Human Rights Commission Meeting Date: October 22, 2025
To: Human Rights Commission
From: Claudia Garcia, Staff Liaison
Title
Staff Report.
Body
Action Requested:
None.
Summary Report:
The following are some updates on activities to share with the Human Rights Commission:
§ Welcome new youth members.
§ MN Department of Human Rights
• One of the strongest civil rights laws in the country- the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
• They are charged with upholding the civil rights of Minnesotans by enforcing the Minnesota Human Rights Act <https://mn.gov/mdhr/yourrights/>. Passed into law in 1967.
• Vision- Create a world where everyone can lead lives full of dignity and joy.
• Mission- Make Minnesota discrimination free.
• 3 Primary Duties
o The Minnesota Human Rights Act tasks the Minnesota Department of Human Rights with three primary duties:
§ Investigate charges of discrimination
§ Issue Workforce and Equal Pay Certificates
§ Educate to reduce discrimination and disparate outcomes
• Report Discrimination
o Do you believe you were discriminated against? Were you asked about your current or past pay while applying for a job?
o Please complete the form below. That information goes directly to the investigation team.
o If you do not have access to the internet to complete this form, leave us a message at 651-539-1100 or 1-833-454-0148. Translation/interpretation services are available.
o Filling out this form does not mean you filed a charge of discrimination. We will review the information you submitted and determine your experience is covered under the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
o The Civil Rights Investigation Process chart <https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/what-happens-next/> explains what happens next.
o You have within one year to report the alleged act of discrimination to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.
o If you are the victim of a crime, including a hate crime, or fear for your safety, call 911 immediately.
• News:
o Make sure to subscribe for email updates: Minnesota Department of Human Rights <https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNDHR/subscriber/new?email=>
§ Resolution to Declare Northfield as an LGBTQIA+ Sanctuary City was passed on August 4, 2025.
§ Public Participation
• Northfield has many residents who want to stay connected, informed and participate. Northfield is a community with caring, passionate and thought-provoking residents. We want to hear from everyone.
• Public Participation | Northfield, MN - Official Website <https://northfieldmn.gov/1633/Public-Participation>
§ Community Events Calendar:
• Events Calendar - Northfield, Minnesota (northfieldmn.gov) <https://events.northfieldmn.gov/>
§ Collaborating with different community partners and city departments:
• City Administration
• For questions regarding elections, please contact:
o Lynette Peterson, City Clerk
§ 507-645-3001
§ lynette.peterson@northfieldmn.gov <mailto:lynette.peterson@northfieldmn.gov>
§ Nothfieldmn.gov/Vote
• Northfield Public Library
o The Library is now selling:
§ Hiawathaland Bus tokens and
§ Processing US passports by appointment:
• Home - Passport Services - MyNPL at Northfield Public Library <https://mynpl.org/passports>
• Service hours:
o Mon: 9am-noon; 1-4pm
o Tues: 9am-noon; 1-4pm
o Wed: 9am-noon; 1-4pm
o Thurs: 1-4pm; 5-7pm
o 1st & 3rd Sat: 9am-noon; 1-4pm
• Engineering:
o Construction & Development Projects
§ Staying connected with live projects on “Notify Me” to stay up to date on live projects.
§ <https://www.northfieldmn.gov/291/Construction-Development-Projects>
• Community Development
o Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) will be collaborating with the City of Northfield and MCCD (Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers)
• DMV
o Hours:
§ Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 7:30am- 4:15pm
§ Tuesday 7:30am-5:45pm
§ Friday 7:30am-11:45am
§ For more information, visit the website: Motor Vehicle | Northfield, MN - Official Website (northfieldmn.gov) <https://www.northfieldmn.gov/258/Motor-Vehicle>
o Continuous efforts for accessibility and equity:
§ Interpreter Etiquette- is a guide for those needing and Meeting Participants | Northfield, MN - Official Website (northfieldmn.gov) <https://www.northfieldmn.gov/1506/Meeting-Participants>
• To be read before each meeting.
o Introduce yourself: state your name and last name
o Speak slowly, clearly and loudly
o Use simple vocabulary to express your meaning
o Explain jargon and technical terms when necessary
o Speak in short simple sentences, pausing to permit the interpretation
o If speaking directly to the limited-English proficient (LEP) or deaf/hard of hearing person, speak directly to the person not the interpreter
o Ask one question at a time
o Allow the interpreter to stop you and seek clarification when necessary
o Interpreter will motion the “Time-Out” sign to indicate you to stop or pause
o Expect the interpreter to take notes if things get complicated
o Be prepared to repeat yourself in different words if your message is not understood
o If you suspect that, your message is not fully understood by the interpreter, double check to see if they understand your message
o If you suspect that your message is not fully understood by the LEP, deaf or hard of hearing individual, double check to see if they understand your message, e.g. “Tell me what you understand”
o Avoid acronyms and abbreviations unless they are well known or defined during the meeting
§ Cultural & Language Training
• <https://www.northfieldmn.gov/1297/LanguageLine>
• LanguageLine is a service that the City of Northfield invested in. Staff have 24/7 access to LanguageLine and access to more than 240 languages.
§ Providing communications in English and Spanish
• Social media platforms
o (1) City of Northfield, Minnesota | Northfield MN | Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/cityofnorthfield>
o •City of Northfield (@cityofnorthfield) Instagram photos and videos <https://www.instagram.com/cityofnorthfield/?hl=en>
o (3) City of Northfield account | LinkedIn <https://www.linkedin.com/in/city-of-northfield-account-7514b2278/>
§ Accessibility links on City website
• Google translates
Alternative Options:
NA
Financial Impacts:
NA
Tentative Timelines:
NA