In March, Northampton County Council unanimously adopted a Human Relations Ordinance intended to resolve claims of discrimination in a timely manner pursuant to the county's police powers. The 34-page document is the handiwork of Council member Jason Boulette.
The purpose of the ordinance is to "declare [the county's intent] to promote the rights and opportunities of all persons to participate in the social, cultural, recreational, and economic life of the County and to assure equal opportunity for all persons concerning employment, housing, education, health care, and use of public accommodations without regard to actual or perceived race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical marital status, familial status, GED rather than high school diploma, or mental disability, relationship or association with a disabled person, source of income, age, height, weight, veteran status, use of guide or support animals and/or mechanical aids, or domestic or sexual violence victim status."
The Commission envisaged by this ordinance consists of seven members appointed by the Executive, which County Council can confirm or reject. Members will reflect the diversity of protected classes. If the commission finds that a complaint of discrimination is substantiated, it can fine the offender up to $600.
Yesterday, Northampton County Deputy Administrator Jessica Berger issued a call for volunteers who are NorCo residents "with an interest in public service, community engagement, civil rights, human relations, education, advocacy, mediation, or related fields are encouraged to apply for consideration."
If you'd like to be a "Commissioner," send your resume and home address to Berger at JBerger@norcopa.gov. Your application is due May 27.
Sultana - the obvious choice
ReplyDeleteIsn’t a courtroom with an impartial judge or jury the proper place to resolve such claims?
ReplyDeleteInstead, they are setting up a commission of seven people with an agenda do determine guilt or innocence.
This is nothing but the latest scheme to undermine our judicial system.
More government bureaucracy that is not needed.
ReplyDeleteWho will perform investigations for the Commission? Do they need volunteers for that function too?
ReplyDeleteI like Jason's approach to his office-thoughtful and considered. But this seems like a solution in search of a problem
ReplyDeleteWhen you actually think about this legislation, it is nuts. For example, "denying education" because of all of these criteria could lead to private institutions or co-ops being forced to to take students diametrically opposed to their mission or religion. My children attend a hybrid education service and one of the perks is that they do not support trans propaganda or behavior promoting such from parents or students. Is this kangaroo court now going to come after them?
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