Press Release

<results><page>0</page><page>20</page><page>94</page><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights: Rideshare Companies Cannot Discriminate Against Minnesotans with Disabilities</Title><title>Rideshare Companies Cannot Discriminate Against Minnesotans with Disabilities</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-730622&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2026-03-11T16:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>“For people with disabilities, access to rideshares like Lyft is not a convenience, it is a civil right,” said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. “This settlement with Lyft is an important step forward. It makes it clear that Minnesota will hold transportation providers accountable, and it reinforces that Minnesotans must be treated with dignity and afforded full access under the law.”</ShortDescription><Subtitle>Lyft settlement will benefit riders with service animals nationwide</Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Human Rights today announced a settlement and reaffirmed that under state law, rideshare companies must accommodate riders with a disability, and drivers cannot refuse rides to Minnesotans because they have a service dog. Commissioner Rebecca Lucero was joined by Minnesotans with disabilities who have been harmed by rideshare discrimination.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Commissioner Lucero announced a settlement agreement with Lyft that followed discrimination against Tori Andres, a student who was repeatedly denied rides because of her service dog, Alfred. These updates benefit riders nationwide.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“For people with disabilities, access to rideshares like Lyft is not a convenience, it is a civil right,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. “&lt;strong&gt;This settlement with Lyft is an important step forward. It makes it clear that Minnesota will hold transportation providers accountable, and it reinforces that Minnesotans must be treated with dignity and afforded full access under the law.”
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The agreement follows a comprehensive investigation by the Department of Human Rights, which found that Lyft drivers repeatedly canceled rides for Tori Andres, a Minnesotan traveling with her service animal. While the case focused on one individual, it reflects broader concerns raised by Minnesotans with disabilities across the state who experience canceled rides from rideshare services and other service denials.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Tori Andres is one of the Minnesotans who brought a complaint of discrimination to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights against a rideshare company. Andres is blind and travels with a service dog that is trained to assist her with daily tasks. &lt;strong&gt;“This case has been deeply personal to me,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Tori Andres. &lt;strong&gt;“My guide dog Alfred is my freedom, he is the reason that I am able to live my life as a college student and athlete completely independently. I will never stop fighting for my rights and the many service dog teams out there who deserve to go about their lives without worrying about access issues.” &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Disability Law Center, which represented the plaintiff in the Lyft case, highlighted how rideshare refusals can be a common issue for people with disabilities, leading to missed work hours and doctor’s appointments. &lt;strong&gt;&quot;Under Minnesota law, people with disabilities have the right to access transportation services with their service animals, yet refusals still happen far too often,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Chad Wilson, a supervising attorney from Minnesota Disability Law Center of Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, who represented Andres in the case. &lt;strong&gt;“This agreement reinforces accountability, advances Lyft’s compliance, and warns transportation companies and their drivers that denying service to riders with service animals is illegal. No one should be turned away from a ride simply because they are traveling with a service animal.&quot;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“On-demand transportation is essential to daily life,”&lt;/strong&gt; said David Dively, executive director of the Minnesota Council on Disability. &lt;strong&gt;“This settlement underscores the importance of protecting riders who use service animals from discrimination and ensuring equal access in practice. We welcome continued progress with rideshare providers to strengthen access, accountability, and independence for Minnesotans with disabilities.” &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Key findings from the investigation&lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(0, 56, 101); font-size: medium;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Between November 2021 and January 2023, Lyft drivers canceled multiple rides after learning rider Tori Andres was traveling with a service animal. Andres has a trained service dog that wears a leather harness typical of guide dogs trained to support people with visual disabilities. In one instance, a Lyft driver hung up the phone and canceled the ride immediately after being informed about the service animal by Andres’ mother, who was providing directions to the driver. In another, two separate drivers canceled within minutes of each other after seeing the service animal, causing Andres to miss a medical appointment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Department of Human Rights concluded that Lyft violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act, which prohibits public places—including rideshare vehicles— from denying people access because they have a disability. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Settlement agreement has national impact&lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(0, 56, 101); font-size: medium;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights reached a robust settlement agreement that benefits riders cross the United States, promoting independence and connection. The settlement includes improvements to policies, driver education, and updates to the Lyft app. It also strengthens accountability for drivers who violate these policies by clarifying that they may be deactivated and therefore unable to continue driving for Lyft. The agreement also includes a monetary settlement of $63,000 for the rider in the case. The Department of Human Rights will monitor Lyft’s compliance with the settlement agreement for the next three years.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While this agreement is specific to Lyft, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights has received complaints of widespread discrimination against people with disabilities from multiple rideshare services and transportation providers. All rideshare companies must follow the Minnesota Human Rights Act. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;What this means for riders and drivers&lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(0, 56, 101); font-size: medium;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To ensure that Minnesotans with disabilities can access Lyft without discrimination, the Department of Human Rights wants riders and drivers to understand their rights and responsibilities. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;Riders&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;You have the right to ride: By law, Lyft drivers cannot cancel or refuse a ride because you have a disability – that includes riders with wheelchairs and service animals and riders who are blind or low vision. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Optional disclosure: Riders can choose to notify the driver in the Lyft app that they are traveling with a service animal. The video below demonstrates how riders can disclose their service animal in their Lyft app settings.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;How to report problems: If a driver refuses to give someone with a service animal a ride, riders should report it to Lyft through their website, app, email or by phone. Under the settlement, Lyft must follow up on every report.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Lyft%20accessibility%20menu_tcm1061-730612.png&quot; title=&quot;Lyft accessibility menu screenshot&quot; alt=&quot;Lyft accessibility menu screenshot&quot; style=&quot;width: 40%; height: 40%;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Lyft accessibility menu screenshot&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://youtu.be/Jxr5b3RWvgc&quot; title=&quot;Disclosing a Service Animal in the Lyft App &quot;&gt;A video from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; shows how riders can update their Lyft app settings to disclose a service animal.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;Drivers&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;It’s the law: Drivers cannot cancel or refuse a ride because a rider has a disability – that includes riders with wheelchairs and service animals and riders who are blind or low vision. Service animals are not pets.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;“Always Say Yes” reminders: Drivers attempting to cancel or refuse a ride for a rider traveling with a service animal and who disclosed it in the app will immediately receive an in-app message. The message reminds drivers that canceling or refusing the ride violates both the law and company policy—and that doing so may lead to termination. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Training and education: The settlement requires Lyft to provide drivers with information on how to determine whether an animal is a service animal, train new drivers, and regularly remind drivers to follow the Service Animal Policy. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Lyft%20driver%20screenshot_tcm1061-730614.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Lyft driver cancellation screenshot&quot; alt=&quot;Lyft driver cancellation screenshot&quot; style=&quot;width: 40%; height: 40%;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Lyft driver cancellation screenshot&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.lyft.com/blog/posts/lyft-service-animals-feature-policy&quot; title=&quot;Lyft driver screenshot service animals&quot;&gt;Lyft’s website&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; shows drivers will receive a warning message if they attempt to cancel a service animal ride.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;How to report discrimination&lt;/font&gt; &lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(0, 56, 101); font-size: medium;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the Department of Human Rights by submitting &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot; title=&quot;Report Discrimination&quot;&gt;this online form&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency and is responsible for enforcing the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest state civil rights laws in the country.
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>730622</id><pubdate>2026-03-11T18:45:27Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Secures Settlement with Transportation Company After Discriminating Against Employee Based on Race and National Origin</Title><title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Secures Settlement with Transportation Company After Discriminating Against Employee Based on Race and National Origin</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-725517&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2026-02-19T14:57:58Z</Date><ShortDescription>“No one should have to face discrimination or harassment at work because of their race or where they were born,” said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. “This settlement sends a clear message that the Minnesota Department of Human Rights will enforce our state civil rights laws to ensure that people can live and work in dignity. While our agency cannot stop all the cruel and inhumane treatment that immigrant communities are currently facing, we will continue to hold workplaces accountable for unlawful discrimination.” </ShortDescription><Subtitle>Settlement requires company to pay employee $180,000 and make changes to prevent future discrimination </Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Human Rights today announced a settlement agreement with a Minnesota-based company that transports specialty products worldwide, after an investigation found the company violated Minnesota’s civil rights laws by discriminating against and firing an employee because of his race and national origin. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Under the settlement, the company is required to pay the former employee $180,000. The company must also take steps to strengthen its anti-discrimination systems and programs.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Immigrant communities are confronting cruel and dehumanizing treatment, and while we cannot stop every act of racism and xenophobia, we will use every tool available under state law to hold businesses accountable and protect fundamental civil rights for Minnesotans,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“No one should be targeted, mistreated, or pushed aside at work because of their race or where they come from. This settlement sends a strong message: discrimination is illegal, and we will enforce state civil rights laws to ensure that people can live and work in dignity.”&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Minnesota’s law clearly prohibits discrimination&lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(0, 56, 101); font-size: medium;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, it is unlawful for employers to discriminate against a person because of their race or national origin. This protection includes discrimination in hiring, firing, pay, or any terms or conditions of employment because of race or national origin.  
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Harassment in the workplace based on race and national origin – which often looks like harassment against immigrants – may violate the Minnesota Human Rights Act when it makes the workplace hostile or abusive. Harassment could include the use of slurs like “illegal,” or pejorative remarks like “go back to your country,” or “speak English.” Threats to call immigration authorities can constitute harassment or retaliation when motivated by discriminatory intent.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more information on rights under state law, visit &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/yourrights/&quot; title=&quot;MDHR Your Rights&quot;&gt;our website&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Key findings from the investigation&lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(0, 56, 101); font-size: medium;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;An investigation by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) found that between April and July 2022, the transportation company fostered a hostile work environment where an employee was repeatedly insulted by a coworker with racist stereotypes and harmful tropes about the employee’s accent and his country of origin. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The employee reported the harassment to his supervisor, who failed to investigate or address the harassment. Instead of taking steps to address the discriminatory behaviors, the company allowed the behavior to continue, and they continued to schedule the employee with the harassing coworker. The company then fired the employee and claimed they did so for performance issues, but had no evidence to back up those claims. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Based on the evidence, the Department of Human Rights concluded that the company violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act by allowing discrimination to occur and terminating the employee because of his race and national origin.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In the settlement, the company agreed to pay the employee $180,000, strengthen its anti-harassment training and reporting protocols, and log and share any employee discrimination complaints with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;How to report discrimination&lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(0, 56, 101); font-size: medium;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the Department of Human Rights by submitting &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot; title=&quot;Report Discrimination&quot;&gt;this form&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;.  
