• Citizens Advisory Commission
• Human Rights Commission
• Personnel Board
• Planning Commission

Human Rights Commission

Overview and Function

• The New Hope Human Rights Commission consists of up to 10 members, two of whom may be students attending Independent School District 281. Adult members serve two-year terms, student members serve for one academic year (September 1 to August 31).
• The commission works in partnership with the state department of human rights to secure equal opportunity in housing, employment, public accommodations, public service, and education, and works consistently to improve the human relations climate of the city.
• The commission advises the City Council on human rights laws, issues, policies, and programs.
• At the direction of the City Council, the group develops formal and informal educational opportunities to highlight the federal and state Human Rights Acts and the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure all citizens have full and equal participation in the affairs of the community. The commission to also provides leadership and acts cooperatively with agencies, organizations, and other human rights commissions to recognize and prevent discrimination and inequalities in the daily life of the city.

Members

• Margaret Flaherty (Chair)
• Tanner Berris
• Wayne Detzler
• Marie Hayes
• Otis Jenkins
• Aleesa Kuznetsov (Student Commissioner)
• Dee Otto

Agendas and Minutes

• April 1, 2013 Agenda
• March 14, 2013 Minutes | View All

2011 Human Rights Essay Contest Winners

Two hundred thirty-five 8th grade students from Plymouth Middle School wrote essays on the theme “How do human rights apply to you and your peers in your school and community.” The students explained their viewpoint by referencing the Bill of Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and/or the Minnesota Human Rights Act. The students wrote about some very deep and personal experiences. Their essays demonstrated an understanding of when transgressions occur and how to prevent and correct them.

The essays where reviewed by members of the Human Rights Commission and other city commissions, council members, League of Women Voters volunteers, and Police Department staff. The winners of the contest were Katie Cudo, first place; Jamie Johnson, second place; and Ellie Sjordal, third place. Five students received honorable mentions for their essays: Tiela Banks, Chris Bradbury, Tim Hill, Alexander Creswell, and Jack Wozniak. Katie Cudo's essay moved on to the statewide Human Rights Essay Contest, where she finished third.

Read the first through third place winning essays by clicking on the links below:
First Place: Let it Be, Or Take Responsibility, Katie Cudo
Second Place: Our History, Today, Jamie Johnson
Third Place: Human Rights and the Average Girl, Ellie Sjordal

More Information

Click on the link below to download a brochure about the New Hope Human Rights Commission

• New Hope Human Rights Commission