§ 86-5. Duties of the commission.

The commission, with the advice of and in close cooperation with the advisory committee, shall:

(1)

Study and (in such manner and subject to such screening procedures as may be provided in its rules) collect information concerning written complaints, signed by one or more complainants, that citizens of the city are being or have been deprived of rights guaranteed to them by the United States or state constitution or the laws of the state or the city, on account of race, creed, national origin or ancestry, color, religion, gender or sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, marital status, age, physical condition or disability.

(2)

Study and collect information concerning legal developments constituting discrimination or denial of equal protection of the laws under the United States or state constitution because of race, creed, national origin or ancestry, color, religion, gender or sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, marital status, age, physical condition or disability, or the inadequate or partial administration of justice.

(3)

Appraise the laws and policies of the federal government, the state, and the city, with respect to discrimination or denials of equal protection of the laws under the United States or state constitution because of race, creed, national origin or ancestry, color, religion, gender or sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, marital status, age, physical condition or disability, or the inadequate or partial administration of justice.

(4)

Collect and report information and establish forums and other means for dialogue concerning the social and economic progress and development of all citizens of the city.

(5)

Foster mutual understanding and respect among all economic, social, religious, cultural and ethnic groups in the city.

(6)

Assist in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process with respect to voting rights.

(7)

Cooperate with federal, state, and city agencies in their efforts to curb discriminatory practices.

(8)

Seek grants and donations on behalf of the city from foundations and others for the purpose of carrying out its functions, subject to the approval of the council and the mayor. The acceptance of such grants and donations by the city shall be subject to the provisions of section 9-314 of the city charter.

(9)

Report to the city council and the mayor on an annual basis concerning each of its duties.

(10)

Provide for execution within its jurisdiction of the policies embodied in this chapter, in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C.A. 2000e et seq., and the Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C.A. 3601 et seq.

(11)

Safeguard all individuals within its jurisdiction from discrimination because of race, creed, national origin or ancestry, color, religion, gender or sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, marital status, age, physical condition or disability.

(M.C.S., Ord. No. 19,278, § 1, 6-17-99)