Promoting and protecting human rights, civil rights, and optimal community relations for Urbana residents, workers, consumers, and visitors.
The major activities of the Office of Human Rights and Equity include:
- Providing staff support to the Urbana Human Relations Commission (HRC)
- Providing staff support to the Urbana Civilian Police Review Board (CPRB)
- Educating the public on rights and responsibilities under Urbana Human Rights Ordinance
- Investigating and responding to claims of unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, credit, and public accommodations in violation of the Urbana Human Rights Ordinance
- Providing technical assistance to Urbana employers, landlords, financial institutions, and businesses related to compliance with the Urbana Human Rights Ordinance
- Implementing the City's equal opportunity program in purchasing and contracting and implementing affirmative action for City vendors and contractors
- Collaborating with the Urbana Human Resources Department to recruit people of color, women, and people with disabilities
- Collaborating with the Urbana Police Department to enhance police-community relations
- Representing the City with various community-related programs to improve community relations among diverse ethnic and racial groups in the City
- Monitoring the City's compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to City employment, services, activities, and physical structures for people with disabilities