Human Rights Commission


 2023 Meeting Schedule
All meetings begin at 5pm
January 19February 16March 16
April 20May 18June 15
July 20August 17September 21
October 19November 16December 21


Commission Responsibilities

The purpose of the Human Rights Commission is to help eliminate prejudice and discrimination due to race, sex, religion, age, or disability and to safeguard the rights of all citizens as defined by law.


The Human Rights Commission also serves as the City’s Fair Housing Board with respect to discrimination complaints as they relate to housing issues.


The Human Rights Commission has three primary roles:

  1. To receive and review complaints regarding alleged discriminatory actions and to mediate disputes that arise from those complaints.
  2. Serve as a clearing house for information and referral to State and Federal agencies which deal with human rights matters.
  3. Review City related policies and procedures regarding Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity practices, contracting/procurement procedures, and other areas related to human rights issues and city policies.


Filing a Complaint


Rock Island residents who feel they have been the subject of a discriminatory act may file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission.


  • Once a completed complaint is received, the Commission can work with the parties involved to mediate the dispute and work toward a resolution. In some cases a complaint may be referred to the Illinois Department of Human Rights or another agency for resolution.
  • Note that filing a complaint with the Rock Island Human Rights Commission should not take the place of filing a complaint with the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Illinois Department of Human Rights, or any other state or federal agency which may address issues of discrimination.
  • In order to preserve your legal rights and potential remedies under various federal and state statutes, the appropriate agency or private legal counsel should be contacted particularly with regard to the timing with which a complaint must be filed.

Agendas & Minutes


Agendas are available prior to the meetings. 

Most Recent Agendas | View All Agendas

 

Minutes are also available following approval. 

Most Recent Minutes


Members

Monta Ponsetto
Term expires June 2024
David Levin - Chairperson
Term expires June 2025
Margie Mejia-Caraballo
Term expires June 2025
Sara Meyer
Term expires June 2024
Randall McMurray
Term expires June 2025
Keenen Wilson
Term expires June 2024
Lyss Chiampi
Term expires June 2024
Vince Thomas
Term expires June 2025
Stephen Andich
Term expires June 2026
Jason Lopez - Vice Chairperson
Term expires June 2026
Christiana Headley - Secretary
Term expires June 2026
Tamara Felden
Term expires June 2026
 Jerry Jones
Staff