HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo RE Collaborative Proposal with the State Dept. of HUman RightsCITY OF A`EWOOD
1380 FROST AVENUE - MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA 55109
Mayor Greavu
Councilmen
Manager Miller
HUMAN
RELATIONS
COMMISSION
The Maplewood Human Relations Commissioners have spent the last few
months becoming conversant with a new and exciting concept proposed
by the State Department of Human Rights,at the urging of the local
and outstate commissions i.e. an active partnership in the handling
and resolution of complaints lodged by a member of the community.
Meetings, discussions, workshop attendance, study, have all been a
part of formulating the reccImmendation we bring to our City Council
this evening.
We are attaching copies of the proposal itself, exhibits (forms that
will be used in the intake and reporting process) and the original
agreement formulated by the State Department of Human Rights and the
League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions.
Our City Attorney has reviewed and sanctioned the "Collaborative
Proposal He commented that the actions proposed are within the
jurisdiction of both State and local HR commissions, there is no ques-
tion of Council delegation of its powers, and, that it is "proper" for
the City Council to consider such an agreement.
The Collaborative Proposal will enable:
- Municipal commissions to fulfill one of their historic but unfulfilled
functions, active involvement in the local resolution of civil rights
complaints.
- Cooperation with the state will enable the local commission to more
effectively perform the duties mandated by their local ordinance.
In working with experienced staff members of the State Department,
the local comni.ssioners will develop an expertise and knowledge of
existing civil rights laws which will enable them to better fill
their roles as advisors to the City Councils.
- Ability to file with the local commission may encourage the filing of
complaints by individuals who might be reluctant to file a formal
complaint with the State.
2 -Council Presentation
"Collaborative Proposal" MHRC
- There is no more effective method of eliminating local discrimination
than by the satisfactory resolution of locally implemented complaints.
- The increased responsibility .aad authority/ch a local comnission
would have, would attract and help retain dedicated and energetic
commissioners.
- Educational programs designed to prevent future acts of discrimination
could be implemented by local commissions with a firm working knowledge
of prevailing civil rights law. This expertise could be put to use with
city councils, local labor unions, businesses and governmental agencies.
- We retain the right to accept or reject the invitation of the Department
to collaborate on any individual case. We are even gently discouraged
from involvement in complaints against our local government agencies
e.g. police. No caseload quota of any kind would be attached to the
signing of the proposal.
- A state investigator would be assigned to each case being researched
at the local level. That assignment together with the fact that .
- Each step in the process is specifically spelled out . . .
would ensure that the rights of the complainant would always be
respected and protected.
- Would provide for statewide standardization of enforcement procedures
and greater sharing of resources.
- Would provide for an alternative method for a comnunity resident to
lodge a complaint --totally local, totally state, or a partnership of
both.
It would seem gentlemerit that the proposal really sells itself. There
are State Dept of HR representatives here this evening to answer any
questions you may have.
We urge you to approve the signing of the Collaborative Proposal, tonight.
We appreciate your courtesy and attention.
Respectfully,
Maria M. Larsen, Chair
Maplewood Human Relations Commission
cc: Commissioners
Eric Blank