Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Kevin Lindsey will explore the impact of the proposed Voter ID and Marriage Amendments in a public forum on Oct. 10 from 3 PM to 4 PM at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD). Later the same day, Commissioner Lindsey will discuss Minnesota's changing demographics, racial disparities and workforce hiring goals in a public forum from 6 PM to 8 PM at Duluth City Hall.

In his presentation at UMD, Commissioner Lindsey will analyze the arguments for and against both proposed Amendments, explain the Department of Human Rights' position, and discuss why the debate over both Amendments matters for our democracy.

In the forum at City Hall, Commissioner Lindsey will discuss how our state's demographics have changed dramatically over the past decade, and why, as the Baby Boom generation retires, the share of people of color in the workforce will more than double. A panel discussion will follow the Commissioner's presentation, featuring Duluth residents, business people, and individuals seeking to enter the workforce.

We want the Commissioner's visit to open a dialog about the Duluth community, and how we can get it right to ensure full participation in the workforce, said Bob Grytdahl, City of Duluth Human Rights officer. The panel discussion will focus on how we can achieve hiring goals for minorities and women in some major projects that are coming in this area, and how we can work together for mutual benefit, Grytdahl explained.

Both the UMD presentation and the forum at City Hall are open to the public, and registration is not required. Both events will include a public comment and question-and-answer session.

Public forum on the Voter ID and Marriage Amendments

When: Wednesday, Oct. 10, 3 PM to 4 PM

Where: University of Minnesota-Duluth, Kirby Rafters room, Kirby Student Center, 1049 University Drive, Duluth, MN 55812

The UMD forum is sponsored by the City of Duluth's Human Rights Commission and Minnesota Public Interest Research Group (MPIRG) at UMD with sponsorship from the University of Minnesota Duluth Chancellor's Office, Division of Student Life, Diversity Commission, GLBT Services, GLBTQA Commission, Masters in Advocacy and Political Leadership Program, Office of Civic Engagement, and United Campus Ministry.

Public forum on Changing Demographics, Racial Disparities and Workforce Hiring.

When: Wednesday, Oct. 10, 6 PM to 8 PM

Where: Duluth City Hall, 411 West 1st Street, Duluth, Minnesota 55802-1199

The public forum at Duluth City Hall is sponsored by the Duluth Human Rights Commission.

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