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HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
There is hereby established a Human Rights Commission. The purpose of the Commission is to promote the acceptance of cultural diversity in the city; to promote the elimination of hate, prejudice and discrimination against persons or groups based on race, color, gender, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, and age all as defined in M.S. § 363A.03 (herein “protected classes”); to educate the community on issues of discrimination and cultural diversity; to advise the City Council and administration on human rights issues; and to promote the goals and objectives of the State Human Rights Act, being Minn. Stat. §§ 363A.01 et seq. The Commission shall consist of seven members who shall be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council. Appointments to the Commission should reflect a broad cross section of the ethnic, cultural and other diversity of the community. In making appointments, consideration should be given to persons of protected classes, including persons of either sex, sexual orientation, various economic levels, racial and ethnic minorities, various age groups including senior citizens and students, property owners and tenants. Of the first seven appointments, three shall be for three years, two shall be for two years and two shall be for one year. Thereafter, all appointments shall be for a term of three years. All members who have served for two full consecutive terms shall not be eligible for reappointment. Members shall serve without compensation.
(Ord. 1234, passed 6-6-2000; Ord. 1571, passed 9-5-2017)
Within 60 days after all its members are appointed, the Human Rights Commission shall meet and elect a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson. The Commission shall establish by-laws for the selection of any additional officers, the time, place and frequency of meetings, and rules for the conduct of its business.
(Ord. 1234, passed 6-6-2000)
(A) The Human Rights Commission shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) To collaborate with other organizations to assist in educating the community about diversity issues;
(2) To assess the human relations and civil rights needs of the community and to advise the administration and City Council of the results of these assessments;
(3) To advise the administration and City Council on matters concerning the State Human Rights Act, being Minn. Stat. §§ 363A.01 et seq.;
(4) To cooperate with other groups and governmental agencies concerned with human rights;
(5) To form study groups and advisory committees to the Commission, which may include persons who are not members of the Commission, to assist in the accomplishment of its duties;
(6) To provide support and information services to persons in matters of discrimination and intolerance; and
(7) To develop a community-wide readiness plan to address problems arising from discrimination or intolerance.
(B) The Commission shall have the power to seek outside funding sources in addition to resources supplied by the city to assist in its mission. All outside monies or grants received by the Commission are subject to the city’s Charter and ordinance provisions.
(Ord. 1234, passed 6-6-2000) (Ord. 1523, passed 5-5-2015)
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