Human Rights Commission Meeting Date: April 22, 2026
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 whether 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=>
o
o In February 2026, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights Secures Settlement with Transportation Company after discriminating against employee base on Race and National Origin.
§ Settlement requires company to pay employee $180,000 and make changes to prevent future discrimination.
o In March 2026, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights: Rideshare companies cannot discriminate against Minnesotans with Disabilities.
§ Lyft settlement will benefit riders with service animals nationwide.
o Civil rights protections remain strong in Minnesota
§ Minnesota Human Rights Act and ongoing state settlements still apply despite federal reversal.
§ 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>
§ Collaborating with different community partners and city departments:
• City Administration
• City Hall will be closed on
o Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
o Juneteenth (June 19)
o Independence Day (July 4)
o Labor Day (First Monday in September)
• 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
• 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>
• Community Development
o Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) will be collaborating with the City of Northfield and MCCD (Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers)
o Microgrants
• 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>
• 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>
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>
§ 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
• Translate feature
Alternative Options:
NA
Financial Impacts:
NA
Tentative Timelines:
NA