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Mayor's Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations
Mission
The Mayor's Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations works to promote understanding and respect among all citizens and provides the community recourse for discriminatory acts.
The commission investigates alleged incidents of discrimination and tries to mediate settlements between affected parties. The commission acts as a clearing house for information regarding human rights and offers its services to help educate interested citizens and community groups.
City Ordinances Prohibit Discrimination
The purpose of the ordinance is to provide every person in Springfield, Missouri equal opportunities. Discrimination based on a person's race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, or familial status in housing, is forbidden by law. Discrimination based on a person's race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age (40 to 69 years), or disability in employment / public accommodations is forbidden by law.
Contact Information
To determine if your problem is covered by the discrimination laws enforced by the Mayor's Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations, contact Taj Suleyman at [email protected] or 417-864-1024 or fill out and submit an intake form.
Filing Process
There is no charge for filing of complaints and there is protection against any retaliation. If your problem is covered by the Springfield Mayor's Commission on Human Rights, you will be scheduled for an intake interview by appointment. After a complaint is filed, it is the responsibility of the complainant to cooperate with the commission during the investigation, and to keep the commission informed of any change of address or phone number.
Your Mayor's Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations is comprised of 13 citizens who are appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council and who serve without compensation.
Members of the Mayor's Commission are available to explain and discuss the ordinances with groups or individuals upon request.
Chairperson
The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings and hearings of the commission, shall appoint such committees as the commission's business may require, and shall have such other powers and duties as may be conferred by city ordinance or by commission rule or regulation.
Vice Chairperson
The Vice Chairperson shall, in the absence or disability of the Chairperson, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Chairperson. He or she shall also have such other powers and duties as may be conferred by city ordinance or by commission rule or regulation.
The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the commission and shall keep or cause to be kept a true and accurate record of the proceedings of such meetings. He or she shall also have such other powers and duties as may be conferred by city ordinance or by commission rule of regulation.