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency and is responsible for enforcing the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest state civil rights laws in the country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>725517</id><pubdate>2026-02-19T15:04:57Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Sexual Harassment</Title><Id>244489</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Education</Title><Id>502813</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Secures Settlement with Osseo Area Schools after Assistant Principal Sexually Harassed a Nine-Year-Old Student</Title><title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Secures Settlement with Osseo Area Schools after Assistant Principal Sexually Harassed a Nine-Year-Old Student</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-710684&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2025-10-28T14:28:56Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Human Rights today announced a settlement agreement with Osseo Area Schools after finding the school district violated Minnesota’s civil rights law by failing to stop an assistant principal from sexually harassing a nine-year-old student.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>School district will apologize to the student, pay her $61,500, and implement reforms to prevent future sexual harassment</Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Human Rights today announced a settlement agreement with Osseo Area Schools after finding the school district violated Minnesota’s civil rights law by failing to stop an assistant principal from sexually harassing a nine-year-old student.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Under the settlement, the district agreed to send a written apology letter to the student, pay the former student $61,500, hold a listening session with the student and her parents, and make changes to stop and prevent future sexual harassment and discrimination.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“As demonstrated here, when a Minnesota school knows or should have known about discrimination and harassment, and fails to take meaningful action to prevent it, it not only causes tremendous harm to the student and their family, but it also violates the Minnesota Human Rights Act,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“Despite a rapidly shifting civil rights enforcement landscape at the federal level, this case demonstrates that Minnesota is not backing down from its civil rights laws.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“What happened was wrong and unjust. School districts should continue to be held accountable when discrimination, harassment, or any misconduct occurs. We are grateful to have received some form of justice in this situation,”&lt;/strong&gt; said the student’s parents.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;When it comes to discrimination in schools, Minnesota’s law is clear&lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(0, 56, 101); font-size: medium;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Amid constant shifts at the federal level, Minnesota’s civil rights law is clear. When a school district knows or should know about discrimination or harassment, they must take action to address it.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minnesota schools are prohibited from discriminating against students by denying them services, benefits, or full use of the school because of their race, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Court of Appeals has powerfully recognized that &quot;students should not be required to ‘shop’ among schools and districts to obtain a discrimination-free education,” because “[s]chools play a pivotal role in a young person’s development and intellectual, mental, and emotional health.” This means Minnesota schools must prevent and stop discrimination and harassment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Investigation into Osseo Area Schools&lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(0, 56, 101); font-size: medium;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Department of Human Rights’ investigation found that during the 2021-22 school year, an assistant principal used his position of power – both as a school leader and an adult – to sexually harass a nine-year-old student. He told the fourth grader that he could not stop looking at her, went out of his way to interact with her, and inappropriately touched her.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The investigation found that Osseo Area Schools knew or should have known that the assistant principal was harassing the student. The district had credible reports of the sexual harassment from other students, teachers, and the student’s parents. Despite this, the district took no meaningful action to stop or prevent the assistant principal from sexually harassing the nine -year-old.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The school’s failure to stop the sexual harassment had a significant impact on the nine-year-old. Her parents ultimately withdrew her from the district.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Settlement agreement&lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(0, 56, 101); font-size: medium;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Recognizing the harm caused by the district’s failure to take meaningful action, Osseo Area Schools agreed to write an apology letter to the student and hold a listening session with the student and her parents, terms rarely included in settlement agreements.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Osseo Area Schools will also pay the former student $61,500 for the impact the sexual harassment had on her.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The settlement agreement also requires Osseo Area Schools to take action to prevent and stop future discrimination and harassment. For example, the district must have and enforce anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies and procedures and train staff, leadership, and teachers on those policies and procedures.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Department of Human Rights will monitor Osseo Area Schools’ compliance with the settlement agreement for the next five years.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;How to report discrimination&lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(0, 56, 101); font-size: medium;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the Department of Human Rights by submitting this &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;online form&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency and is responsible for enforcing the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest state civil rights laws in the country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>710684</id><pubdate>2025-10-28T14:29:10Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Sex</Title><Id>678651</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Employment</Title><Id>244471</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Announces Two Cases Involving Blatant Sex Discrimination</Title><title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Announces Two Cases Involving Blatant Sex Discrimination</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-708842&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2025-10-09T13:46:15Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Human Rights today announced settlement agreements in two separate cases involving blatant workplace sex discrimination that violated Minnesota’s civil rights law.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>Employees were denied jobs because of wrongful sex stereotyping; Lakes Concrete Plus and Key Lime Air must make changes to prevent future discrimination</Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Human Rights today announced settlement agreements in two separate cases involving blatant workplace sex discrimination that violated Minnesota’s civil rights law.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“In Minnesota, we know that work should provide for food and warmth in our homes and our communities, not discrimination. And we’ve worked hard to eliminate the notion that certain jobs ought to be performed by a woman or a man. Yet, these two cases demonstrate that there is still work left to do,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“Minnesota’s civil rights laws require workplaces to proactively prevent and address discrimination because both employers and employees are stronger when civil rights laws are followed.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Lakes Concrete Plus told an employee that driving a concrete truck was not “women’s work”&lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(0, 56, 101); font-size: medium;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;After a comprehensive investigation, the Department of Human Rights found Lakes Concrete Plus, located in Bemidji, violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act when the company fired a concrete truck driver because she is a woman.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;When firing her, Lakes Concrete Plus told her that driving a concrete truck was not “women’s work” and that she should find a job that was “more fitting,” meaning a job fit for a woman.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Department of Human Rights reached a settlement agreement with the company that requires Lakes Concrete Plus to pay the former employee $45,000 for lost wages and implement changes to create a workplace free from discrimination.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Key Lime Air refused to hire a man as a flight attendant&lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(0, 56, 101); font-size: medium;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Following a thorough investigation, the Department of Human Rights found Key Lime Air, which operates flight services in Thief River Falls, violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act when the company refused to hire a qualified job applicant for a flight attendant position because he is a man.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;During the investigation, Key Lime Air acknowledged its practice of only hiring women as flight attendants because the company believed women are “better” than men for the position.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Under the settlement agreement reached with the Department of Human Rights, Key Lime Air must pay the former job applicant approximately $45,000 for damages and ensure its workplace policies do not discriminate against job applicants and employees in Minnesota.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;About sex stereotyping and discrimination&lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(0, 56, 101); font-size: medium;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Sex stereotypes are assumptions about the kinds of traits, behaviors, or roles that women and men are expected to have. A sex stereotype can result in unlawful sex discrimination through unequal pay, termination, demotion, and harassment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Approximately 22% of Minnesotans who file charges with the Department of Human Rights allege sex discrimination.   &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesota’s civil rights law, the Minnesota Human Rights Act, requires employers to prevent and address sex discrimination so that employees and job applicants can live, work, and be free from discrimination.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the Department of Human Rights by submitting &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;this online form&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency and is responsible for enforcing the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest state civil rights laws in the country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>708842</id><pubdate>2025-10-09T13:46:53Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Two Court Decisions to Know About</Title><title>Two Court Decisions to Know About</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-702331&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2025-08-19T20:58:06Z</Date><ShortDescription>This summer, we celebrated two key court decisions that the Minnesota Department of Human Rights was involved in. 

👀 In the coming weeks and months, you&apos;ll continue to hear from us about cases we&apos;re working on through this newsletter. Stay tuned! </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This summer, we celebrated two key court decisions that the Minnesota Department of Human Rights was involved in. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;👀 In the coming weeks and months, you&apos;ll continue to hear from us about cases we&apos;re working on through this newsletter. Stay tuned!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;1. Minnesota Supreme Court makes key decision in housing discrimination case&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In July, the Minnesota Supreme Court upheld a Minneapolis ordinance banning landlords from discriminating against someone because they use public assistance to pay their rent. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This aligns with the amicus brief that the Minnesota Department of Human Rights submitted to the Minnesota Supreme Court.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why it&apos;s important:&lt;/strong&gt; This decision is a stride in the right direction towards &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fmn.gov%2Fmdhr%2Fassets%2FHousing-Stability-Act_tcm1061-610125.pdf/1/01010198c38cc4f3-79935c71-5a07-4fb7-9c53-ef5c3c482a7d-000000/gnGJ8yxg84qkjvAGB_kBUvpML3E_08SYsfeSOIPrRi0=418&quot;&gt;clarifying the Minnesota Human Rights Act&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; through the Housing Stability Act that no Minnesotan should be denied housing because they pay for their rent with rental assistance.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Catch up quick:&lt;/strong&gt; In 1973, Minnesota legislators decided it is a violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act for a landlord to discriminate against someone because they pay their rent with rental assistance. However, in 2010, the Court of Appeals wrongly applied the Minnesota Human Rights Act when it allowed landlords to discriminate against someone who is a recipient of Section 8, a federal public assistance program.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What&apos;s next:&lt;/strong&gt; It&apos;s time for Minnesota legislators to clarify what has been the law for 50+ years by passing the Housing Stability Act.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/neighborhood-icon-no-background-for-newsletter_crop_tcm1061-702329.png&quot; title=&quot;Housing Newsletter Graphic&quot; alt=&quot;Housing Newsletter Graphic&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Housing Newsletter Graphic&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;2. Department of Human Rights approved to join lawsuit against Absolute Drywall&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In June, a Minnesota state court ruled that the Minnesota Department of Human Rights can officially join a lawsuit against Absolute Drywall, a company that allowed sexual harassment and rape in the workplace.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This ruling comes after the Minnesota Department of Human Rights conducted a comprehensive investigation, found Absolute Drywall violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act, and &lt;a href=&quot;https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fmn.gov%2Fmdhr%2Fnews-community%2Fnewsroom%2Fcivilrightsupdates.jsp%3Fid=671136/1/01010198c38cc4f3-79935c71-5a07-4fb7-9c53-ef5c3c482a7d-000000/2jK1tsOzq68cfjF_zv0oUU3Xburs7Y9agPgGxhUCE34=418&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;filed to join a lawsuit&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; against the company. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why it&apos;s important:&lt;/strong&gt; Minnesotans - especially those working in the construction industry where sexual harassment is a prevalent issue – have the right to live free from discrimination and sexual assault. The court’s ruling affirms our right to uphold that protection under the law.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Catch up quick:&lt;/strong&gt; In 2021, Norma Izaguirre began working as a drywall laborer for Absolute Drywall. An employee consistently sexually harassed Norma, made unwanted sexual advances, and assaulted her. The employee also raped Norma. Norma reported the harassment to Absolute Drywall five times, but the company did not take any meaningful action to stop the harassment, allowing it to continue.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What&apos;s next:&lt;/strong&gt; In court, we will seek court-ordered changes that require Absolute Drywall to create a workplace where no one is discriminated against, sexually harassed, or raped, as well as require Absolute Drywall to pay Norma.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/pr-quote-graphic-with-photo-horizontal-1_crop_tcm1061-702330.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Absolute Drywall Quote Graphic&quot; alt=&quot;Absolute Drywall Quote Graphic&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Absolute Drywall Quote Graphic&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>702331</id><pubdate>2025-08-19T22:03:23Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>3 things to know about the MPD consent decree</Title><title>3 things to know about the MPD consent decree</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-693310&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2025-06-12T17:13:31Z</Date><ShortDescription>There&apos;s been a lot of news recently about public safety in Minneapolis. Here&apos;s what you need to know about the state consent decree with the City of Minneapolis (City) and the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD).</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;There&apos;s been a lot of news recently about public safety in Minneapolis. Here&apos;s what you need to know about the state consent decree with the City of Minneapolis (City) and the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD). &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#066C80&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 142, 170);&quot;&gt;1. State consent decree is binding&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minutes after the proposed federal consent decree was abandoned by the U.S. Department of Justice and eventually dismissed by a judge, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights issued a statement stressing that the &lt;a href=&quot;https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fmn.gov%2Fmdhr%2Fmpd%2Fagreement%2F/1/0101019764f961d5-8ec16a1e-28c8-48c8-96f8-edf3528abe3a-000000/BhZgNDi7CpO4e1d1GuEg53cfdqixbBINI4lRORd0yyI=409&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;state consent decree&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; is binding and isn&apos;t going anywhere.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The proposed federal consent decree had some unique terms, but many of the terms are duplicative in the existing state consent decree that requires transformational changes to improve public safety and address race-based policing.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Quote%20Horizontal_tcm1061-693306.