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The law says that you cannot be treated differently in certain areas because of certain personal characteristics. For instance, you can't be treated differently in employment because of your race. For a chart of protected classes, visit the City's website.
The Bloomington Human Rights Commission has two adult leadership positions available beginning January 1. Commissioners will help lead on issues of race and diversity. The Commission advises the Bloomington City Council in matters on human rights and equal opportunity for all residents of the city.
Applicants must be residents of Bloomington and must be able to attend at least 75 percent of the meetings. The Commission meets 5:30-7 p.m. the third Monday of the month at Civic Plaza (1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington). Terms are for three years. For an application contact 952-563-8780 or access the application online.
An
estimated 34 community members representing citizens, non-profits, faith
communities, business, higher education and the City have been meeting.
Participants have been engaging in focused conversations and action
planning to implement Welcome Dinners in 2018. The Welcome Dinners are intended
to address the issue identified in focused conversations with residents of
diverse cultures of a disconnect with some longtime residents. The
dinners are intended to create understanding and compassion between neighbors
using food as a common denominator. The goal is to create deeper more
meaningful relationships.
The
Human Rights Commission (HRC) was recently informed it will receive a grant from the
Bloomington Crime Prevention Association in the amount of $5,000 to help
underwrite the expenses of the Welcome Dinners. The grant will support
the project by enabling everyone in the community, regardless of income level,
an opportunity to participate in the Welcome Dinners. The HRC will be awarded
its funds at a short ceremony on Wednesday, November 15, 5 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Civic Plaza (1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington).
The
Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) held a Human Rights Summit on
Wednesday, October 4 at the University of Minnesota Continuing Education and
Conference Center. Commissioner Kevin Lindsey provided an overview of MDHR
initiatives and collaborations between MDHR and local government. Lorinda
Pearson, Bloomington Human Rights Commission Liaison was a panelist at the
Summit along with Human Rights representatives from St. Cloud and Mankato. The
session focused on the best of Human Rights Commissions and community diversity. Insights were shared on how organizations can plan and implement
strategic programs to engage community members. The State Department has indicated
they received great feedback from the participants regarding Bloomington’s
information and has requested another presentation at the two-day annual Human
Rights Symposium in St. Paul on December 12 and 13. Human Rights Commissioner
Chelsea Reynolds and Maureen O’Brien, Assistant City Attorney were also in
attendance at the Summit.
Because the Commission and the Office strive to respond to issues impacting Bloomington, we encourage you to report potential human rights issues to the Human Rights staff liaison so that they can be brought to the Commission’s attention.
Bloomington Civic Plaza
952-563-8733, TTY 952-563-8740
1800 West Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN 55431
humanrights@BloomingtonMN.gov
reservations@BloomingtonMN.gov |
