The Third Day at the LCHR

Another day and week has gone by, and I did more work for the LCHR. However, I was not at the LCHR this particular Thursday because I had to fly out for a graduate school interview at the University Kentucky for a spot within the Patterson Schoool of Diplomacy and International  Commerce.

While on the plane, I look over information about the history of the LCHR and civil/human rights within the city of Lincoln. Though I did not have internet, I was able to read over the mission and goals of the LCHR:

Mission

• The administration of the Human Rights Division supports the enforcement of all provisions of Title 11 of the Lincoln Municipal Code. To receive, settle, conciliate, investigate, issue findings, hold public hearings on complaints alleging discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, familial status, age, ancestry, marital status, and retaliation. To perform functions and activities with community groups, businesses, schools, and governmental entities for the purpose of promoting understanding between races, cultures, and sexes, and to work to eliminate inequalities and sources of inter-racial friction.
• Review all City of Lincoln procurement bids and awards in excess of $10,000.
• Review DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprises) program of minority and women-owned businesses and maintain directory.

Goals

To eliminate and prevent all forms of illegal discrimination, to assure and foster equal opportunity for all citizens of the City, and to act in all matters within its jurisdiction.

Significant Accomplishments

• The City of Lincoln Commission on Human Rights continues to upgrade its complaint processing in order to protect an individual's state and federal rights.
• A complete review and implementation of changes in the Contract Compliance Program for the purpose of streamlining and effectuating its mandate.
• Obtained a Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) grant contract for all Title VII, Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complaints.

Projected Changes

• Expand educational outreach into our elementary schools.
• Solidify the development of a Friends of the Commission, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which will support educational outreach in the community

Since its formation in in 1969, the LCHR has heard hundreds of cases over the last 42 years. I hope people that do face discrimination know about this wonderful resource provided by the City of Lincoln.