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Quote Horizontal&quot; alt=&quot;Quote Horizontal&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Quote Horizontal&quot; /&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Why it matters&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The &lt;strong&gt;court is the only entity that can terminate the state consent decree&lt;/strong&gt;. And it can only do so once it determines that the City and MPD have reached full, effective, and sustained compliance with a culture that values humanity, dignity, and civil rights.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The consent decree also requires &lt;strong&gt;independent oversight&lt;/strong&gt; from a monitoring team. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;These elements of the consent decree are why the Minnesota Department of Human Rights has expressed to the City its openness to incorporate unique terms from the proposed federal consent decree into the state consent decree.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Statement%202%20Horizontal_tcm1061-693307.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Statement 2 Horizontal&quot; alt=&quot;Statement 2 Horizontal&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Statement 2 Horizontal&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#066C80&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 142, 170);&quot;&gt;2. City has tremendous amount of work ahead&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Effective Law Enforcement for All, the independent monitoring team, released their latest progress report detailing the work the City and MPD must complete under the state consent decree. The tremendous amount of work ahead for the City, including MPD, cannot be understated.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Dive deeper&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;📻 &lt;a href=&quot;https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv=1IgtSUlHyLw/1/0101019764f961d5-8ec16a1e-28c8-48c8-96f8-edf3528abe3a-000000/IOUR7UOH-jjDdKrZUl7no4ph8QD6pEQaNzh2-e1tptM=409&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Listen to Commissioner Lucero speak about the consent decree&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and the City and MPD&apos;s progress.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Statement%20Horizontal_tcm1061-693308.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Statement Horizontal&quot; alt=&quot;Statement Horizontal&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Statement Horizontal&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#066C80&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 142, 170);&quot;&gt;3. Upcoming community events&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is not hosting or co-hosting the following events but shares these because community members are essential to this work. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;NEW DATE: Follow-up Community Engagement Presentation by the MPD Implementation Unit&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The &lt;a href=&quot;https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.minneapolismn.gov%2Fgovernment%2Fdepartments%2Fpolice%2Fimplementation%2F/3/0101019764f961d5-8ec16a1e-28c8-48c8-96f8-edf3528abe3a-000000/kZwcPfGgJ5gDU9qz7iBvxetkVRhJI_KDP2IPDVM995M=409&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Minneapolis Police Department Implementation Unit&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; invites you to a presentation that will provide important updates on MPD policy changes that have been shaped by continued community engagement.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Date:&lt;/strong&gt; Tuesday, August 12 (Previously Tuesday, July 8)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Time:&lt;/strong&gt; 5:30 p.m. food and refreshments served; 6:00 p.m. community meeting&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Location:&lt;/strong&gt; Public Service Building&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Address:&lt;/strong&gt; 505 S. 4th Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55415&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Contact:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:policepolicyfeedback@minneapolismn.gov&quot;&gt;policepolicyfeedback@minneapolismn.gov&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(6, 108, 128);&quot;&gt;Commitment to Progress: Five Years Later by the Minnesota Justice Research Center&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The &lt;a href=&quot;https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.mnjrc.org%2F/1/0101019764f961d5-8ec16a1e-28c8-48c8-96f8-edf3528abe3a-000000/x-mU7z3iSmOE0he-f0JWr3eb_iSnwTdzFtW_sHRh454=409&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Minnesota Justice Research Center&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; invites you to &quot;Commitment to Progress: Five Years Later,&quot; a community conversation to explore efforts to transform policing in Minnesota since 2020.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When:&lt;/strong&gt; Thursday, July 10 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Where:&lt;/strong&gt; Urban League Twin Cities, 2100 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis, 55411&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Food:&lt;/strong&gt; Provided&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RSVP:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fgivebutter.com%2F2NJa7Z/1/0101019764f961d5-8ec16a1e-28c8-48c8-96f8-edf3528abe3a-000000/raM7iuVv5ohYXZxyNnEd7YoXpCN98f6eXZkV6aTK8AI=409&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Please RSVP here&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Monitoring team&apos;s next community meeting&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://ele4a.org/minneapolis/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Effective Law Enforcement for All (ELEFA)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; hosts regular meetings to update community members on the City and MPD&apos;s progress on implementing the state consent decree. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Date:&lt;/strong&gt; Wednesday, July 30th&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Time:&lt;/strong&gt; 5:30 p.m. food will be served&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Where:&lt;/strong&gt; Lucy Craft Laney Elementary, 3333 N Penn Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55412&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more details, visit &lt;a href=&quot;https://ele4a.org/minneapolis-news/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;ELEFA&apos;s event page&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>693310</id><pubdate>2025-07-21T16:29:58Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>MPD</Title><Id>697351</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Public Services</Title><Id>244486</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Race</Title><Id>244481</Id><Key/></Category><Title>State Court Enforceable Agreement Is Binding and Isn’t Going Anywhere</Title><title>State Court Enforceable Agreement Is Binding and Isn’t Going Anywhere</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-684829&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2025-05-21T14:06:49Z</Date><ShortDescription>City of Minneapolis remains under state court enforceable agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights</ShortDescription><Subtitle>City of Minneapolis remains under state court enforceable agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights</Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Human Rights, the state’s civil rights enforcement agency, today issued the following statement following news that the U.S. Department of Justice filed a motion to dismiss the proposed federal consent decree with the City of Minneapolis (City) and the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD):&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“While the Department of Justice walks away from their federal consent decree nearly five years from the murder of George Floyd, our Department and the state court consent decree isn’t going anywhere,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“Under the state agreement, the City and MPD must make transformational changes to address race-based policing. The tremendous amount of work that lies ahead for the City, including MPD, cannot be understated. And our Department will be here every step of the way.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;State court enforceable agreement&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In March 2023, the Department of Human Rights and the City reached and filed a court enforceable agreement. In July 2023, Hennepin County District Court Judge Karen Janisch approved the agreement, &lt;em&gt;State of Minnesota by Rebecca Lucero, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, vs. City of Minneapolis,&lt;/em&gt; Court File No. 27-cv-23-4177.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/mpd/agreement/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;state court enforceable agreement&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; is the result of the Department of Human Rights’ investigation into the City and MPD, which was immediately launched following the murder of George Floyd. The &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/assets/Investigation%20into%20the%20City%20of%20Minneapolis%20and%20the%20Minneapolis%20Police%20Department_tcm1061-526417.pdf&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;investigation&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; found the City and MPD engage in a pattern or practice of race discrimination in violation of Minnesota’s civil rights law.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The state court enforceable agreement addresses the findings by requiring the City and MPD to make transformational changes to their organizational culture by recognizing the humanity and civil rights of community members, addressing race-based policing, and strengthening public safety.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The agreement contains many provisions that are based on what Minneapolis community members and MPD officers shared during extensive engagement conducted by the Department of Human Rights.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Effective Law Enforcement for All, the independent evaluator for the state court enforceable agreement, recently issued its latest semi-annual progress report. The report and the Department of Human Rights’ letter responding to the report is available on &lt;a href=&quot;https://ele4a.org/minneapolis-reports/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Effective Law Enforcement for All’s website&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The court is the only entity that can terminate the state court enforceable agreement once it determines that the City and MPD have reached full, effective, and sustained compliance with the terms of the agreement.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>684829</id><pubdate>2025-07-16T15:31:29Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Sexual Harassment</Title><Id>244489</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Reprisal</Title><Id>244490</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Employment</Title><Id>244471</Id><Key/></Category><Title>State of Minnesota Agrees, Absolute Drywall Allows Sexual Harassment and Rape</Title><title>State of Minnesota Agrees, Absolute Drywall Allows Sexual Harassment and Rape</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-671136&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2025-03-04T15:30:15Z</Date><ShortDescription>“We are sending a clear reminder to all employers: you must provide a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment,&quot; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>Employee sexually harassed and raped at work, fired after reporting harassment; Minnesota’s civil rights law requires employers to prevent and stop sexual harassment and assault</Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; Following a comprehensive investigation, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, represented by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, today &lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Absolute%20Drywall_tcm1061-671254.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Absolute Drywall&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Absolute Drywall&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;filed to join a lawsuit&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; against Absolute Drywall for violating the Minnesota Human Rights Act by allowing an employee to sexually harass and rape another employee and then firing her after she reported the harassment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“We are sending a clear reminder to all employers: you must provide a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. When anyone is discriminated against or harassed, our state and our businesses are deprived of enormous potential,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“Norma deserved to be treated with humanity. Instead, Absolute Drywall allowed sexual harassment and rape to go unchecked. Our Department will hold employers like Absolute Drywall accountable when they violate the law because employees in every industry, including the construction industry, must be able to live with dignity, free from discrimination.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesota has one of the &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.laborfinders.com/employers/blog/women-in-construction/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;highest percentages&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; of women working in construction. At the same time, sexual harassment in the construction industry is a prevalent issue. According to a 2021 &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://iwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/A-Future-Worth-Building_What-Tradeswomen-Say_FINAL.pdf#page=7&quot;&gt;report&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; by the Institute for Women’s Policy and Research, nearly one in four women working in construction surveyed stated that they experience near constant sexual harassment on the job.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“The State’s decision to join my case against Absolute Drywall is an acknowledgment of not only my truth, but also the unacceptable reality that women like me, Latina women, too often face sexual harassment and assault in the construction industry,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Norma Izaguirre. &lt;strong&gt;“I hope that by standing up for myself and speaking out, other women feel empowered to tell their stories and employers who are abusive to their workers are held accountable.”&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In January 2021, Norma Izaguirre began working as a drywall laborer for Absolute Drywall. An employee immediately and consistently sexually harassed Izaguirre, made unwanted sexual advances, and assaulted her. In May 2021, the employee raped Izaguirre at a worksite in Eagan.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Izaguirre reported the harassment to Absolute Drywall five times. The company failed to take any meaningful action to stop the harassment, allowing the harassment to continue. Instead, Absolute Drywall fired Izaguirre because she reported the sexual harassment to the company.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Izaguirre contacted the Department of Human Rights, which launched an investigation into Absolute Drywall. The Department of Human Rights’ investigation uncovered that Absolute Drywall fostered a workplace culture that allowed sexual harassment and rape. The company, for example, did not have any policies prohibiting sexual harassment or clear ways for employees to make sexual harassment complaints.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Department of Human Rights concluded that Absolute Drywall violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act, which requires employers to prevent and stop sexual harassment and assault.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Minnesotans deserve to live and work with dignity, safety, and respect,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. &lt;strong&gt;“Absolute Drywall fell abysmally short of providing that environment for their employees, so today, we are taking action. By filing to join this lawsuit, we are making it clear that what happened to Norma is completely unacceptable, and that the State of Minnesota will hold employers accountable if they permit sexual harassment and assault to take place on the job. To any workers that have been the victim of similar conduct on the job, I encourage you to share your stories with my office or the Department of Human Rights, if you feel comfortable doing so.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“I am grateful for the partnership of the Department of Human Rights and Commissioner Rebecca Lucero, and I look forward to continuing our work to defend the rights and freedoms of Minnesotans,”&lt;/strong&gt; added Ellison.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;By filing to join this lawsuit, the Department of Human Rights emphasizes that the State will not allow sexual harassment and rape to go unchecked.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The complaint demands that Absolute Drywall make transformational changes and pay Izaguirre for damages.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Department of Human Rights wants Absolute Drywall to have and enforce clear anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies and wants to ensure that Absolute Drywall’s employees, including employees who speak Spanish, know about the policies and can easily report sexual harassment, assault, and other forms of discrimination.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“The court-ordered changes we’re seeking will help women, like Norma, who deserve respect in the workplace,”&lt;/strong&gt; continued Commissioner Lucero.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Department of Human Rights is seeking to join the lawsuit filed in Minnesota’s First Judicial District by Norma Izaguirre, who is represented by the firm Nichols Kaster PLLP and the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In February 2025, the employee who raped Izaguirre pleaded guilty to felony criminal sexual conduct in Dakota County.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency and is responsible for enforcing the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest state civil rights laws in the country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Rights by submitting this &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;online form&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>671136</id><pubdate>2025-07-16T15:24:41Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Sexual Harassment</Title><Id>244489</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Reprisal</Title><Id>244490</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Employment</Title><Id>244471</Id><Key/></Category><Title>El Estado de Minnesota confirma que, Absolute Drywall permitió acoso sexual y violación</Title><title>El Estado de Minnesota confirma que, Absolute Drywall permitió acoso sexual y violación</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-671150&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2025-03-04T15:15:44Z</Date><ShortDescription>“Estamos enviando un recordatorio claro a todos los empleadores: deben proporcionar un ambiente de trabajo libre de discriminación y acoso&quot;, afirmó Rebecca Lucero, Comisionada del Minnesota Department of Human Rights. </ShortDescription><Subtitle>Una empleada fue acosada sexualmente y violada en el trabajo, luego despedida tras denunciar el acosol; La Ley de Derechos Humanos de Minnesota exige a los empleadores prevenir y detener el acoso sexual y agresiones</Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; Tras una investigación exhaustiva, el Minnesota Department of Human Rights, representado por el Fiscal General de Minnesota, Keith Ellison, &lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Absolute%20Drywall_tcm1061-671254.