Champaign City Council voted unanimously to proceed with the 2013 goals of the Human Relations Commission at its Tuesday study session.

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

City Manager Dorothy David said HRC not only works against discrimination, but also provides education on human rights and highlights the important work of citizens throughout the community.

Jason Hood, community relations specialist, said the ordinance will help stop discrimination in employment, housing and accommodation. He explained that citizens can report discrimination within 180 days of the incident, and then the office will determine whether the charge is valid or not. The Community Relations Office will then proceed on investigating and filing charges.

Mark Aber, chair of the HRC, also said the commission wanted to meet with other departments and the council to make sure that the human rights issues are being addressed properly. He said the HRC will try its best to provide resources on human and civil rights for the community.

“We are a really rich city, with respect to resources to address human rights and regulation issues,” Aber said.

He said the HRC will continue to work with the city of Urbana and other city boards on common issues and will partner with the police to protect civil rights. The commission will conduct more public hearing sessions to address the complaint. It will also help educate local businesses about human rights ordinances, resources and public hearings. 

Another goal for 2013 is to help involve young adults in the commission. Aber said the HRC is working on the research of how other cities involve youth commissioners. He said not only will it give the commission youth perspective on certain issues, but it will also communicate the value of youth to the city.

Karen Foster, council member at-large, said she agrees with involving youth members in the commission.

“Once you get the parameters and what model you would choose, I think it can only benefit both sides,” Foster said. “It could be potentially good relations, as well as just involving more people in the process.”

Hood said the HRC has not set a specific date for the completion of the goals, but they will be completed by the end of the year.

The Champaign Fire and Police Departments also honored a number of citizens who last year provided help to citizens in emergency situations. The 2013 Heroes and Helping Hands Awards honorees were recognized for helping the community in ways such as reporting the fire, providing CPR and other services.

Earn can be reached at [email protected].