Creating a Human Relations Code & Human Relations Commission for ACC

Creating a Human Relations Code & Human Relations Commission for ACC

Athens-Clarke County Unified Government Should Adopt a Human Relations Code

• Cover more than downtown: The first step would be the Unified Government adopting a Human Relations Code that would protect the public welfare, health, peace, and safety within the County regarding open public accommodations (including businesses such as bars & hotels), equal employment opportunity, and fair housing.
• Be enforceable: This code would be created in a manner that would have enforceable measures available to the County if a violation is found to have taken place. Such as:
  • Revoking of a liquor license
  • Revoking of a business license
  • Mediation & conciliation between the victim and offender
    • The option to take the complaint to Municipal Court would still exist

County should then also create a Human Relations Commission

• Human Relation Commission (HRC) would hear, review, and make recommendations on discrimination complaints: The HRC would hear, review, and investigate complaints. The HRC would either attempt to remedy the situation with the victim & offender, or make a recommendation to the Mayor & Commission on what actions to take.

• The HRC must be diverse and independent: Members of the HRC should be appointed in a manner that assures it remain an independent body. Effort must be taken to ensure that the  appointees to the HRC express the diversity of the Athens-Clarke County community and the traits covered by the Human Relations Code.

Examples of Cities with a Human Relations Commission:

• Atlanta, GA
• Los Angeles, CA
• Philadelphia, PA
• Lawrence, KS
• Austin, TX
• Raleigh-Durham, NC
• Rapid City, SD

Example of Human Relations Code:

• Atlanta code – Chapter 94

(This is a suggested policy only at this time)