(A) It shall be the duty of the Commission on Human Relations:
(1) To make such investigations and studies in any field of human relations in the community as in the judgment of the Commission will aid in effectuating its general purposes.
(2) To inquire into incidents of division and conflict based upon discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation or gender identity, and seek to correct the same by recommending to appropriate agencies, either public or private, such actions as may be considered necessary or helpful in eliminating such discrimination.
(3) To conduct and recommend such educational and other programs, as, in the judgment of the Commission, will increase good will among inhabitants of the community and assure equal opportunities in all phases of community life for all inhabitants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation or gender identity,.
(‘66 Code, § 36.23) (Ord. 1968-2, passed 2-20-68; Am. Ord. 2017-18, passed 1-2-18)
(B) The Commission is empowered:
(1) To act as conciliator in matters involving race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation or gender identity.
(2) To receive and investigate complaints and to initiate its own investigation of racial, religious, and ethnic group tensions, prejudice, intolerance, bigotry and disorder and practices of discrimination against any person because of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation or gender identity, including discrimination by any city official or city agency against any individual, corporation, or association, and to develop programs and techniques designed to bring about the elimination of such discrimination.
(3) To request the testimony of any person and request the production of any evidence relating to any matter under investigation or in question before the Commission. The Commission after the completion of any investigation shall make a report in writing to the Mayor setting forth the facts found by it and its recommendations and shall use its best efforts to bring about compliance with its recommendations.
(4) To adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of its business.
(‘66 Code, § 36.22) (Ord. 1968-2, passed 2-20-68; Am. Ord. 2017-18, passed 1-2-18)
(C) The Commission shall when requested act in an advisory capacity to and otherwise cooperate with the State Civil Rights Commission wherever possible to effect compliance with state laws. ('66 Code, § 36.27) (Ord. 1968-2, passed 2-20-68)