HomeMy WebLinkAboutHRRC_50th_Anniversary_Proclamation
PROCLAMATION
HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION
50TH ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, In 1955 the Minnesota State Commission Against Discrimination was established to
protect the rights of Minnesota residents; and
WHEREAS, In 1967 the Minnesota Department of Human Rights was founded to succeed the State
Commission against Discrimination to have an official body to handle violations of civil
rights; and
WHEREAS, On July 10, 1970, the City of Edina established the Human Rights Commission (later
changed to the Human Rights & Relations Commission) to support state human rights
efforts. The Commission works to make sure all who live, work, study or visit Edina
have freedom from discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, age, sex,
sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, disability, status with regard to
public assistance, familial status or national origin in connection with employment,
housing and real property, public accommodations, public services, credit and education,
per City Code.
. The Commission makes recommendations and implements programs of education and action designed
to strengthen human rights and relations; and
WHEREAS, In the past 50 years, the Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission has achieved the
following:
• Given an annual award named for Edina resident and longtime Commission member Tom Oye
to a member of the Edina community for demonstrated achievements in human rights
• Held an annual commemoration of the Holocaust and other mass atrocities to honor survivors,
witnesses, rescuers and the memories of those who are no longer with us
• Engaged the community in conversations about critical issues to us all, such as religious
intolerance, racial equity and mental health
• Became a Human Rights City, using the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights
as a guide in all City policies and activities and commemorates every December 10 as City of
Edina Human Rights Day
• Supported CEDAW, the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination
against Women, and resolves to end violence and discrimination against women and girls
• Supported a Domestic Partnership Ordinance and gay marriage
• Created a policy to address bias offenses and to prevent hate and acts of discrimination in the
City of Edina
• Supported the expansion of affordable housing opportunities in Edina
• Advocated for the inclusion of human rights as an important topic in the city’s Comprehensive
Plan and in all areas of city strategy and operations
NOW, THEREFORE, I, James B. Hovland, Mayor of Edina, recognize the achievement of the
Commission’s many members in half a century of work to promote human rights for all who
live, work, study and visit in Edina. We reaffirm the City’s commitment to maintaining Edina as
an inclusive, welcoming city for all.
Dated this 21st day of July, 2020.
________________________________
James B. Hovland, Mayor