KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Tuesday, the City of Kalamazoo announced that applications for community members to join the new Civil Rights Board are now open.
This follows the passing of two anti-discrimination housing ordinances earlier this month, which allows for the creation of the Civil Rights Board.
The purpose of the board is to review appealed cases of alleged discrimination following an investigation conducted at the direction of the City Manager. The board would also provide recommendations and promote policies that help ensure equal opportunities are afforded to everyone.
According to city documents, this board consists of seven voting members, and two ex-officio members who will participate in the activities of the board but have no vote. Of the two non-voting members, one will be a City Commissioner and one will be a City officer or employee.
As written, the ordinance states that “Members appointed to the Board shall be residents of the City reflecting and representing the diversity of the Kalamazoo community and be able to demonstrate experience in civil rights, public accommodation, employment, disability or housing law. Members to the Board may be appointed who are not City residents, not to exceed two members, when there is a valid reason for such appointment, such as the member works in the City, or has special expertise to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the Board.”
City documents say that the initial appointments to the Board will consist of three members appointed for a three-year term, two members appointed for a two-year term and two members appointed for a one-year term.
Members of the Board may serve up to two consecutive terms, and vacancies may be filled by the same appointment procedure for the remainder of an unexpired term.
The duties of the board include the following:
- Foster mutual understanding and respect among the people in the City and discourage and prevent unlawful discriminatory practices toward the protected classes described in this Chapter.
- Review claims of discrimination brought by residents of the City of Kalamazoo following investigation of the claim by the City Manager or the designee of the City Manager.
- Review and analyze conditions, practices, attitudes, policies, and other factors within Kalamazoo that contribute to discriminatory impact and further inequities, as well has evaluate the impact of anti-discrimination efforts.
- Make recommendations to the City Commission and City Manager on ways to improve City programs and ordinances to eliminate discrimination or remove effects of past discrimination.
- Engage in public awareness-building activities to ensure residents are informed of increased local protections and the role of the Board, including issuing an annual report of the activity of the Board.
- Engage with federal, state, and local agencies to assist in addressing issues of discrimination in the City.
- The Board shall provide an annual report to the City Commission regarding complaints received and actions taken.
- Establish bylaws and procedural rules for its meetings subject to approval by the City Commission.
Those interested in applying can do so at this link.
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