North Dakota Needs a Commission on Human Rights

North Dakota Human Rights Coalition

Working to effect change so that all people in North Dakota enjoy full human rights

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North Dakota Needs a Commission on Human Rights

(Talking Points)

A number of human rights advocates led by the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition has advocated for an independent Commission of Human Rights in North Dakota. In the 2005 legislative session, they are advocating for two changes: to rename the Department of Labor to the Department of Labor and Human Rights, and to appoint an “advisory committee” to the Department of Labor concerning human rights violations. Currently, the mandate to enforce North Dakota’s human rights law has been legislatively placed within the Department of Labor, through its Division of Human Rights.

The proposed North Dakota Commission on Human Rights would:

Be created within the Department of Labor/Division of Human Rights

Be seven volunteer members from across the state (there would be reimbursement of travel expenses only)

Represent persons likely to experience discrimination, and represent business and government

Be bi-partisan or multi-partisan, selected by the Governor with the consent of the Senate

Would not supersede the enforcement authority of the State Labor Commissioner, but rather would concentrate on recommendations, education and communication within and throughout the state.

Why we are advocating for a North Dakota Commission on Human Rights advisory committee:

1) It provides a voice for those individuals within the state that otherwise have no influence or feel they have no influence on state

2) It could provide a legitimacy for the Commission for those same individuals

3) It provides a forum for business, government and individuals to come together and find mutually beneficial solutions to otherwise contentious issues

4) It could head off costly litigations or expensive redos that result from a lack of information (e.g. two eating establishments in Fargo, after completing costly remodeling projects were still found to be in non-compliance with accessibility laws)

5) A very cost-effective way to extend the activities of the Department of Labor, particularly in the area of education and outreach

6) Members of this commission are NOT government employees, they are NOT bureaucrats, they are NOT given enforcement authority. However, they ARE knowledgeable about human rights and business interests within the state.

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Last update: May 07, 2008

North Dakota Human Rights Coalition

P.O. Box 1961

Fargo, North Dakota 58107-1961

Phone: (701) 239-9323

Fax: (701) 478-4452

Email: humanrights@ndhrc.org

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