153.02 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES.

   (a)    The general goals of the Human Relations Commission in carrying out its powers and duties shall assure:

      (1)   Equal protection of the law and full rights and privileges of citizenship for all people;

      (2)   Full equality of opportunity in the total economic, political and cultural life of a community;

      (3)   Improved communication, understanding and cooperation between all racial, ethnic and religious groups; and

      (4)   Equal employment in all departments and levels of government and equal services to all residents.

   (b)    The objectives of the Human Relations Commission shall be:

      (1)   To strive to eliminate the artificial barriers and controls which deny the residents of this community the right to choose their own homes.

      (2)   To seek first through conciliation to wipe out discrimination in public accommodations, services and law enforcement, and should this measure fail, employ whatever enforcement powers the ordinances of the City may from time to time provide, assist, direct and/or the complaining party or group to such State or Federal enforcement groups that might be available.

      (3)   To help develop programs that assure equality in educational facilities and which provide for all children according to their potential and varying needs.

      (4)   To implement programs with the Chief of Police to create a knowledgeable and meaningful understanding of the special sensitivities of minority groups by all police officers.

      (5)   To stimulate the business and civic community to become actively involved in the social program and particularly in employment problems that produce wide gaps between the majority and minority citizenry.

      (6)   To develop ways of anticipating, preparing for and relieving community tensions arising from racial differences.

      (7)   To act as an interpreter and conciliator in those instances where tensions erupt into social disturbances and offer recommendations to hasten the necessary social change which may deter the recurrence of a similar social disturbance.

      (8)   Be concerned with inequities in the criminal justice system, including correctional institutions.

      (9)   To secure and maintain an adequate, factual basis for sound planning and action.

      (10)    Make recommendation to initiate, develop, modify and facilitate legislation and programs with community groups, both public and private, to obtain a better adjustment between EEO, Civil Service Commission, community resources and human relations needs.

      (11)    To improve and facilitate interrelationships and to promote coordination between organizations both public and private, groups and individuals concerned with community resources and human relations needs.

      (12)    To develop public support of, and participation in, human relations problem areas requiring attention and action.

         (Ord. 81-158. Passed 6-2-81.)