TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Karen McDonald, City Attorney
Jay Toland, Assistant City Manager/CFO
FROM: Yamile Nazar, Interim Human Relations Director
DATE: September 27, 2021
RE:
Title
Modification to City of Fayetteville's Human Relations Ordinance
end
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal 4: Desirable Place to Live, Work and Recreate
Executive Summary:
Council is asked to adopt the proposed modification to the City's Human Relations Ordinance per a request by the Human Relations Commission. The proposed modifications would include expanding the groups identified under the City's Human Relations Ordinance to include sexual orientation, gender identity and veterans.
Background:
Part II, Chapter 2, Article II, Sec. 2-39j of the City's Human Relations Ordinance states that the Human Relations Director "may receive, investigate and seek and adjust for and with the Human Relations Commission, complaints or charges of discrimination within the city, based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability and age."
At the Human Relations Commission's regular meeting on August 12, 2021, the Commission unanimously reaffirmed its request that the City Council modify its Ordinance to add sexual orientation, gender identity and Veteran status to the groups referenced above. It is the Commission's belief that this action will underscore the City's commitment to Goal 4 involving a community that values diversity, inclusion and equity of treatment for all.
Several cities across North Carolina have adopted nondiscrimination ordinances. A few examples include Charlotte, Raleigh, Winston-Salem, and Wilmington.
Issues/Analysis:
Local governments have the authority to pass nondiscrimination ordinances. The proposed modification clarifies that discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identify, and veteran status can be investigated by the Human Relatio...
Click here for full text