Applicants sought for human rights commission serving Bloomington, Monroe County
In a news release, the city of Bloomington clerk’s office has announced a vacancy on the joint human rights commission that serves the city and Monroe County.
Appointees to the commission have to be residents of the city of Bloomington or Monroe County.
Among other responsibilities, the commission investigates complaints of discrimination, determines if there is probable cause to believe discrimination took place, and schedules public hearings on complaints. If discrimination is found, the commission can issue an order to cease discriminatory practices and enforce affirmative action.
In the past, the commission has received complaints related to various issues, including accessibility, accommodation requests, and potential discrimination. These include issues such as a dumpster blocking a curb ramp, maintenance staff not wearing masks, and inaccessible restrooms. Other complaints involve job loss, online criminal record databases, and police protocol. Some issues are outside of the commission’s jurisdiction, and people are referred to other organizations.
According to Bloomington's onBoard system the current membership of the commission includes Emma Williams, Lilliana Young, Ryne Shadday, Amy Jackson, Sharon Baker, and Stephen Coover. The vacancy on the seven-member commission was left by Autumn Crisovan.
The appointment to the vacant seat is one of two that are made by Bloomington's city council. Two appointments are made by the Monroe County commissioners and three are made by Bloomington’s mayor.
The commission usually meets the third Monday of each month at City Hall starting at 5 p.m.
Applications for the vacant human rights commission seat can be made online.
The county and the city previously had their own human rights commissions, but a joint commission was formed in May 2023.
