§ 305.03. Establishment of human rights commission.

Subdivision 1. Scope of section. It is declared that it is the public policy of the City to fulfill its responsibilities as a partner of the state department of human rights in securing for all citizens equal opportunity in housing, employment, public accommodations, public services and education, and to fully implement those goals set forth in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 363A, the Minnesota Human Rights Act.

Subd. 2. Establishment of commission. There is established and continued a human rights commission.

Subd. 3. Purpose of commission. The purpose of the Commission is to secure for all citizens equal opportunity in employment, housing, public accommodations, public services and education and full participation in the affairs of this community and to take appropriate action consistent with the Minnesota Human Rights Act. The Commission shall also advise the City Council on long range programs to improve human relations in the City.

Subd. 4. Composition of the commission. The Commission consists of 13 members appointed by the Council. Eleven members shall be appointed for terms of three (3) years, except that (i) a person appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which the predecessor in that term was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of such, and (ii) two (2) persons shall be appointed as "youth" members for one (1) year terms. The two (2) youth members shall be given all rights, privileges and responsibilities granted to the other appointed members. Members serve without compensation and may be removed from office at any time by the Council.

Subd. 5. Commission's responsibilities. The Commission shall:

(a)

Adopt bylaws and rules for the conduct of its affairs including the election, assumption of duties and definition of responsibilities of officers and committees;

(b)

Engage in discussions with the state department of human rights for the purpose of delineating cooperative regulatory and enforcement procedures;

(c)

Enlist the cooperation of agencies, organizations and individuals in the community in an active program directed to create equal opportunity and eliminate discrimination and inequalities;

(d)

Formulate a human relations program for the City to provide increased effectiveness and direction to the work of all individuals and agencies addressing themselves to planning, policy making and educational programming in the area of civil and human rights;

(e)

Advise the City Council and other agencies of the government on human relations and civil rights problems and act in an advisory capacity with respect to planning or operation of any City department on issues of civil and human rights and recommend the adoption of such specific policies or actions as are needed to provide for full equal opportunity in the community;

(f)

Study, investigate and assist in eliminating alleged violation of Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 363A by conference, conciliation and persuasion, and when necessary, cooperate with the state department of human rights in enforcing the provisions of the state act;

(g)

Develop such programs of education as will assist in the implementation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act and foster the Commission's assumption of leadership in recognizing and resolving potential human rights problems in the community; and

(h)

Develop and implement programs that enhance the advancement of human rights in the community and that promote an awareness of and appreciation for cultural diversity.

Subd. 6. Investigations, enforcement, penalties. The Commission may receive and investigate complaints of alleged violations of this subsection. Investigations shall conform to the Complaint Process formulated by the State Department of Human Rights.

(Amended, Bill No. 2015-17)