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Absolute Drywall&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Absolute Drywall&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;presentó hoy una solicitud para unirse a una demanda&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; contra Absolute Drywall por violar la Ley de Derechos Humanos de Minnesota al permitir que un miembro del personal acosara sexualmente y violara a otro miembro del personal y luego así despidiendo a la víctima después de que denunciara el acoso.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Estamos enviando un recordatorio claro a todos los empleadores: deben proporcionar un ambiente de trabajo libre de discriminación y acoso. Cuando alguien es discriminado o acosado, nuestro estado y nuestras empresas son privadas de un enorme potencial”&lt;/strong&gt;, afirmó Rebecca Lucero, Comisionada del Minnesota Department of Human Rights. &lt;strong&gt;“Norma merecía ser tratada con dignidad. En cambio, Absolute Drywall permitió que el acoso sexual y la violación ocurrieran sin consecuencias. Nuestro Departamento hará que los empleadores como Absolute Drywall rindan cuentas cuando violen la ley, porque el personal de todas las industrias, incluida la industria de la construcción, debe poder vivir con dignidad y libre de discriminación.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesota tiene uno de los &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.laborfinders.com/employers/blog/women-in-construction/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;más altos porcentajes&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; de mujeres trabajando en construcción. Al mismo tiempo, el acoso sexual en la industria de la construcción es un problema generalizado. Según un &lt;a href=&quot;https://iwpr.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/A-Future-Worth-Building_What-Tradeswomen-Say_FINAL.pdf#page=7&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;informe&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; del Institute for Women’s Policy and Research casi una de cada cuatro mujeres encuestadas, quienes trabajan en construcción, afirmaron que experimentan acoso sexual de manera casi constante en el trabajo.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“La decisión del Estado de unirse a mi caso contra Absolute Drywall es un reconocimiento no solo de mi verdad, sino también de la inaceptable realidad que enfrentamos con demasiada frecuencia mujeres como yo, mujeres latinas, al sufrir acoso sexual y agresiones en la industria de la construcción”&lt;/strong&gt; declaró Norma Izaguirre. &lt;strong&gt;“Espero que, al defenderme y alzar la voz, otras mujeres se sientan empoderadas para contar sus historias y así, los empleadores que abusan de su personal rindan cuentas por sus acciones.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;En enero de 2021, Norma Izaguirre comenzó a trabajar como ayudante de instalación de paneles de yeso para Absolute Drywall. Un miembro del personal acosó sexualmente a Izaguirre de manera inmediata y constante, hizo insinuaciones sexuales no deseadas y la agredió. En mayo de 2021, este miembro del personal violó a Izaguirre en un sitio de trabajo en Eagan.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Izaguirre denunció el acoso a Absolute Drywall en cinco ocasiones. La empresa no tomó ninguna medida significativa para detenerlo, lo que permitió que continuara. En lugar de actuar, Absolute Drywall despidió a Izaguirre por haber denunciado el acoso sexual.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Izaguirre se puso en contacto con el Department of Human Rights, que inició una investigación sobre Absolute Drywall. La investigación del Department of Human Rights reveló que Absolute Drywall fomentaba una cultura laboral que permitía el acoso sexual y la violación. Por ejemplo, la empresa no contaba con normativas que prohibieran el acoso sexual ni con procedimientos claros para que el personal pudiera presentar denuncias por acoso sexual.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;El Department of Human Rights concluyó que Absolute Drywall violó la Ley de Derechos Humanos de Minnesota, la cual exige que los empleadores prevengan y detengan el acoso sexual y las agresiones.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Los habitantes de Minnesota merecen vivir y trabajar con dignidad, seguridad y respeto&quot;,&lt;/strong&gt; declaró el Fiscal General de Minnesota, Keith Ellison. &lt;strong&gt;&quot;Absolute Drywall no solo no cumplió con este estándar, sino que falló de manera abismal en proporcionar un entorno seguro para su personal, por lo que hoy estamos tomando medidas. Al presentar nuestra solicitud para unirnos a esta demanda, dejamos en claro que lo que le ocurrió a Norma es completamente inaceptable y que el Estado de Minnesota hará que los empleadores rindan cuentas si permiten que ocurran el acoso sexual y las agresiones en el lugar de trabajo. A cualquier trabajador(a) que haya sido víctima de una conducta similar en su empleo, le animo a compartir su historia con mi oficina o con el Department of Human Rights, si se siente cómodo(a) haciéndolo.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Agradezco la colaboración del Department of Human Rights y de la Comisionada Rebecca Lucero, y espero seguir trabajando juntos para defender los derechos y libertades de los habitantes de Minnesota” &lt;/strong&gt;añadió Ellison.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Al presentar su solicitud para unirse a esta demanda, el Department of Human Rights reafirma que el Estado no permitirá que el acoso sexual y la violación queden impunes.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;La denuncia exige que Absolute Drywall implemente cambios transformadores y compense a Izaguirre por los daños sufridos.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;El Department of Human Rights busca que Absolute Drywall implemente y haga cumplir normativas claras contra la discriminación y el acoso, y quiere garantizar que el personal de Absolute Drywall, incluidas las personas que hablan español, conozcan estas normativas y puedan denunciar fácilmente el acoso sexual, las agresiones y otras formas de discriminación.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Los cambios ordenados por la corte que estamos buscando ayudarán a mujeres como Norma, quienes merecen respeto en el lugar de trabajo&quot;, &lt;/strong&gt;afirmó la Comisionada Lucero.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;El Department of Human Rights está solicitando unirse a la demanda presentada en el Primer Distrito Judicial de Minnesota por Norma Izaguirre quien cuenta con la representación del bufete Nichols Kaster PLLP y del North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;En febrero de 2025, el miembro del personal que violó a Izaguirre se declaró culpable por delito grave de conducta sexual criminal en el condado de Dakota.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;El Minnesota Department of Human Rights es la agencia estatal encargada de hacer cumplir los derechos civiles y es responsable de la aplicación de la Ley de Derechos Humanos de Minnesota, una de las normativas de derechos civiles estatales más sólidas del país.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Si cree que ha sido víctima de discriminación, comuníquese con el Minnesota Department of Human Rights presentando este &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;formulario en línea&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>671150</id><pubdate>2025-07-16T15:25:05Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Sexual Harassment</Title><Id>244489</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Employment</Title><Id>244471</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Settles with Home Depot in Workplace Sexual Harassment Case</Title><title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Settles with Home Depot in Workplace Sexual Harassment Case</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-667402&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2025-01-30T15:31:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>“Sexual harassment is a violation of the law and a denial of basic human dignity,” said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>Home Depot to pay former employee $65,000 and make changes to prevent future sexual harassment</Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Human Rights today announced a settlement agreement with Home Depot after its investigation found several employees sexually harassed another employee and Home Depot failed to stop the harassment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Sexual harassment is a violation of the law and a denial of basic human dignity,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“It harms individuals&apos; mental health, job performance, and well-being, while also undermining organizational integrity and productivity. Minnesota state law requires that employers create a workplace free from sexual harassment and assault. This agreement reminds Minnesota employers of this obligation.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“My experience was deeply painful, and my goal in coming forward was not just to stand up for myself but also to raise awareness so that nobody else would ever have to go through what I went through,”&lt;/strong&gt; said the former employee. &lt;strong&gt;“I hope my journey and the policy changes outlined in the settlement agreement helps pave the way for a safer, more respectful environment for all employees.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 56, 101);&quot;&gt;The case&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Department of Human Rights’ investigation found that from 2018 to 2021, three Home Depot employees sexually harassed another employee at the Fridley store. The sexual harassment included unwelcome sexual comments and advances and inappropriate touching.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The employee reported the sexual harassment numerous times over the course of approximately three years, but Home Depot took little to no action.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Home Depot’s inaction allowed the sexual harassment to continue. This violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act, which prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Department of Human Rights reached a settlement agreement that requires Home Depot to pay the former employee $65,000. Under the agreement, Home Depot must also work to create a workplace free from sexual harassment by enforcing anti-harassment policies, conducting training on those policies, and holding store managers accountable.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Department of Human Rights will monitor Home Depot’s compliance with this agreement for two years.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Enforcing Minnesota’s civil rights law&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, the Department of Human Rights investigates allegations of sexual harassment and assault in schools and the workplace.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Department of Human Rights has enforced the law in several sexual harassment and assault cases by:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Reaching a &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/?id=1061-560403&quot;&gt;consent decree&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; with a McDonald’s franchisee after finding a 24-year-old manager used his position of power to repeatedly sexually assault a 14-year-old employee at a restaurant;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Securing a &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/?id=1061-581635&quot;&gt;settlement&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; after a school district failed to prevent a teacher from sexually assaulting a student; and&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Filing a &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/#/detail/appId/1/id/607068&quot;&gt;lawsuit&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; against a printing company for failing to stop a supervisor from repeatedly sexually harassing and assaulting two employees.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;How to report discrimination&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Rights by submitting this &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;online form&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency and is responsible for enforcing the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest state civil rights laws in the country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>667402</id><pubdate>2025-07-16T15:23:38Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Subject>Racial Discrimination</Subject><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Secures Settlement with Pine City Public Schools After Seventh Grader Was Repeatedly Racially Harassed</Title><title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Secures Settlement with Pine City Public Schools After Seventh Grader Was Repeatedly Racially Harassed</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-660626&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-12-12T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>“Children deserve the opportunity to thrive, socially and academically, in school,” said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>Pine City Public Schools violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act by failing to timely and appropriately stop the racial harassment.</Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) today announced a settlement agreement with Pine City Public Schools after finding multiple students repeatedly bullied and harassed a seventh grader because of her race. Pine City Public Schools violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act by failing to timely and appropriately stop the racial harassment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Children deserve the opportunity to thrive, socially and academically, in school,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“Today’s announcement serves as a reminder to schools across the state of their legal responsibilities under the Minnesota Human Rights Act to proactively prevent and stop harassment and discrimination.” &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 56, 101);&quot;&gt;Pine City Public Schools&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR’s investigation uncovered that a seventh grader was repeatedly intimidated, bullied, and harassed for months because of her race by more than ten students during the 2020-2021 school year. The student and her parents persistently reported the harassment to school leaders.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;As a result of the ongoing harassment and Pine City Public Schools’ failure to resolve it, the seventh grader was greatly impacted and missed several weeks of school.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR found Pine City Public Schools violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act because the district knew of the harassment and did not take timely and appropriate action to stop it or prevent further harassment from occurring. For instance, the district failed to follow its own harassment policy that required any employee who received a harassment report to promptly notify the superintendent. Any attempts Pine City Public Schools made to address the racial harassment were not effective because it continued.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR reached a settlement agreement with Pine City Public Schools requiring the district to pay the student $65,000. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Pine City Public Schools must also make changes to its policies and procedures to prevent future discrimination and harassment. While the events of this case took place during COVID-19, MDHR will monitor the school district’s compliance with the settlement agreement through the 2025- 2026 school year.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Ways schools can take action&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;When students took the most recent Minnesota Student Survey, 54% &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wilder.org/sites/default/files/imports/MSS_WholeChild_SnapshotsMNYouth_2022_06-23.pdf#page=13&quot;&gt;reported&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; being bullied in the past month.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To support students and teachers in creating learning environments that are free from discrimination, school districts can take the following actions to prevent and address harassment and bullying:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Review results from the Minnesota Student Survey to determine what’s working and how school districts can better resolve harassment, bullying, and discrimination.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Proactively train students, educators, and school leaders on both how to prevent and how to respond to harassment and discrimination.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Make sure school policies around harassment, bullying, and discrimination are clear and transparent, and that the policies are immediately followed.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;To prevent further harm, provide support to students being harassed and to students engaging in the harassment.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;When possible, work with student groups, nonprofits, and other community members to support students who are experiencing bullying, harassment, and discrimination.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;How to report discrimination&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you believe you have been harassed or discriminated against, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Rights by submitting this &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;online form&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency and is responsible for enforcing the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest state civil rights laws in the country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>660626</id><pubdate>2024-12-19T19:28:58Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Two Way to Get Involved in the Consent Decree</Title><title>Two Way to Get Involved in the Consent Decree</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-652699&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-11-12T21:41:34Z</Date><ShortDescription>Community members have an important role to play in making sure the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Police Department are making transformational changes required by the consent decree.
