Human Rights Commission
Mission Statement
The Shoreview Human Rights Commission advises and aids the city of Shoreview by establishing and promoting a community standard of equal opportunity and freedom from discrimination. We envision a community where all people are welcomed, valued, and respected; where each person feels at home. The Shoreview Human Rights Commission was re-established by the Shoreview City Council in August of 1992 to act in cooperation with the State Human Rights Department in securing for all citizens equal opportunity in housing, employment, public accommodations, public services, and education.
The Shoreview Human Rights Commission is charged with the following duties:
- to develop educational programs and increase awareness
- to coordinate efforts with the Human Rights Commissions of neighboring cities where appropriate
- to advise and make recommendations to the City Council in regard to human relations and civil rights problems in general
- to give direction and encouragement to the work of all individuals and agencies addressing themselves to planning, policy making, and educational programming in the area of civil and human rights, including helping people identify their responsibilities to bridge cultural and other differences.
The Commission is dedicated to ensuring the citizens of Shoreview have equal opportunities and rights as defined by the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Chapter 363 of the State Statutes. The Act makes it illegal to discriminate in the areas of:
Housing
Education
Employment
Public Services
Public Accomodations
Credit
The Act makes it illegal to discriminate against a person because of:
Age
Color
Race
National Origin
Religion
Creed
Sex
Disability
Sexual Preference
Family Status
Marriage Status
Dependence on Public Assistance
Local Commission Status
Meeting Schedule
This commission generally meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month
Members
Commission is composed of up to nine Shoreview residents appointed by the City Council. The Commission is also affiliated with the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions.
Bob Minton, Co-Chair
Nancy Hite, Co-Chair
Mark Frey
Julie Williams
Elaine Carnahan
Samuel Abdullai
Richard Bokovoy
Cory Springhorn
Mark Hodkinson
Kamilyn Choi (student)
Bias/Hate Crimes Response Network
These organizations are experienced and trained to deal with bias/hate crimes.
Shoreview Human Rights Commission, Tessia Melvin at 651.490.4613
Ramsey County Sheriff's Department at 651.484.3366
Minnesota Department of Human Rights at 651.296.5663
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at 612.335.4040
League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions at 612.376.0525
Ramsey County Attorney's Office Victim Witness Services Division at 651.266.3222
Ramsey County Bar Association at 651.224.1775
Dispute Resolution Center at 651.292.7791
Northwest Youth and Family Services at 651.486.3808
First Call for Help at 211
Mounds View School District 621 at 651.639.6003
Roseville School District 623 at 651.635.1600
St. Paul Area Council of Churches at 651.646.8805
Current Projects and Upcoming Events
One Community of Many Colors Fourth Grade Poster Contest
Since 1994, the Shoreview Human Rights Commission has held an annual art poster contest, "One Community of Many Colors," to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. The Commission raises prizes by asking local area businesses to contribute them. Teachers are sent diversity curriculum materials and asked to participate in the contest. Posters were judged on their portrayal of people from diverse backgrounds interacting in a positive manner, artistic merit, proper use of grammar and depth of expression.
2013 Winners
Seventh Place: Jasminne Sanchez Rodriguez >>
Eighth Place: Isabella Peters >>
Ninth Place: Christine Nguyen >>
Tenth Place: Rosa Halvorson >>
Honorable Mention: Benjamin Webb >>
Honorable Mention: Cherry Jordan >>
Honorable Mention: Grace Pitsenbarger >>
Honorable Mention: Hannah Rask >>
Honorable Mention: Natasha Vigoren >>
Honorable Mention: Nathan Ellis >>
Honorable Mention: Owen Hiber >>
Honorable Mention: Shayanna Bizzell >>
Honorable Mention: Sophia Becker >>
Honorable Mention: Tiffany Ho >>
Annual League of Minnesota Human Rights Statewide Essay Contest
Each year the Commission solicits essay entries from community middle schools for grades 6-8. The topic is predetermined by the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commission.
View 2012 Essay Contest Information→
2011 Top Essay Winner:Jennifer Madaras;
2011 Top Essay Winner: Logan Maccani;
2011 Top Essay Winner: Kendall Monson;
Community Dialogue: Religious Diversity in our Communities
Shoreview Human Rights Commission Community Dialogue →
Other Resources
The Shoreview Human Rights Commission compiled a list of suggested readings and videos to help people of all ages focus on improving race relations, increasing cultural awareness, reducing prejudice, valuing of our differences and the importance of unity over uniformity.
For more information on human rights issues in Minnesota visit
For more information on human rights issues in Minnesota visit
www.hrusa.org/league/default.shtm.
For more information on Amnesty International visit
For more information on Human Rights Watch visit
For more information on Southern Poverty Law Center visit
For more information on The Carter Center visit
For more information on United Nations visit
Contact Information
Staff Liaison: Tessia Melvin, Assistant to the City Manager
651.490.4613