Title
Second Reading and Action on Ordinance 17-021, an Ordinance amending Division 2 of Article V of Chapter 2 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Brookings, SD and pertaining to the Human Rights Commission of the City of Brookings.
Body
Summary:
Proposed Ordinance 17-021 would amend and strengthen definitions of discrimination in the City of Brookings' current Non-Discrimination Ordinance and would modify corresponding procedures for the Brookings Human Rights Commission.
Background:
The City of Brookings embraces our diverse and vibrant community and actively seeks ways to be inclusive of all our residents and visitors. On February 28, 2017, the City Council formally adopted this message with the passage of Resolution 17-022, "A Resolution Reaffirming Brookings Values of Inclusion, Respect, Tolerance, Equality and Justice, and the City's Commitment Toward Action to Reinforce These Values" (Resolution No. 17-022). Subsequently, the Brookings School Board adopted the resolution on March 13, 2017 and the Brookings County Commission adopted theirs on March 21, 2017.
* Brookings City Council Video: http://cityofbrookings.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=3&clip_id=512
* Newpaper article: https://brookingsregister.com/article/council-approves-inclusion-resolution.
* Television Interview: http://www.ksfy.com/content/news/Brookings-City-Council-passes-inclusive-resolution-415273843.html
When the Resolution of Inclusion passed, the Brookings Human Rights Commission heard clear direction from the City Council that a Resolution was nice, but it was not enough. We need to take meaningful action to give those words weight and meaning.
Our current "Municipal Equality Index" Score is 50/100. This is the highest score in the state, but well below our expectations. The Human Rights Campaign MEI Score closely examines the state, city, and school's laws, discrimination policies, relationship recognition, city employee benefits, municipality services, law enforc...
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