</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Community members have an important role to play in making sure the City of Minneapolis (City) and Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) are making transformational changes required by the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/mpd/agreement/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;consent decree&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Below are two ways you can get involved!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 142, 170);&quot;&gt;1. Monitoring Team&apos;s First Community Meetings&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This week, &lt;a href=&quot;https://ele4a.org/minneapolis/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Effective Law Enforcement for All (ELEFA)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; will host its first public community meetings. You&apos;ll get a chance to meet the team, hear about their work, and learn how the monitoring team evaluates MPD&apos;s policies.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The two meetings will follow the same agenda and format.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Why the meetings are important&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;These regular meetings are hosted by Effective Law Enforcement for All-- not the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, the City, or MPD -- and are required by the consent decree.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;At these meetings, Effective Law Enforcement for All will provide updates about the City and MPD’s work to center continuous learning based on humanity and civil rights as detailed in the consent decree.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Effective Law Enforcement for All&apos;s first meeting (Tomorrow!)&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When: &lt;/strong&gt;Wednesday, November 13 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Food is served 5:30 - 6:00&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Where: &lt;/strong&gt;Sabathnai Community Center 310 E 38th St Suite 120, Minneapolis, MN 55409&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Effective Law Enforcement for All&apos;s second meeting&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When: &lt;/strong&gt;Thursday, November 14 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Food is served 5:30 - 6:00&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Where: &lt;/strong&gt;North Community High School 1500 James Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/elefa-event-flyer-social-media-size_original_tcm1061-652911.png&quot; title=&quot;Effective Law Enforcement For All Community Meetings&quot; alt=&quot;Effective Law Enforcement For All Community Meetings&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Effective Law Enforcement For All Community Meetings&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 142, 170);&quot;&gt;2. Share your feedback on MPD&apos;s Policies&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;As part of the consent decree, the City and MPD are required to collect feedback from community members while developing and updating its policies.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Feedback process&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Generally, here&apos;s the process for updating policies:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Community members have an opportunity to provide feedback&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;MPD takes feedback into account and makes changes&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights and Effective Law Enforcement for All review to provide additional feedback and final approval as required by the consent decree&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Share your feedback with the City and MPD on these policies&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/public-safety/police-public-safety/investigations-settlement-agreement/court-enforceable-settlement-agreement/mpd-policies/police-policies-feedback/5-104-non-discriminatory-policing/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Non-Discriminatory Policing policy&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/public-safety/police-public-safety/investigations-settlement-agreement/court-enforceable-settlement-agreement/mpd-policies/police-policies-feedback/5-109-procedural-justice-professional-policing/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Procedural Justice and Professional Policing policy&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The deadline to share your feedback with the City and MPD is &lt;strong&gt;December 13&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;How to share your feedback with the City and MPD&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Use &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/public-safety/police-public-safety/investigations-settlement-agreement/court-enforceable-settlement-agreement/mpd-policies/police-policies-feedback/mpd-policy-feedback-form/&quot;&gt;this form&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;to share your feedback.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>652699</id><pubdate>2024-11-12T21:53:47Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Happy Birthday!</Title><title>Happy Birthday! 57th Anniversary</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-642951&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-09-06T14:55:49Z</Date><ShortDescription>It’s the 57th anniversary of one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country – the Minnesota Human Rights Act!</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;It’s the 57th anniversary of one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country – the Minnesota Human Rights Act!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/animated-enforcing-civil-rights-since-1967-graphic_crop_tcm1061-642950.gif&quot; title=&quot;57th MHRA Anniversary GIF&quot; alt=&quot;57th MHRA Anniversary GIF&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;57th MHRA Anniversary GIF&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While we take a moment to celebrate, we also know that discrimination is pervasive and persistent.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;That’s why we’re focused on using the full power of the Minnesota Human Rights Act to build a world where everyone can lead lives full of dignity and joy, free from discrimination. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;In this newsletter:&lt;/strong&gt; Learn about four ways we’re working to eliminate discrimination in Minnesota.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 142, 170);&quot;&gt;1. Investigating discrimination&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Over the past year, we’ve highlighted some cases in the media that we investigated. Through this work, we made sure that Minnesotans know what they can do to prevent and address discrimination.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why they’re important:&lt;/strong&gt; These cases send a strong message about the importance of preventing discrimination by having strong anti-discrimination policies, enforcing those policies, and training on those policies.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Catch up:&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvmm0dj30.r.us-west-2.awstrack.me%2FL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Fmn.gov%252Fmdhr%252Fnews-community%252Fnewsroom%252F%2523%252Fdetail%252FappId%252F1%252Fid%252F606777%2F1%2F0101019151531296-0788a5ac-2e22-4e3d-9de1-7dd45212eecc-000000%2FAhZJO5fG0hS9Uei49PmTMEdPAQM%3D388&amp;amp;data=05%7C02%7Cngoc.le%40state.mn.us%7C4a7623f6ff3f44ca6ebc08dcbc6eb54f%7Ceb14b04624c445198f26b89c2159828c%7C0%7C0%7C638592430876799941%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;amp;sdata=RjOy%2B1qofp8X1GuQyZrtZMIQYWv4WmEbJJW1xD1zR4w%3D&amp;amp;reserved=0&quot;&gt;Employer fired an employee within an hour of learning she was pregnant&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvmm0dj30.r.us-west-2.awstrack.me%2FL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Fmn.gov%252Fmdhr%252Fnews-community%252Fnewsroom%252F%2523%252Fdetail%252FappId%252F1%252Fid%252F607068%2F1%2F0101019151531296-0788a5ac-2e22-4e3d-9de1-7dd45212eecc-000000%2F2SNDZ71WI6LfI9HnsDFQVQHpxcY%3D388&amp;amp;data=05%7C02%7Cngoc.le%40state.mn.us%7C4a7623f6ff3f44ca6ebc08dcbc6eb54f%7Ceb14b04624c445198f26b89c2159828c%7C0%7C0%7C638592430876808223%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;amp;sdata=WgSoK9JAM3RBy44aq%2BNFNPfW172swo1%2FPbYhULwOtfQ%3D&amp;amp;reserved=0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Lawsuit against printing company for failing to stop a supervisor from repeatedly sexually harassing and assaulting two employees&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvmm0dj30.r.us-west-2.awstrack.me%2FL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Fmn.gov%252Fmdhr%252Fnews-community%252Fnewsroom%252F%2523%252Fdetail%252FappId%252F1%252Fid%252F587216%2F1%2F0101019151531296-0788a5ac-2e22-4e3d-9de1-7dd45212eecc-000000%2FPmZj93f-qRzqp9uqcr2CXmvIcco%3D388&amp;amp;data=05%7C02%7Cngoc.le%40state.mn.us%7C4a7623f6ff3f44ca6ebc08dcbc6eb54f%7Ceb14b04624c445198f26b89c2159828c%7C0%7C0%7C638592430876814938%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;amp;sdata=lJ9WP%2BETRIWLRZm9WhnLAYI%2FUQzboOgU16MF3Dbfzbk%3D&amp;amp;reserved=0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Successful end of consent decree with CSL Plasma for gender identity discrimination&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvmm0dj30.r.us-west-2.awstrack.me%2FL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Fmn.gov%252Fmdhr%252Fnews-community%252Fnewsroom%252F%2523%252Fdetail%252FappId%252F1%252Fid%252F601708%2F1%2F0101019151531296-0788a5ac-2e22-4e3d-9de1-7dd45212eecc-000000%2Fe4wNdy7DTYgAUitLqjZgIGW-TjY%3D388&amp;amp;data=05%7C02%7Cngoc.le%40state.mn.us%7C4a7623f6ff3f44ca6ebc08dcbc6eb54f%7Ceb14b04624c445198f26b89c2159828c%7C0%7C0%7C638592430876821503%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;amp;sdata=v9FAGsV6XDKpn6NROgVnv%2Bnh2%2F%2BX55xusYzgDH1KmjY%3D&amp;amp;reserved=0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;PL Dental fired an employee because of her pregnancy&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvmm0dj30.r.us-west-2.awstrack.me%2FL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Fmn.gov%252Fmdhr%252Fnews-community%252Fnewsroom%252F%2523%252Fdetail%252FappId%252F1%252Fid%252F587425%2F1%2F0101019151531296-0788a5ac-2e22-4e3d-9de1-7dd45212eecc-000000%2FqBXgL10aH9Oygoocl9Lgj0CpDQQ%3D388&amp;amp;data=05%7C02%7Cngoc.le%40state.mn.us%7C4a7623f6ff3f44ca6ebc08dcbc6eb54f%7Ceb14b04624c445198f26b89c2159828c%7C0%7C0%7C638592430876827852%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;amp;sdata=i6yP47VnQpmXL731sEmzSunoPolKab8XH%2FciEx8bQi4%3D&amp;amp;reserved=0&quot;&gt;Settlement in religious discrimination case against largest aviation services company in North America&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 142, 170);&quot;&gt;2. Spreading the word about new laws&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This year, important new laws went into effect. We did a lot of outreach and education about the pay history law and other new changes to the Minnesota Human Rights Act.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why they’re important:&lt;/strong&gt; Minnesotans deserve strong laws that prevent discrimination.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Catch up:&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Pay history:&lt;/strong&gt; This &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvmm0dj30.r.us-west-2.awstrack.me%2FL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Fmn.gov%252Fmdhr%252Femployers%252Fpay-history%252F%2F1%2F0101019151531296-0788a5ac-2e22-4e3d-9de1-7dd45212eecc-000000%2FYMXo_WynavdGy7x3sdt6ogv8BKA%3D388&amp;amp;data=05%7C02%7Cngoc.le%40state.mn.us%7C4a7623f6ff3f44ca6ebc08dcbc6eb54f%7Ceb14b04624c445198f26b89c2159828c%7C0%7C0%7C638592430876834160%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;amp;sdata=GhH1dHlKiWoUS5YEDfj%2BZ46CfKRfDza6v8gRWbfGbk8%3D&amp;amp;reserved=0&quot;&gt;new law&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; prohibits employers from asking about or considering an applicant’s past or current pay during the hiring process. If you’ve been asked about your past pay while applying for a job, please &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvmm0dj30.r.us-west-2.awstrack.me%2FL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Fmn.gov%252Fmdhr%252Fintake%252Fconsultationinquiryform%252F%2F1%2F0101019151531296-0788a5ac-2e22-4e3d-9de1-7dd45212eecc-000000%2FJ8P-lExI-S11awi4A3UPR4xoW_g%3D388&amp;amp;data=05%7C02%7Cngoc.le%40state.mn.us%7C4a7623f6ff3f44ca6ebc08dcbc6eb54f%7Ceb14b04624c445198f26b89c2159828c%7C0%7C0%7C638592430876840450%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;amp;sdata=iwbe18grYU5bPJerABcyboWv5bZX4xh45rFFhXFRX20%3D&amp;amp;reserved=0&quot;&gt;contact us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Definition of disability is more inclusive:&lt;/strong&gt; Minnesotans with intermittent health conditions like diabetes or epilepsy, or who have cancer in remission, will now have protections from disability discrimination under the Minnesota Human Rights Act. &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/civilrightsupdates.jsp?id=630179&quot;&gt;Learn more about this and other changes&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;hr xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 142, 170);&quot;&gt;3. The road to transformational change with the City of Minneapolis and MPD&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Transformational change requires continuous learning and doesn’t take place overnight. That’s why we continue to work with the City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Police Department, community members, and the monitoring team.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why they’re important:&lt;/strong&gt; Minneapolis community members deserve to be treated with humanity. The &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvmm0dj30.r.us-west-2.awstrack.me%2FL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Fmn.gov%252Fmdhr%252Fmpd%252Fagreement%252F%2F1%2F0101019151531296-0788a5ac-2e22-4e3d-9de1-7dd45212eecc-000000%2FJpRISsjrkSnBQMDn4d7Yu_H74Cw%3D388&amp;amp;data=05%7C02%7Cngoc.le%40state.mn.us%7C4a7623f6ff3f44ca6ebc08dcbc6eb54f%7Ceb14b04624c445198f26b89c2159828c%7C0%7C0%7C638592430876853397%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;amp;sdata=M1CJ21NDymw6xIN488PTrYOFOX0bnHzgOTvanzslZ6k%3D&amp;amp;reserved=0&quot;&gt;court enforceable agreement&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; provides the framework for lawful, non-discriminatory policing, reduces unnecessary dangers for officers, and results in better public safety for Minneapolis.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Catch up:&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Monitoring team in place:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvmm0dj30.r.us-west-2.awstrack.me%2FL0%2Fhttps%3A%252F%252Fmn.gov%252Fmdhr%252Fmpd%252Fmonitor%252F%2F1%2F0101019151531296-0788a5ac-2e22-4e3d-9de1-7dd45212eecc-000000%2F97CuWunPXmmuBOIE2iDE_kwSJVg%3D388&amp;amp;data=05%7C02%7Cngoc.le%40state.mn.us%7C4a7623f6ff3f44ca6ebc08dcbc6eb54f%7Ceb14b04624c445198f26b89c2159828c%7C0%7C0%7C638592430876860696%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;amp;sdata=4IK5vX7oPEzpnOzu%2BdabJOK4XsRIBE5zbRrI%2FWKyDyw%3D&amp;amp;reserved=0&quot;&gt;Effective Law Enforcement for All&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; will support and hold the City and MPD accountable to address race-based policing by strengthening public safety.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;hr xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 142, 170);&quot;&gt;4. Centering the customer experience&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Whether you’re a business applying for a Workforce Certificate, someone reporting discrimination, or a business or a landlord responding to a charge of discrimination, we want to make sure you have a smooth experience. That’s why we’re finding ways to improve how everyone interacts with us.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why they’re important:&lt;/strong&gt; When we focus on the customer experience, we put the needs of Minnesotans at the center.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Catch up:&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 56, 101);&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Investigating discrimination:&lt;/strong&gt; Using feedback from individuals who reported discrimination to us, we have made it easier to easily schedule time with an investigator during the initial intake process. This has already resulted in decreasing the time it takes for someone to move through this process.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 56, 101);&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Contractor portal:&lt;/strong&gt; Using feedback from businesses, we are in the initial stages of developing a portal for contractors to submit information for their Workforce and Equal Pay Certificates to improve their experience. Launching in 2025!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 56, 101); color: rgb(0, 56, 101);&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Plain language:&lt;/strong&gt; We’re making updates to our website, forms, and applications to make sure Minnesotans can easily read, understand, and use them.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>642951</id><pubdate>2024-09-06T19:56:04Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>The Minnesota We’re Building Together</Title><title>The Minnesota We’re Building Together</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-630179&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-06-27T19:39:59Z</Date><ShortDescription>During the 2024 legislative session, almost every policy provision that we worked to pass became law. It takes a lot of work for a bill to become law – thank you to everyone who helped!</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;At the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, we’re building a world where Minnesotans can lead lives full of dignity and joy, free from discrimination.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;That’s why we work with community members, legislators, and legal and civil rights experts to help ensure Minnesotans have a strong civil rights law to turn to if they were discriminated against.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;During the 2024 legislative session, almost every policy provision that we worked to pass became law. It takes a lot of work for a bill to become law – thank you to everyone who helped!