Department of Human Rights in the News
Here's some recent news coverage that highlights the work of the Department:
Commissioner Lucero spoke with MinnPost about the Department's work to partner with school districts across the state to reduce disparities in suspensions and expulsions based on race and disability.
"Unless we’re actually willing to have some accountability and some metrics and move forward on this, then we’re actually just choosing to kind of let the status quo continue. And we need to choose to do things differently.”
OBSERVE: La entrevista que la Comisionada Lucero tuvo con Univisión. Ella hablo del trabajo que el Departamento realiza para proteger los derechos civiles de las personas que viven en Minnesota en todos los condados del Estado.
WATCH: Commissioner Lucero’s interview with Univision. She discussed the work of the Department to protect the civil rights of all Minnesotans in every county of the state.
Celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law 29 years ago and continues to be one of the nation's most comprehensive civil rights laws. It protects the rights of and prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. |
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Join us on Friday, July 26 at Hamline University from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. for this year's celebration with speakers, music, art, and refreshments!
Commissioner Lucero will launch the celebration by grounding us in the importance of the ADA and how this critical civil rights law strives to ensure everyone can lead full lives, rich with dignity and joy, free from discrimination.
A panel discussion will follow and include Noah McCourt and Sophie Vang who will discuss their experiences with discrimination as members of the disability community. Chad Wilson, Attorney with the Minnesota Disability Law Center, and Sue Abderholden, Executive Director with the National Alliance on Mental Illness, will provide perspectives on how to combat discrimination in the daily lives of people with disabilities.
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This year's celebration will feature Gaelynn Lea, violinist, songwriter, and 2016 NPR Tiny Desk Contest winner. Photo by Paul Vienneau.
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June was an Exciting Month for Outreach
The Department of Human Rights was in St. Cloud and Minneapolis to celebrate Juneteenth. Observed on June 19th, Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. To learn more about the history, be sure to check out MPR’s Counter Stories coverage here. |
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The Department was also at the Twin Cities Pride Day Celebration. This year's Pride was significant as it commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, an event which catalyzed the modern LGBTQ civil rights movement. This Associated Press article in the Star Tribune reflects on the legacy and stories of the Stonewall Riots. |
The Department is committed to connecting in a meaningful way with members of the community. If you would like the Department to have a presence in your city or town for an upcoming event, such as a fair, community session, or conference, please reach out to info.mdhr@state.mn.us.
Moving to a New St. Paul Office
On August 1, the Department of Human Rights will have a new St. Paul office. The new office is in the Griggs Midway Building located on Fairview and University Avenue at 540 Fairview Ave N, Suite 201, St. Paul, MN 55104.
The new office is more accessible to the public through free and easier parking. The office is also located right off of the Fairview Avenue Green Line lightrail station and bus routes 16 and 67.
The Department's hours, phone numbers, and services will remain the same:
- Walk-in hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. No appointment needed, we take walk-ins on a first come, first served basis.
- Appointment are available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Please call to schedule.
Phone: 651.539.1133 MN Relay: 711 or 1.800.627.3529 Toll Free: 1.800.657.3704 Fax: 651.296.9042 Email: Info.mdhr@state.mn.us
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