HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 25-022ORDINANCE 25-022
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES
OF THE CITY OF BROOKINGS AND PERTAINING TO THE AUTHORITY AND
DUTIES OF THE BROOKINGS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION.
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKINGS,
STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA, AS FOLLOWS:
1.
That Section 2-154 - 2-167 of the Code of Ordinances and pertaining to the authority
and duties of the Brookings Human Rights Commission is hereby amended to read as
follows:
Section 2-154. Purpose.
The purpose of the Brookings Human Rights Commission (BHRC) is to improve human
relations and civil rights in the Brookings area by fighting discrimination against
individuals or groups because of their age, disability, race, color, ethnicity, sex, creed,
religion, ancestry, national origin, familial status, marital status, gender identity, sexual
orientation, or political affiliation. The BHRC promotes educational activities to make
Brookings an inclusive and welcoming community.
Section 2-155. Substantive and procedural authority and duties.
The authority and duties of the Brookings Human Rights Commission shall be to:
(1) Promote human and civil rights for all its citizens and visitors.
(2) Foster mutual understanding and respect among all racial, religious and
nationality groups in the Brookings area.
(2) Prevent and eliminate bias and discrimination by means of education,
persuasion, conciliation and, to the extent permitted, enforcement, and utilize
all the powers at its disposal to carry into execution the provisions of this
chapter.
(3) Study and publicize the existence, character, causes and extent of
discrimination in employment, housing and property rights, education, public
accommodations, and public services in the city.
(4) Provide intake assistance for complaints from individuals who may be victims
of discrimination and refer such complaints to the South Dakota Human Rights
Commission, or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or other
appropriate agencies for investigation and adjudication of the complaint.
(5) Cooperate with various racial, religious and ethnic groups; community, civil,
labor and business organizations; federal, state, and city agencies student
organizations; fraternal and benevolent associations; veterans' organizations;
and other groups in educational campaigns and programs to accomplish the
objectives of this article.
(6) Advise the mayor, city council members, city manager and the respective
departments of the city concerning matters consistent with the purposes and
powers of the human rights commission.
(7) Recommend ordinances and other legislation pertinent to the purposes of
protection of human rights and the promotion of inclusion.
(8) Conduct educational programs and disseminate information in furtherance of
the purposes and policies of the human rights commission.
The following Sections of Chapter 2 are hereby repealed:
• Section 2-156 - Filing complaint.
• Section 2-157 - Time for filing complaint.
• Section 2-158 - Service of respondent and answer.
• Section 2-159 - Determination of probable cause.
• Section 2-160 - Conciliation.
• Section 2-161 - Public hearing.
• Section 2-162 - Dismissal of complaint.
• Section 2-164 - Prosecution of violation.
• Section 2-167 - Time limit for filing complaint.
II.
Any or all ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
FIRST READING: July 8, 2025
SECOND READING: July 22, 2025
PUBLISHED: July 25, 2025
G. Niemeyer! Mayor
ATTEST:
71
r� Foster, City Clerk