(a) The Commission shall encourage and endeavor to bring about mutual understanding and respect among all racial, religious and ethnic groups within the City; and shall strive to eliminate all discrimination in employment and places of public accommodations by virtue of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, blindness, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity and shall strive to eliminate all discrimination in the sale, purchase, lease, rental or financing of housing and other real property by virtue of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, blindness, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity. The Commission shall promptly evaluate allegations of a written complaint which falls within the Commission's jurisdiction and within ten (10) days of receipt decide whether or not to retain such complaint within the City Commission or forward such to the State of West Virginia Human Rights Commission for action. Reasonable extensions of time may be made by the Commission itself or given by the Commission upon written request by either party. Any complaint involving the City of Wheeling or any of its instrumentalities shall be sent for processing to the State of West Virginia Human Rights Commission.
(b) In addition, the purpose of the Commission shall be to:
(1) Work to make Wheeling an inclusive City.
(2) Collaborate with other partners as appropriate to encourage leadership in helping attain inclusivity in the City;
(3) Assess needs and identify barriers towards becoming a more inclusive community. Establish goals and objectives for sustaining welcoming environments, enhancing global awareness, and promoting optimum opportunities for supporting safe housing and thriving people.
(4) Support as well as plan, participate in, publicize, implement, and evaluate programs, services and activities which promote appreciation for all peoples and the personal worth of every individual; and
(5) Enlist the cooperation of civil, community, corporate, educational, ethnic, health care, labor, racial, religious, social justice or other identifiable groups of the City in programs and services devoted to the advancement of tolerance, communication and understanding, and equal protection of the laws of all groups and people.
(Ord. 15849. Passed 2-7-23.)