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Below, you’ll read about two of those changes. And, of course, despite all the work, not every bill will become law. For those that didn&apos;t become law, we were grateful to move the conversation forward and our work is not done!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 142, 170);&quot;&gt;Definition of disability is more inclusive&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Beginning August 1, 2024, Minnesotans with intermittent health conditions like diabetes or epilepsy, or who have cancer in remission, will now have protections from disability discrimination under the Minnesota Human Rights Act.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This means, for example, someone with epilepsy can request a &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/employers/reasonable-accommodations/&quot;&gt;reasonable accommodation&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; from their employer without fear of being fired because of their epilepsy.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Previously under the law, that same person would not be eligible for any reasonable accommodation for their epilepsy and could have been fired because of their medical condition.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Star Tribune recently highlighted this important change. &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-state-fair-employees-case-led-to-new-law-expanding-definition-of-disability/600371764/?refresh=true&quot;&gt;Read about it here&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/computerscreenshot-horizontal_original_tcm1061-630167.png&quot; title=&quot;Computer Screenshot Commissioner&quot; alt=&quot;Computer Screenshot Commissioner&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Computer Screenshot Commissioner&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 142, 170);&quot;&gt;Minnesota’s civil rights law better reflects the many ways people live and care for each other&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Beginning August 1, 2024, the definition of familial status in Minnesota’s civil rights law will be updated to clarify that familial status means parent(s) or guardian(s) having legal status and removes any reference to a minor “being domiciled.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This change from “domiciled” to legal status is an important change to afford protections of the Minnesota Human Rights Act to families across the state.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Another important change in the definition includes clarifying that familial status includes living and caring for someone of any age who lacks the ability to meet essential requirements for physical health, safety, or self-care.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This means, for example, that someone who provides continuous care for another person cannot be denied housing because there is an additional adult in the home. Importantly, the person receiving continuous care does not need to have any legal relationship to the person providing the care.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/familial-status-newsletter_crop_tcm1061-630168.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Familial Status Newsletter Crop&quot; alt=&quot;Familial Status Newsletter Crop&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Familial Status Newsletter Crop&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 142, 170);&quot;&gt;Minnesota law now requires pay transparency&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Beginning January 1, 2025, employers that employ 30 or more employees must include a salary range and a description of benefits with a job posting.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This builds on Minnesota’s &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/employers/pay-history/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;new pay history law&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, which prohibits employers from asking a job applicant about their current or past pay. The law encourages employers to rely on a job applicant’s skills and qualifications to set pay.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you were asked about your past or current pay, &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;fill out this form&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Both laws are important because they will help close the gender and racial pay gap.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/pay-transparency-newsletter_crop_tcm1061-630170.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Pay Transparency Newsletter Crop&quot; alt=&quot;Pay Transparency Newsletter Crop&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Pay Transparency Newsletter Crop&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 142, 170);&quot;&gt;Housing Stability Act does not pass – we keep up the work!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For years, we worked alongside Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, legislators, and legal and policy experts to pass the &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNDHR/bulletins/38eb1dd&quot;&gt;Housing Stability Act&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; so that Minnesotans are not discriminated against because they pay their rent with rental assistance. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In the end, the Housing Stability Act did not receive enough votes to pass. However, our work does not stop.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Later this summer, we’ll submit an amicus brief to the Minnesota Supreme Court. We’ll ask the court to overturn a 2010 Minnesota Court of Appeals case that misapplied the Minnesota Human Rights Act with regards to rental assistance.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While we do not know what the Court will decide, we do know that we’ll continue working on this to help make sure Minnesotans have stable housing, free from discrimination.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/neighborhood-icon-no-background-for-newsletter_crop_tcm1061-630171.png&quot; title=&quot;Neighborhood Icon No Background for Newsletter Crop&quot; alt=&quot;Neighborhood Icon No Background for Newsletter Crop&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Neighborhood Icon No Background for Newsletter Crop&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>630179</id><pubdate>2024-06-27T20:11:28Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Celebrating 10 Years of Advancing Women’s Economic Wellbeing</Title><title>Celebrating 10 Years of Advancing Women’s Economic Wellbeing</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-620928&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-04-18T18:37:57Z</Date><ShortDescription>It takes all of us to create a state where women can thrive. That’s why we invite you join us in celebrating the Women’s Economic Security Act on May 13!</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/WESA%2010%20Year%20Anniversary_tcm1061-620904.png&quot; title=&quot;WESA 10 Year Anniversary&quot; alt=&quot;WESA 10 Year Anniversary&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;WESA 10 Year Anniversary&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;It takes all of us to create a state where women can thrive. That’s why we invite you join us in celebrating the &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://dli.mn.gov/wesa&quot;&gt;Women’s Economic Security Act&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; on May 13!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#0D5257&quot;&gt;What is the Women’s Economic Security Act?&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;10 years ago, Minnesota passed the Women’s Economic Security Act (WESA). This law works to strengthen workplace protections for women, advance equal pay, train women for higher-wage jobs, support women entrepreneurs, among other priorities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Legislators recognized the importance of state investments being used to intentionally undo disparities and inequities. That’s why as part of WESA they mandated the Minnesota Department of Human Rights to issue &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/certificates/equalpay/&quot;&gt;Equal Pay Certificates&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;, which require employers to pay men and women equal wages for equal work.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#0D5257&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(13, 82, 87);&quot;&gt;Why it Matters&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;When WESA was signed into law, data showed that Minnesota women were becoming the main source of income for many households. However, many women were struggling to make ends meet due to the gender pay gap of 20-43%, caregiving responsibilities, and inflexible workplaces.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The data also showed rental housing in Minnesota was unaffordable, child care costs were high, and elderly women were more likely to live in poverty than men. These disparities are higher for women of color.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#0D5257&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(13, 82, 87);&quot;&gt;Celebrate WESA&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Attend the WESA 10-year anniversary event! Learn about the history and impact of WESA, improvements to the law, the current economic status of women in Minnesota, unfinished business and more.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The event is on &lt;strong&gt;May 13th, from 8:00 am – 12:00pm&lt;/strong&gt; at the Minnesota Senate Building, Room 1200, at 95 University Ave. W. in St. Paul. You can also attend this event &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://wesa10virtual.eventbrite.com/&quot;&gt;virtually&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;. For more details and registration, visit the &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://dli.mn.gov/wesa&quot;&gt;WESA event page&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>620928</id><pubdate>2024-04-18T18:52:41Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Housing</Title><Id>244492</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Highlights Housing Stability Act</Title><title>Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Highlights Housing Stability Act</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-611714&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-02-29T22:35:59Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Housing Stability Act clarifies the state’s civil rights law to ensure that landlords cannot refuse to rent to or otherwise discriminate against someone because they receive and use rental assistance to pay their rent.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;[ST. PAUL, MN] – Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today highlighted the Housing Stability Act, legislation that builds on historic investments in housing and ensures Minnesotans are not denied housing because they receive rental assistance.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“This bill makes clear that landlords who choose not to accept renters based on their use of housing vouchers are breaking the law,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. &lt;strong&gt;“Housing vouchers provided me with a safe place to live as a child, and we know that housing stability is the foundation of educational growth, stable employment, health, and safety. That’s why every Minnesotan deserves access to stable housing without discrimination.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Housing Stability Act clarifies the state’s civil rights law to ensure that landlords cannot refuse to rent to or otherwise discriminate against someone because they receive and use rental assistance to pay their rent.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“In 1973, Minnesota legislators decided it is a violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act for a landlord to discriminate against someone because they pay their rent with rental assistance. For over 50 years, our Department has enforced that law,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“In 2010, a Court of Appeals case misapplied the Minnesota Human Rights Act with regards to housing vouchers – now is the time for legislators to fix the law and get this right.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Getting help to afford housing shouldn’t disqualify you from renting the place you want to live, but that is happening too often,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Director of the Metropolitan Council’s Housing Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA) Terri Smith. &lt;strong&gt;“This bill ensures that families who receive housing vouchers can find a place to call home and have an opportunity to live near better jobs, high performing schools for their children and begin to thrive in other areas of their lives.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;According to the Metro HRA, 46% of housing voucher recipients in Anoka, Carver, and suburban Hennepin and Ramsey counties return their vouchers for multiple reasons, including not being able to find a landlord who accepts housing vouchers.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Providing long-term rental assistance is a win-win situation for the renter and the property owner. The renter has stability in their housing, and the owner receives a guaranteed payment ,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho. &lt;strong&gt;“Last year the state legislature created approximately 5,000 more vouchers. Now is the time to make sure properties accept eligible applicants and don’t discriminate based on source of income.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In 2023, Governor Tim Walz signed into law the largest single investment in housing in state history. The $1.3 billion investment includes an estimated $124 million in rental assistance for Minnesotans. With these funds, Minnesota is anticipated to help about 5,000 community members and their families pay for their rent through housing vouchers.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This press release was sent out by the Office of Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>611714</id><pubdate>2025-07-16T15:22:54Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Thrives When Workplaces are Inclusive for Pregnant Employees</Title><title>Minnesota Thrives When Workplaces are Inclusive for Pregnant Employees</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-609597&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-02-12T16:51:41Z</Date><ShortDescription>In the past couple of months, we announced two pregnancy discrimination settlement agreements. In both, employers fired employees for being pregnant, which violates the Minnesota Human Rights Act.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/GBQbiCgXUAAANbE_tcm1061-609598.jpeg&quot; title=&quot;Pregnancy Discrimination Graphic&quot; alt=&quot;Pregnancy Discrimination Graphic&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Pregnancy Discrimination Graphic&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In the past couple of months, we announced two pregnancy discrimination settlement agreements. In both, employers fired employees for being pregnant, which violates the Minnesota Human Rights Act.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/civilrightsupdates.jsp?id=606777&quot;&gt;Pet Ranch&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; fired an employee within one hour of learning that she was pregnant and &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/civilrightsupdates.jsp#/detail/appId/1/id/601708&quot;&gt;PL Dental&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; fired an employee after she notified them of her pregnancy.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why They’re Important:&lt;/strong&gt; These cases demonstrate the importance of creating inclusive and welcoming workplace cultures by having strong anti-discrimination policies, enforcing those policies, and training on those policies.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#5D295F&quot;&gt;About Pregnancy Discrimination&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Pregnancy discrimination can include an employer denying a temporary reasonable accommodation to a pregnant employee or an employer firing or denying a promotion to an employee based on the employee’s pregnancy.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;A potential or current employee is not required to tell an employer that they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Additionally, an employer cannot ask a potential or current employee if they are pregnant or plan to have children.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#5D295F&quot;&gt;Report Pregnancy Discrimination&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Rights by submitting &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;this online form&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency and is responsible for enforcing the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest state civil rights laws in the country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#5D295F&quot;&gt;In the News&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Read more about our pregnancy discrimination cases from our recent media coverage:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2024/01/18/pregnancy-discrimination-is-more-common-than-you-think&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;MPR: Pregnancy discrimination is more common than you think&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/mn-department-of-human-rights-settles-2nd-pregnancy-discrimination-in-less-than-2-months/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;KSTP: MN Department of Human Rights settles 2nd pregnancy discrimination in less than 2 months&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>609597</id><pubdate>2024-02-12T17:46:24Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><DateOther>2023-08-11T15:08:21Z</DateOther><SubjectControlled/><DateModified>2023-08-11T15:04:56Z</DateModified></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Race</Title><Id>244481</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>MPD</Title><Id>697351</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Public Services</Title><Id>244486</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights, City of Minneapolis Select Team to Monitor the State Court Enforceable Agreement</Title><title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights, City of Minneapolis Select Team to Monitor the State Court Enforceable Agreement</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-608617&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-02-02T15:47:27Z</Date><ShortDescription>Today, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) and the City of Minneapolis (City) announced that Effective Law Enforcement for All was selected as the monitoring team for the state court enforceable agreement, which requires transformational changes to address race-based policing.