Columbia Functions, powers and duties ordinance (§ 12-18)

The commission shall have the following functions, powers and duties:

(1) To formulate and carry out educational programs designed to minimize or eliminate those discriminatory practices made unlawful by Article III of this chapter.

(2) To receive complaints alleging any discriminatory practices made unlawful by Article III of this chapter.

(3) To endeavor to eliminate discriminatory practices made unlawful by Article III of this chapter by conference, conciliation and persuasion.

(4) To provide mediation services to resolve incidences of alleged discriminatory practices made unlawful by Article III of this chapter.

(5) To cooperate with other organizations, private and public, to discourage discrimination.

(6) To encourage fair treatment for all persons regardless of age as it relates to employment, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, receipt of governmental assistance, alienage or citizenship status, status as a survivor of sexual or domestic violence, or order of protection status, familial status as it relates to housing, or source of income.

(7) To advise the city council on human rights issues.

(8) To hold public hearings on the state of human rights and relations in the city and on specific human rights issues.

(9) To sponsor or initiate specifically targeted workshops and on-going programs to improve human relations and to decrease tensions in the city.

(10) To present informational programs on human rights to school, business, service and other organizations.

(11) To adopt rules, regulations and guidelines pertaining to the investigation and disposition of complaints consistent with the provisions of this chapter.

(12) To make recommendations to the city manager for funding human rights enhancement activities.