Charlottesville Commission on Human Rights

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The Charlottesville Commission on Human Rights is an advisory body to Charlottesville City Council government body that was created in 2013 as one of the outcomes of the city's Dialogue on Race.

Their activities are overseen by the Office of Human Rights. [1]

The commission is charged with investigating claims of discrimination and expanded to a four-person office in FY24.


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MISSION STATEMENT

"Promoting an inclusive, empowered, and diverse community through education, engagement, and enforcement of Charlottesville’s Human Rights Ordinance." [2]

Members

COMMISSION MEMBER TERM ENDS
Jeannette Abi-Nader February 28, 2025
Mary Bauer February 28, 2025
Andy Orban February 28, 2025
Jessica Harris, Chair February 28, 2023
Ernest Chambers, Vice Chair February 28, 2025
Wolfgang Keppley February 28, 2025
Kathryn Laughon February 28, 2025
Erika Robinson February 28, 2025
Lyndele von Schill February 28, 2025


Former Members

Formation

Before it was created, supporters of the commission claimed it would have the power to investigate claims of discrimination and enforce any anti-discrimination ordinances passed by the city council. [1] The proposed budget called for an initial cost of $300,000 for the first year, and $200,000 for each year afterwards. Council was presented with this report on February 6, 2012. They directed staff to come back with a proposal to create a Human Rights Commission within ten months. [3]

The 11-member Human Rights Task Force hosted a community forum on June 6, 2012 at Buford Middle School to discuss the possible need for the commission. Information provided to the task force was to be compiled and presented to City Council late in 2012.[4]

Council voted 3-1 on May 20, 2013 on an ordinance to create the commission. Affirmative votes came from Dave Norris, Dede Smith and Kristin Szakos. Kathy Galvin voted against it and Satyendra Huja abstained. [5]

Events after formation

The first director, Zan Tewksbury, resigned in May 2015. [6]

The group discussed possible changes at their meeting on June 21, 2020. [7]


References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Web. NAACP hears about race commission proposal, Aaron Richardson, Daily Progress, Lee Enterprises, January 9, 2012, retrieved November 16, 2022.
  2. Web. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEMBERS, City of Charlottesville, City Manager's Office, retrieved May 16, 2024.
  3. Web. Charlottesville City Council meeting minutes, .pdf, Council Chambers, City of Charlottesville, February 6, 2012.
  4. Web. City Invites Participation in Human Rights Task Force Community Forum, Newsplex, June 5, 2012, retrieved June 8, 2012.
  5. Web. Charlottesville City Council meeting minutes, .pdf, Council Chambers, City of Charlottesville, May 20, 2013.
  6. Web. Human Rights Commission under scrutiny after staffer’s resignation, Graelyn Brashear, C-VILLE Weekly, Portico Publications, May 21, 2015, retrieved March 17, 2018. Print. May 21, 2015 .
  7. Web. Human Rights Commission discusses changes to structure, Nolan Stout, Daily Progress, Lee Enterprises, June 21, 2020, retrieved June 28, 2020.

External links