Human Rights Commission Meeting Date: April 23, 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:
§ 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 Minnesota Department of Human Rights Settles with Home Depot in Workplace Sexual Harassment Case <https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/>
§ Home Depot to pay former employee $65,000 and make changes to prevent future sexual harassment
§ January 2025
§ “Sexual harassment is a violation of the law and a denial of basic human dignity,” said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero.
o State of Minnesota Agrees, Absolute Drywall Allows Sexual Harassment and Rape <https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/>
§ Employee sexually harassed and raped at work, fired after reporting harassment; Minnesota’s civil rights law requires employers to prevent and stop sexual harassment and assault
§ March 4, 2025
§ “We are sending a clear reminder to all employers: you must provide a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment," said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero.
• Make sure to subscribe for email updates: Minnesota Department of Human Rights <https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNDHR/subscriber/new?email=>
§ 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
§ Boards & Commission Training
• Tuesday, October 28, 2025
• 5pm-8pm
§ Questions?
• 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
§ Motor Vehicle | Northfield, MN - Official Website (northfieldmn.gov) <https://www.northfieldmn.gov/258/Motor-Vehicle>
o Continuous efforts for accessibility and equity:
§ Interpreter Etiquette Meeting Participants | Northfield, MN - Official Website (northfieldmn.gov) <https://www.northfieldmn.gov/1506/Meeting-Participants>
§ Cultural & Language Training
• <https://www.northfieldmn.gov/1297/LanguageLine>
§ 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
§ Northfield Public Broadcasting
• Charter Spectrum channels 180 & 187 and on the City website.
• Encouraging community organizations/individuals to submit video content.
• Recording and Live Streaming Board and Commission Meetings
Alternative Options:
NA
Financial Impacts:
NA
Tentative Timelines:
NA