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>Effective Law Enforcement for All will support and hold the City and Minneapolis Police Department accountable to address race-based policing by strengthening public safety</Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; Today, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) and the City of Minneapolis (City) announced that Effective Law Enforcement for All was selected as the monitoring team for the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/mpd/agreement/&quot; title=&quot;state court enforceable agreement&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;state court enforceable agreement&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, which requires transformational changes to address race-based policing.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://ele4a.org/&quot; title=&quot;Effective Law Enforcement for All&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Effective Law Enforcement for All&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; will support the City and Minneapolis Police Department (MPD), monitor their progress, engage with community members and police officers, and provide regular, public reports.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“This is an important moment in the long road ahead to transforming the culture within the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Police Department,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“Minneapolis will be the first city in the country to be subject to both a state and a federal consent decree to address discriminatory policing practices. It is essential to have a highly qualified, independent monitor to ensure that the City and MPD center and prioritize a culture of continuous learning based on humanity and civil rights – Effective Law Enforcement for All is that team.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Effective Law Enforcement for All is a nonprofit formed to help police, civic, and community leaders partner to reinvent law enforcement in their communities to achieve policing that is effective, respectful, restrained and, above all, safe for the public and the police.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Effective Law Enforcement for All is the right team for this moment in Minneapolis history to provide the immediate support and oversight necessary for the coming years to achieve meaningful and lasting progress,”&lt;/strong&gt; continued Commissioner Lucero.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 56, 101);&quot;&gt;Intentional Selection Process&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(0, 56, 101); font-size: medium;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The court enforceable agreement details an intentional process for selecting the monitoring team. 20 teams from across the country applied and three were selected as finalists.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In January 2024, community members met the finalists at two community events. During and after these events, community members shared their feedback about the finalists in-person and online. These events were important because engaging with and collecting feedback from community members is not only critical to the success of the court enforceable agreement – it is required. In the weeks ahead, Effective Law Enforcement for All will be on the ground charting a course for Minneapolis, including meeting with community members and police officers.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 56, 101);&quot;&gt;Court’s Role&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(0, 56, 101); font-size: medium;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Hennepin County District Court Judge Karen Janisch oversees the state court enforceable agreement. The court is the only entity that can terminate this legally binding agreement once it determines that the City and MPD have reached full, effective, and sustained compliance with the terms.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Judge Janisch can utilize public reports from Effective Law Enforcement for All to help determine how the City and MPD are doing towards reaching full, effective, and sustained compliance of the court enforceable agreement. Court enforceable agreements are also often referred to as court enforceable settlement agreements, consent orders, or consent decrees.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 56, 101);&quot;&gt;About the Case&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(0, 56, 101); font-size: medium;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR initiated the investigation of the City and MPD immediately following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. In April 2022, MDHR announced that the City and MPD engage in a pattern or practice of race discrimination in violation of Minnesota’s civil rights law. In March 2023, MDHR and the City reached and filed a court enforceable agreement, which the court approved in July 2023.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Throughout the investigation and while negotiating the court enforceable agreement, MDHR prioritized engaging with community members and police officers. As a result, the court enforceable agreement contains many provisions that are based on what &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/assets/Community%20Engagement%20-%20Shaping%20a%20Consent%20Decree%20in%20Mpls%20-%20MNJRC%20-%203-31-23_tcm1061-571216.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Community Engagement&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;community members&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/assets/Summary%20of%20Primary%20Themes%20from%20MPD%20Officer%20Focus%20Groups_tcm1061-571092.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Summary of Primary Themes from MPD Officer Focus Groups&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;MPD officers&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; shared during extensive engagement conducted by MDHR.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Learn more about the case and find many key documents linked through &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/mpd/timeline/&quot; title=&quot;Timeline&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;this timeline&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 56, 101);&quot;&gt;Effective Law Enforcement for All to Serve as the Monitor to Address Both State and Federal Consent Decrees&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(0, 56, 101); font-size: medium;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR’s findings mark the first of two independent investigations that found a pattern or practice of unlawful policing by MPD. In June 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice found that the City and MPD are in violation of the U.S. Constitution and federal law.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Department of Justice is negotiating a federal court enforceable agreement with the City and MPD to address its findings. Moving forward, the City will be subject to two court enforceable agreements for violations of both state and federal laws. The Department of Justice provided input throughout the monitor selection process.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;center xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/center&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>608617</id><pubdate>2025-07-16T15:31:29Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Subject>Sexual harassment</Subject><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Sexual Harassment</Title><Id>244489</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Employment</Title><Id>244471</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Sues Printing Company for Failing to Stop a Supervisor from Repeatedly Sexually Harassing and Assaulting Two Employees</Title><title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Sues Printing Company for Failing to Stop a Supervisor from Repeatedly Sexually Harassing and Assaulting Two Employees</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-607068&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-01-18T17:27:56Z</Date><ShortDescription>“Sheridan knew a supervisor was sexually harassing and assaulting its employees and, through willful inaction, gave this supervisor a license to sexually harass its employees,” said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>Sheridan promoted a supervisor despite knowing that the supervisor sexually harassed and assaulted an employee</Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) today filed a lawsuit in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District Court against Sheridan, formerly known as Bang Printing, for violating Minnesota’s civil rights law. MDHR found that Sheridan, located in Brainerd, failed to meaningfully stop a supervisor from using his position of power to repeatedly sexually harass and assault two employees.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In filing this lawsuit, MDHR is seeking structural change so that all employees at Sheridan are provided a work environment that is free from sexual harassment and assault.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Sheridan knew a supervisor was sexually harassing and assaulting its employees and, through willful inaction, gave this supervisor a license to sexually harass its employees,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“There cannot be a meaningful end to sexual harassment when those who are in positions of power to end it deliberately do nothing. That is why our Department will use the full power of Minnesota’s civil rights law to push employers to be active participants in addressing and preventing sexual harassment from occurring in the first place.” &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“We’re pursuing this lawsuit because we hope it makes a difference in preventing sexual harassment and assault from occurring in the future,”&lt;/strong&gt; said the two employees.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The names of the two employees are anonymous to protect their identities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 56, 101);&quot;&gt;Lawsuit Facts&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(0, 56, 101); font-size: medium;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In June 2020, a Sheridan supervisor began sexually harassing and assaulting two employees. This included regular unwelcome sexual advances, unwanted touching, and offensive comments.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In July 2020, one of the employees filed a complaint against the supervisor, but Sheridan did nothing. Sheridan failed to initiate an investigation, discipline the supervisor, or put any measures in place to prevent further harassment from occurring. As a result, Sheridan allowed the sexual harassment and assault to continue. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In October 2020, the second employee quit because the harassment and assault continued, and because Sheridan would not stop it.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In January 2021, despite knowing that the supervisor sexually harassed and assaulted the first employee, Sheridan promoted the supervisor. Upon learning this, the first employee submitted another complaint. Only then did Sheridan act by issuing a verbal warning to the supervisor. Sheridan took no further action. The verbal warning proved to be ineffective because the supervisor continued to sexually harass the employee. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In May 2021, MDHR informed Sheridan that charges of discrimination were filed against the company by both employees and that MDHR would launch a neutral investigation into allegations of a workplace culture that allowed the sexual harassment and assault to occur. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Only after MDHR informed Sheridan of this investigation did the company launch its own investigation into the supervisor’s behavior. In July 2021, Sheridan fired the supervisor. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In January 2023, after a neutral investigation, MDHR found Sheridan violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Attempts to resolve the case with Sheridan were unsuccessful, which is why MDHR filed this lawsuit. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In filing, MDHR wants to ensure Sheridan employees are provided a work environment that is free from sexual harassment and assault. MDHR is also requesting that Sheridan pay the two employees for damages. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The employees are represented by Raboin &amp;amp; Francis Law Firm. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Sheridan is owned by CJK Group, Inc., is formerly now known as Bang Printing, and operates as D. &amp;amp; J. Printing.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Sexual Harassment and Assault Cases&lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(0, 56, 101); font-size: medium;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR has enforced the Minnesota Human Rights Act in numerous sexual harassment and assault cases. For example, MDHR reached a &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/index.jsp?id=1061-560403&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;consent decree&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; with a McDonald’s franchisee, a &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/?id=1061-581635&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;settlement agreement&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; with a charter school, and a &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/?id=1061-513283&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;settlement agreement&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; with University of Minnesota Board of Regents.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;How to Report Discrimination&lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(0, 56, 101); font-size: medium;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Rights by submitting this &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;online form&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency and is responsible for enforcing the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest state civil rights laws in the country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;MDHR updated the press release to reflect Sheridan knew the supervisor harassed and assaulted an employee when the company promoted him.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>607068</id><pubdate>2025-07-16T15:21:30Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Subject>Pregnancy Discrimination</Subject><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Sex</Title><Id>678651</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Employment</Title><Id>244471</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Secures Settlement After Finding Employer Fired Employee Within One Hour of Learning She Was Pregnant  </Title><title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Secures Settlement After Finding Employer Fired Employee Within One Hour of Learning She Was Pregnant</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-606777&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2024-01-17T14:11:34Z</Date><ShortDescription>Today’s announcement comes on the heels of another pregnancy discrimination case MDHR announced at the end of 2023</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) today announced a settlement agreement with Pet Ranch, which operates Four Paws and a Tail in Blaine, after finding the employer violated Minnesota’s civil rights law when the company fired an employee immediately after learning that she was pregnant.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Today’s announcement comes on the heels of another &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/#/detail/appId/1/id/601708&quot;&gt;pregnancy discrimination case&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; MDHR announced at the end of 2023.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Pet Ranch fired Hannah one hour after learning she was pregnant. This was blatant pregnancy discrimination,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“Hannah had already collected her uniform and gotten her shifts when she was fired. What should have been a happy start to a new job changed quickly because of discrimination.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Filing this case with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights was immensely important to me,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Hannah Grell. &lt;strong&gt;“It means that in the future, if another woman is put through this, they might not be scared to stand up for themselves and their rights.” &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Case Facts &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR’s investigation found that in September 2022, Pet Ranch’s owner interviewed Hannah Grell for a sales associate position and offered her the job, which Grell accepted. Before leaving the store, Grell met with the general manager who gave her a uniform and assigned her shifts. During this meeting, Grell told the general manager that she was pregnant.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR found that about an hour after accepting the position and receiving her uniform and assigned shifts, Pet Ranch&apos;s owner terminated Grell&apos;s employment through a voicemail. Then, the general manager followed up with a text message to Grell saying the company &quot;decided to go another route.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR’s investigation confirmed that Pet Ranch fired Grell because of her pregnancy. This violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act, which prohibits pregnancy discrimination.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“In this case, MDHR also found that this employer did not have any anti-discrimination policies in place for pregnant employees. It is important for employers to not only have strong policies -- but enforce those policies,”&lt;/strong&gt; continued Commissioner Lucero. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 56, 101);&quot;&gt;Settlement Agreement&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR reached a settlement agreement with Pet Ranch that requires the company to take action to prevent future unlawful discrimination. This includes creating and enforcing anti-discrimination policies and training employees on how to create inclusive workplaces.