Commissioner Kevin Lindsey will discuss the Department of Human Rights wide-ranging activities to end discrimination Minnesota and the Department's goals and new initiatives for the year ahead at a public forum to be held Friday, Sept. 28 from 5:00 - 6:30 PM at Minneapolis Urban League.

This event is free and registration is not required.

Guests will have an opportunity to speak with Commissioner Lindsey and discuss their human rights concerns at a question-and-answer session following the Commissioner's update on MDHR activities.

What: Public Forum with Commissioner Kevin Lindsey

When: Friday, September 28, 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM

Where: Minneapolis Urban League, 2100 Plymouth Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55411

Additional information: The Commissioner's discussion of department activities and initiatives will include:

• Changes to the charge process at the Department of Human Rights, aimed at reducing the time needed to investigate cases and makes determination, and ensuring that all legitimate cases receive an investigation.
• Challenges facing the department in responding to an increasing caseload - charges filed in the first half of 2012 increased 50 percent over the previous six months, with increases in virtually every category.
• Revised goals for the hiring of women and minorities on state-funded construction projects, such as the Vikings Stadium and the St. Croix Lift Bridge, based on new census data to more accurately reflect Minnesota's increasing diversity.
• The Department's role in conducting an evaluation of diversity across state agencies and assessing best practices to recruit and retain a diverse state workforce, per the request of Gov. Mark Dayton.
• MDHR's efforts, in collaboration with other partners, to engage the community in a dialog on equity-related issues such as eliminating employment disparities, improving access to voting, and eliminating school bullying.

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