Human rights commission
Navigating immigration in Minnesota
The human rights commission and Ramsey County Library - Shoreview hosted a panel discussion around immigration on October 1, 2025. The event shared real stories from our neighbors and gave insight into the legal challenges people face.
As mentioned throughout the discussion, all community members have basic rights under the U.S. Constitution and civil rights laws. Below are several resources to learn more about those rights.
- Immigrant Law Center of MN
- 651-641-1011
- A non-profit organization providing free immigration legal representation to low-income immigrants and refugees in Minnesota and North Dakota.
- Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS)
- 1-877-696-6529 or 651-222-5863
- A non-profit law firm providing free legal help to low income and elderly people who reside in 33 counties of southern Minnesota, including the St. Paul metropolitan area.
- Minnesota Immigration Services Hub
- A group of organizations working together to increase access to immigration legal services in Minnesota. Their website provides information about free immigration legal clinics, community trainings, and ‘know your rights’ resources.
- We have rights
- A website providing videos in multiple languages to prepare for and safely defend your rights during encounters with Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- Law Help MN
- A website providing fact sheets, online videos, and other explainers written by attorneys. Content covers responsibilities of green card holders, what to expect at immigration court, relief for domestic violence survivors, and more.
- The Advocates for Human Rights' Agency and Attorney referral list
- A website providing contact information for trustworthy private attorneys and low-cost legal organizations.
This 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.
Human rights can be defined as those basic rights without which people cannot live in dignity as human beings. Human rights are not bought, earned, or inherited; they belong to all people simply because all people are human. Human rights are inherent to each individual.
The HRC's responsibilities include:
- Developing educational programs and increasing awareness
- Coordinating efforts with neighboring human rights commissions
- Advising and recommending items related to human relations and civil rights problems
- Providing direction and support to people or organizations on:
- Civil and human rights
- Identifying responsibilities to bridge cultural and other differences
Resources
Meetings
Members
- Gene Nichols, co-chair
- Alicia Dietsche, co-chair
- Mary Ellen Baisley
- Emily Salava Batres
- Richard Bokovoy
- Mary Yee Johnson
- Julie B. Williams
- Siham Khalif, student representative
- Krisha Pillai, student representative
- Sidharth Sharma, student representative
Staff contact
Renee Eisenbeisz, assistant city manager
651-490-4613 | Email Renee
2025 equity and inclusion survey
The human rights commission conducted an online survey to identify strengths and challenges related to equity and inclusion. The survey was available on the city’s engagement platform, Polco, February 16 - March 14. The city advertised the survey on its website, social media accounts, Winter ShoreViews, and e-newsletter.
The commission prepared an analysis of the results(PDF, 74KB) and demographic breakdown(PDF, 672KB) . They identified the following strategies to help Shoreview be a welcoming community to all.
- Create a “Welcome to Shoreview” campaign to:
- Welcome new residents
- Share opportunities for diverse populations to join community events and advisory boards.
- Promote the city’s value of inclusion and encourage residents to live by it.
- Showcase our community diversity by:
- Fostering an environment for all residents
- Hosting multicultural events that represent different groups in the city
The commission will use this to update its action plans in the future.
A peace of my mind
Thanks to a grant from the Shoreview Community Foundation, the human rights commission, Oak Hill Montessori Community School, and the Ramsey County Library were able to bring A Peace of My Mind to Shoreview in October 2022. This is a multimedia arts project by award-winning photographer and storyteller John Noltner. Mr. Noltner uses portraits and personal stories to bridge divides, encourage dialogue, and celebrate the differences between us all.
What is your responsibility to create community?
As part of the program, we asked you to share your story with us and have your picture taken by Mr. Noltner. Following is a slideshow of community members answering the question: How do you create community?
Bias/hate crimes resources
These organizations can help with bias/hate crimes.