The Champaign City Council will discuss the goals of the Human Relations Commission for 2013 at its Tuesday study session.

The Human Relations Commission’s goals for 2013 were established at the I Hotel during the HRC retreat on February 16. According to the city’s report, the commission’s goals for 2013 are to promote civil rights, stop discrimination and harassment and explore adding one “youth commissioner” to the commission.

Jason Hood, community relations specialist, said these goals will help move the commission’s plans forward.

“We are trying … to eliminate inequality and discrimination in Champaign,” said Hood.

This proposal will help improve the relationship between the city council, the HRC and other city boards, as well as allow the city of Champaign and the city of Urbana to work together to resolve common civil rights issues. It will also help educate local businesses about any human rights ordinances, resources and public hearings and help involve young adults in the work of the commission.

Mark Aber, chair of the HRC, also said the commission will partner with the police and may use law enforcement to help protect civil rights. The commission will also conduct public hearing sessions to address any complaints from the community.

If the city council disagrees with the goals, the HRC will not be able to proceed with it. However, the council may discuss other goals to better address citizens’ needs.

The HRC meets on the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 102 N. Neil St. Its meetings are open to the public and are broadcast on television.

Earn can be reached at [email protected].