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Human Rights Commission (HRC)

Since 1968, the Bloomington Human Rights Commission has advised the City Council and the Bloomington School Board on human rights issues.

The nine-member Commission recognizes community members for their outstanding efforts in the area of human rights.

Meeting location, schedule, agendas, minutes
Mission statement, duties and services
Commissioners and their terms
Staff liaison

Meeting location, schedule, agendas, synopses

Meetings are usually held on the third Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Civic Plaza, 1800 West Old Shakopee Road. The public is encouraged to attend.

Online calendar: Links to meeting schedule, agendas, agenda items and synopses. Browse for meetings that are posted for each month. Documentation is added as it becomes available.

Mission statement, duties and services

The Human Rights Commission was established to aid and advise the City Council in insuring all citizens equal opportunity in employment, housing, public accommodations, public services and education and such other affairs as affect the social well-being of the community.

Human rights affect the happiness, health and prosperity of a community. Safeguarding these rights is important. The Bloomington Human Rights Commission ensures that ALL Bloomington citizens have an equal opportunity and equal rights.

The Commission:

Mediates complaints of discrimination.
- Mediation - English brochure (86KB)
- Mediación - Spanish brochure (90KB)
Educates and advocates on human rights.

It's illegal to discriminate against you in these areas:

Aiding and abetting
Business
Credit
Education
Employment
Housing
Public accommodations
Public services
Reprisal

Under Minnesota Human Rights Act #363, it's illegal to discriminate against you because of these personal characteristics:

Age
Creed
Color
Dependence on public assistance
Disability
Familial status
Local Commission status
Marital status
National origin
Race
Religion
Sex
Sexual preference

If you feel you have been discriminated against in Bloomington, contact HRC's staff liaison.

May we speak to your group?

Better understanding comes through improved communications. The Commission members are available to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

We want your involvement. Contact HRC's staff liaison, if you would like to receive a copy of our agenda.

Commissioners and their terms

Commissioner	Position	Term of office
Mary Rice	Chairperson	1/24/11 - 12/31/12
Istaahil Maalin	First Vice-Chairperson	1/24/11 - 12/31/12
Marie Holm	Second Vice-Chairperson	1/24/11 - 12/31/12
Dennis Kane	Commissioner	2/06/12 - 12/31/13
Cynthia Kunkel	Youth Commissioner	8/15/11 - 8/31/12
Stan McFall	Commissioner	1/24/11 - 12/31/12
Noah Nieting	Youth Commissioner	8/15/11 - 8/31/12
Sanu Patel-Zellinger	Commissioner	1/24/11 - 12/31/12
Mark Westergard	Commissioner	2/06/12 - 12/31/12

Staff liaison

HRC's staff liaison is Lorinda Pearson, manager of the City's Human Services Division.

Renowned Minnesota demographer Tom Gillaspy highlights the trends in Bloomington.

For more information, contact:

Lorinda Pearson, Human Services Division Manager
1800 West Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN 55431-3027
PH: 952-563-8733, 952-563-8740 TTY
E-mail : lpearson@ci.bloomington.mn.us