City Appoints Human Rights Commission

On Wednesday Mayor Tom Potter and City Council appointed 15 members to the City of Portland's new Human Rights Commission and 11 members to its Honorary Advisory Board. The appointments coincided with the 60th anniversary year of the passage of the United Nation's Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Following two years of community engagement and development, the Human Rights Commission and the Office of Human Relations were established by ordinance in March of 2008.  Both entities will work to eliminate discrimination and bigotry, strengthen intergroup relationships and foster greater understanding, inclusion, and justice for those who live, work, study, worship, travel and play in the City of Portland. 
The Human Rights Commission and the Honorary Advisory Board bring a combined experience of close to two centuries of social justice, civil and human rights advocacy on issues ranging from poverty and education, to housing, healthcare access, and advocacy for the dignity and basic rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered individuals.     
"Portland has become a city of great diversity, and this enriches our cultural life and economy," said Mayor Potter. "We must ensure that this diversity is protected, nurtured and viewed as the asset to our city that it is."