevolent organizations, in furtherance of its mission.
(F) The Commission may formulate and develop programs and opportunities (i.e. forums, workshops, research, and publications) to collect and disseminate information regarding the work of the Commission, to minimize or eliminate discrimination, and to promote good will among all persons who live in, work in, or visit the village.
(G) The Commission shall develop a program to receive and report complaints from persons who live in, work in, or visit the village. In its discretion the Commission may seek to conciliate any complaint with the express written consent of the complainant in order to ensure equal access to employment, housing, public accommodations, and education in the village.
(H) The Commission shall cooperate and work with relevant federal, state and local government offices and agencies.
(Ord. 2018-4, passed 4-9-18)