Equity & Human Rights

What We Do

Traditionally, the Office of Equity & Human Rights has focused solely on reactive enforcement of civil rights laws. We recognize the importance of enforcement, and we encourage the public to report concerns about anything that may be a civil rights violation or that causes concerns in terms of how people are being treated in the community.

However, our work has expanded to include proactive approaches to eliminating discrimination by: 

• Making inequities visible using data and storytelling 
• Engaging community voices to inform the design of City policy and systems change
• Building our city’s capacity to advance equity through trainings, tools, and technical assistance 

We also strive to identify needs and either connect people and groups to resources or mediate improvements in service delivery by City department and/or community institutions. Our strategic work with partners is vital in creating more sustainable solutions to civil and human rights issues.

How You Can Be Involved

Each of us has a role to play in developing and working toward these solutions, and we invite you to contribute to these efforts through both learning and actions. Here are some ways you can get involved through our department:

• Join the Human Rights Commission
• Develop your intercultural skills and connect with others through workshops
• Volunteer with community partners to develop new skills and contribute to community efforts to meet basic needs.

We encourage the public to contact our office. Ask us questions. Let us know your concerns. Share your ideas. Get involved. It will take all of us working together in order for our community to continually become safe, more civil, and more inclusive as we face growth and change.