Human Rights Commission Looks Ahead and Back

The took its first step toward fleshing out its plans for 2012, while winding down a productive 2011.

The nine-person commission, which met minus two members Tuesday night at , discussed its 2012 preliminary work plan, which it intends to finalize in December.

One of the preliminary initiatives under discussion by the commission was how and when to begin research based on 2010 census information, and how to get funding to do so.

“This information can be used to shape new ideas within the community,” said Commissioner Arnie Bigbee. “We want a free-range discussion of issues and what’s on the horizon that concerns us, whether it’s in increase in bullying, hate crimes, or whatever.”

Edina Human Services Coordinator Susan Howl pointed out that getting funding from the city for studying census data could be tricky this late in the year. She said Eden Prairie, Richfield, and Bloomington together hired a consultant to break down pertinent census data, but Edina would be acting on its own.

An exhaustive look at census data and how it affects various city functions was last done in the late 1990s, Howl said.  Commissioner Russ Stanton recommended investigating at least the idea of cooperating with other city departments and commissions to hire a census data consultant.

“Not having an analysis of census data would be disappointing in 2012, so let’s work on it for 2013,” said commission Chair Jessica Kingston.

Other 2012 initiatives under discussion by the commission included monitoring the city’s domestic partner ordinance, updating the city’s bias/hate crimes response plan, creating an event studying the persecution of homosexuals in Nazi Germany and following up on an anti-bullying event the commission sponsored this year.

The commission also decided to have its Nov. 22 meeting videotaped for later broadcast on local cable television. The Edina City Council had requested that all city boards and commissions allow at least one meeting to be videotaped this year.

At the November meeting, the commission will recap its activities and go over 2011 highlights.