Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Kevin Lindsey will explore our state's changing demographics and what these trends mean for jobs, education, and our economic future during a visit to North Eastern Minnesota on Tuesday Oct. 2.

Commissioner Lindsey will speak at a public forum at the Mountain Iron Community Center in Mountain Iron, MN from 5:30 to 7:30 PM on Oct. 2.

The Commissioner will discuss how Minnesota's demographics have shifted dramatically over the past decade, a trend that will accelerate and change the makeup of our workforce. As predominantly white workers of the baby boom generation retire in increasing numbers, the share of people of color in the workforce is expected to more than double. Minnesota will not have the highly skilled workers it will need in 2020 and beyond unless we find ways to include more minorities in the workforce today, and provide training and education for the workforce of tomorrow, Commissioner Lindsey has noted.

Lindsey will explain why the Governor's initiatives in education are important, and discuss the efforts of the Department of Human Rights, working in collaboration with other partners, to ensure that all Minnesotans have a chance to compete for job opportunities as our economy regains strength.

In addition, Lindsey will discuss the impact of the proposed Voter ID and Marriage Amendments to Minnesota's Constitution, and provide an overview of the Department of Human Rights' role in ending discrimination and its initiatives for the coming year.

There is no charge to attend the Mountain Iron public forum, and advance registration is not required.

Earlier in the day, at 3 PM at the Mountain Iron Community Center, Commission Lindsey will meet with representatives of the region's labor and trade unions.

The following day, Wednesday Oct. 3 at 9 AM, Commissioner Lindsey will join Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) Commissioner Tony Sertich for a tour of Hibbing Taconite in Hibbing, MN.

What: Public Forum with Minnesota Human Rights Commissioner Kevin Lindsey.

When: Tuesday, Oct. 2, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Where: Mountain Iron Community Center, 8586 Enterprise Drive South Mt. Iron, MN 55768

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For more information please contact: Jeff Holman, Minnesota Department of Human Rights, 651.539.1090, jeff.holman@state.mn.us