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:

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.

    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

    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.

    Community Dialogue: Religious Diversity in our Communities

    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

    www.humanrights.state.mn.us.

    For more information on human rights issues in Minnesota visit

    www.hrusa.org/league/default.shtm.

    For more information on Amnesty International visit

    www.amnesty.org.

    For more information on Human Rights Watch visit

    www.hrw.org.

    For more information on Southern Poverty Law Center visit

    www.splcenter.org.

    For more information on The Carter Center visit

    www.cartercenter.org .

    For more information on United Nations visit

    www.un.org.

    Contact Information

    Staff Liaison: Tessia Melvin, Assistant to the City Manager

    651.490.4613