54 Years of Civil Rights Enforcement
54 years ago, civil rights were etched into state law with signing of the Minnesota Human Rights Act by former Governor Harold LeVander, creating the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR).
Governor LeVander signing the Minnesota Human Rights Act
The law boldly proclaims: "Discrimination threatens the rights and privileges of the inhabitants of this state and menaces the institutions and foundations of democracy."
These words still ring true today. Racism, sexism, xenophobia, transphobia, ableism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia are persistent and pervasive. Discrimination has no home in Minnesota. We must be intentional and work together to create a world where everyone can lead lives full of dignity and joy.
To mark the anniversary, we'd like to share some quotes from some former MDHR Commissioners. Their words are powerful reminders that we must honor and learn from the work that has gone on for decades and recognize that we are all part of an interconnected journey with an arch bending towards justice.
Quotes from Previous MDHR Commissioners
“MDHR is heeding the call of Minnesota political leaders from the past and the present to carry on the state’s proud tradition of leading on the issue of civil rights and equality.”
- Kevin Lindsey
Commissioner from 2011 to 2019
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“When you see injustice, your heart tells you that you've got to do something about it. You know that Minnesota will not be the kind of place you want to live, unless it's a place where we all can live together.”
- Velma Korbel
Commissioner from 2003 to 2010
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“Our children learn from us. They do what we do, not what we say. If adults have resentment, jealousy and bias, their children are going to pick that up.”
- Janeen Rosas
Commissioner from 1998 to 2002
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“All the rights and statutes are wonderful, but it’s the human beings that support and implement them that make the difference between success and failure.”
- Dolores Fridge
Commissioner from 1996 to 1998
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“Sometimes, particularly here in Minnesota, we are in denial and surprised when confronted with acts of racism. But it’s still alive and well in this country. We’ve got a lot of work to do to eliminate it. I think that’s why we need the department.”
- Jayne Khalifa
Commissioner from 1986 to 1987
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"Individual progress is no great accomplishment. When one person can get a PhD, that’s important to celebrate. But people of color are being resegregated and being locked out of opportunity and a large number of people just don’t make it... they don’t have the chance.”
- Bill Wilson
Commissioner from 1975 to 1979
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LGBTQIA+ Rights are Civil Rights!
This month and every month, we take pride that LGBTQIA+ rights are civil rights!
In 1993, Minnesota became the first state to prohibit discrimination based on someone’s gender identity and sexual orientation. And just this September, the Minnesota Court of Appeals issued a landmark decision that Minnesota schools must allow students to use locker rooms that align with their gender identity.
While we celebrate, we recognize that LGBTQIA+ Minnesotans continue to face discrimination and hate, which is exacerbated for Black transgender women, gender nonconforming individuals, and LGBTQIA+ disabled community members.
As the state's civil rights enforcement agency, our work continues to ensure that LGBTQIA+ rights are civil rights.
Immigrant Heritage Month
Celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month 6, 2021
Minnesota would not be Minnesota without generations of immigrations from every corner of the globe. This Immigrant Heritage Month, we celebrate and honor all the immigrants who have and continue to make Minnesota strong, vibrant, and joyful.
We remind Minnesotans that national origin discrimination is prohibited under the state’s civil rights law and to report discrimination to MDHR. For generations and still today, immigrants continue to experience hate and discrimination.
ADA 31, Americans with Disabilities Act, July 26, 2021
We’re “Celebrating Resilience” as we mark the 31st Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The free, 90-minute virtual event will feature informative, engaging, and entertaining speakers and performances from across our state.
When: Monday, July 26, 2021 from noon until 1:30 p.m.
Where: Free, online celebration
RSVP: Register and learn more about the event here!
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