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR will monitor the company’s compliance with the agreement for three years.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;line-height:112%&quot;&gt;Pet Ranch is also required to pay Grell approximately $22,000. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 56, 101);&quot;&gt;About Pregnancy Discrimination &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Pregnancy discrimination has been illegal in Minnesota since 1977. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Pregnancy discrimination can include an employer denying a temporary reasonable accommodation to a pregnant employee or an employer firing or denying a promotion to an employee based on the employee’s pregnancy. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;A potential or current employee is not required to tell an employer that they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Additionally, an employer cannot ask a potential or current employee if they are pregnant or plan to have children. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Report Pregnancy Discrimination &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Rights by submitting &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;this online form&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency and is responsible for enforcing the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest state civil rights laws in the country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>606777</id><pubdate>2025-07-16T15:20:57Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><DateOther>2023-08-11T15:08:21Z</DateOther><SubjectControlled/><DateModified>2023-08-11T15:04:56Z</DateModified></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Meet the Monitoring Team Finalists for the Court Enforceable Agreement with the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Police Department</Title><title>Meet the Monitoring Team Finalists for the Court Enforceable Agreement with the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Police Department</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-580817&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-12-22T19:26:52Z</Date><ShortDescription>Attend a community session on January 9 or 10; Submit a question by January 7</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In March, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the City of Minneapolis reached a &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/mpd/agreement/&quot;&gt;court enforceable agreement&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; to strengthen public safety by addressing discriminatory, race-based policing.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In July, the court approved the agreement, which requires independent oversight by a monitoring team, the &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/mpd/monitor/&quot;&gt;Independent Evaluator&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The monitoring team finalists have been chosen. Now, you have an opportunity to meet the finalists. Learn more below.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/CAM21185_tcm1061-546674.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Community Engagement Event&quot; alt=&quot;Community Engagement Event&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; height: auto;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Community Engagement Event&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#066C80&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 142, 170);&quot;&gt;Attend a community session on January 9 or 10&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#066C80&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Each session is identical&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Each of the finalists will make a public presentation that includes information about the members of their team, their proposed plan for monitoring the City and Minneapolis Police Department, and their community engagement plan. Then, the finalists will respond to questions submitted by community members.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#066C80&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Attend one of the sessions&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Tuesday, January 9 (6 - 8 p.m.) at &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hhh.umn.edu%2Flocation-and-directions&amp;amp;data=05%7C02%7CNgoc.Le%40state.mn.us%7Cfe45f73e689d4bd2cba408dbfbf94a61%7Ceb14b04624c445198f26b89c2159828c%7C0%7C0%7C638380820330496026%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;amp;sdata=wzPuSJYtsp9DLVmOiHF%2BqFlH3d84liCOAhrtnlAE1RQ%3D&amp;amp;reserved=0&quot;&gt;Humphrey School of Public Affairs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; in the Cowles Auditorium&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Wednesday, January 10 (6 - 8 p.m.) at &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.plymouth.org%2Fvisit%2Flocation-directions%2F&amp;amp;data=05%7C02%7CNgoc.Le%40state.mn.us%7Cfe45f73e689d4bd2cba408dbfbf94a61%7Ceb14b04624c445198f26b89c2159828c%7C0%7C0%7C638380820330496026%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;amp;sdata=2ER1lZ%2FAx8YriECyy6STvBFGlE%2Fw%2F1b3%2BPPlby8emuc%3D&amp;amp;reserved=0&quot;&gt;Plymouth Congregation Church&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#066C80&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Submit a question before the session &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/public-safety/police-public-safety/investigations-settlement-agreement/court-enforceable-settlement-agreement/independent-evaluator/questions/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Click here&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; to submit a question for the Independent Evaluator finalists before the community sessions. The deadline is January 7 at 11:59 p.m. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#066C80&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Three finalists in alphabetical order&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Effective Law Enforcement For ALL (ELEFA),&lt;/strong&gt; a &lt;a href=&quot;https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fele4a.org%2F&amp;amp;data=05%7C02%7CNgoc.Le%40state.mn.us%7Cfe45f73e689d4bd2cba408dbfbf94a61%7Ceb14b04624c445198f26b89c2159828c%7C0%7C0%7C638380820330496026%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;amp;sdata=rroxYD25IykI3FNAeMHyc%2FH3DL1o0vElF7dKGbhIGec%3D&amp;amp;reserved=0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;nonprofit&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; formed to help police, civic, and community leaders partner to reinvent law enforcement in their communities to achieve policing that is effective, respectful, restrained and, above all, safe for the public and the police. The nonprofit has offices in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Silver Springs, Maryland.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Jensen Hughes, &lt;/strong&gt;a &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jensenhughes.com%2Fservices%2Flaw-enforcement-consulting&amp;amp;data=05%7C02%7CNgoc.Le%40state.mn.us%7Cfe45f73e689d4bd2cba408dbfbf94a61%7Ceb14b04624c445198f26b89c2159828c%7C0%7C0%7C638380820330496026%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;amp;sdata=PlVBSa%2FPDlHhSPyOuMNMjKeRF%2FRnByvOlmGei%2BTocN8%3D&amp;amp;reserved=0&quot;&gt;law enforcement consulting firm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; committed to improving the performance of policing to ensure the law enforcement agency practices are constitutional, procedurally just and delivered in a manner that builds trust and confidence in the communities they serve. Jensen Hughes has offices around the world.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Relman Colfax,&lt;/strong&gt; a Washington, D.C.-based national &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.relmanlaw.com%2F&amp;amp;data=05%7C02%7CNgoc.Le%40state.mn.us%7Cfe45f73e689d4bd2cba408dbfbf94a61%7Ceb14b04624c445198f26b89c2159828c%7C0%7C0%7C638380820330496026%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;amp;sdata=nLnz6LLeqplnc%2FXRFNjHP6vGk8AhpEJ7NUrg9gLo7KY%3D&amp;amp;reserved=0&quot;&gt;civil rights firm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; with a long record of combatting community-wide race and disability discrimination; representing cities and law enforcement officers facing race discrimination; and conducting monitorships, audits, and internal investigations.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;hr xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#066C80&quot;&gt;Why the monitoring team matters&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Independent Evaluator will play an important role in making sure the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Police Department are on track with making &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/mpd/agreement/terms.jsp&quot;&gt;transformational changes&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; as required by the court enforceable agreement.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Culture-Continuous-Learning_tcm1061-546507.png&quot; title=&quot;Culture&quot; alt=&quot;Culture&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; height: auto;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Culture&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#066C80&quot;&gt;What qualifications must the team have?&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The court enforceable agreement lays out the qualifications for the team. Some of those skills include:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Experience in transforming policing culture.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Experience working with diverse communities on public safety issues.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Understand that non-discriminatory policing creates a stronger public safety system.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Strong project management skills.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Expertise in monitoring and oversight.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;hr xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#066C80&quot;&gt;What will the team do?&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Provide expertise and technical support to the City and Minneapolis Police Department.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Review and approve policies and trainings.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Engage with community members to gather feedback and evaluate the effectiveness of changes being made.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Engage with officers to help develop the skills they need to be successful.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Work directly with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the U.S. Department of Justice.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Provide regular, public reports to ensure accountability and provide transparency.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Last updated 12/13/2023&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>580817</id><pubdate>2023-12-22T19:28:38Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Sex</Title><Id>678651</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Race</Title><Id>244481</Id><Key/></Category><Title>New Law to Help Eliminate Minnesota’s Gender and Racial Pay Gap</Title><title>New Law to Help Eliminate Minnesota’s Gender and Racial Pay Gap</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-602589&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-12-07T13:32:51Z</Date><ShortDescription>The law encourages employers to rely on a job applicant’s skills and qualifications to set pay and prohibits employers from asking about or considering an applicant’s past or current pay during the hiring process.  </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; On January 1, 2024, a &lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/employers/pay-history/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;001 Pay History Ban Intro&quot; xlink:title=&quot;001 Pay History Ban Intro&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;new law&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; aimed at bringing Minnesota one step closer to narrowing the gender and racial pay gap takes effect. The law encourages employers to rely on a job applicant’s skills and qualifications to set pay and prohibits employers from asking about or considering an applicant’s past or current pay during the hiring process. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“When someone’s future pay is locked to their past pay, the cycle of unequal pay impacts them over the course of their life. This new law seeks to break that cycle,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“These pay history laws work. Pay is up for women, people of color, and Indigenous community members in states that have implemented similar laws across the country.” &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Women, people of color, and Indigenous people are persistently paid less than white men. Using pay history to determine future pay can contribute to and reinforce Minnesota’s pay disparities. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/MinnesotaCentsOnTheDollar-graph_tcm1061-602590.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Minnesota Cents on the Dollar&quot; alt=&quot;Minnesota Cents on the Dollar&quot; style=&quot;width: 90%; height: auto;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Minnesota Cents on the Dollar&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;(&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/MinnesotaCentsOnTheDollar-graph_tcm1061-602590.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Minnesota Cents on the Dollar&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Minnesota Cents on the Dollar&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;Download the Chart&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;About the Law&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The law, enforced by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR), encourages employers to rely on an applicant’s skills, education, certifications, licenses, and other qualifications, as well as the job market, to set pay. It prohibits employers from asking about or considering an applicant’s past or current pay during the hiring process.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The law does not prohibit a job applicant from voluntarily disclosing their pay history to negotiate higher pay. Employers can use that information to then set pay. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The law applies to all public, private, and nonprofit employers in Minnesota. The law also applies to all job applicants, including current employees seeking an internal promotion or transfer and full and part-time employees.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In May 2023, Governor Walz signed the Preventing Pay Discrimination Act into law. Minnesota joins 22 states that have ended the pay history question.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 56, 101); color: rgb(0, 56, 101); font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;What Employers and Job Applicants Need to Know &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li style=&quot;color:#0d5257;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color:#000000;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Employers&lt;/strong&gt;: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#000000&quot;&gt;MDHR encourages employers to review their employment applications and interview questions to make sure they do not ask for past or current pay. Employers should also train those involved in hiring on the new law.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li style=&quot;color:#0d5257;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color:#000000;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Job Applicants&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#000000&quot;&gt;: Anyone who believes they were asked about their past or current pay during the hiring process should contact MDHR by completing this &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;online form&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-weight: 400;&quot;&gt;. Possible violations of this law will follow the&lt;/span&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/intake/what-happens-next/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;2.0 Basic Steps&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2.0 Basic Steps&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;same process&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;span style=&quot;font-weight: 400;&quot;&gt;as other possible violations of the Minnesota Human Rights Act.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Visit &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/employers/pay-history/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;001 Pay History Ban Intro&quot; xlink:title=&quot;001 Pay History Ban Intro&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;MDHR’s website&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; to find more information about the law, including an &lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/employers/pay-history/outreach.jsp&quot; title=&quot;000 Toolkit&quot; xlink:title=&quot;000 Toolkit&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;outreach toolk&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;it&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; with information in multiple languages.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency. It is tasked with enforcing the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the most comprehensive state civil rights laws in the country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>602589</id><pubdate>2025-05-23T16:02:31Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Reaches Settlement After Finding Employer Fired an Employee because of Her Pregnancy </Title><title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Reaches Settlement After Finding Employer Fired an Employee because of Her Pregnancy</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-601708&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-11-29T14:11:34Z</Date><ShortDescription>“At a moment when this employee’s economic security was especially important to Christina and her family, Christina’s employer unlawfully fired her because of her pregnancy,” said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. </ShortDescription><Subtitle>Agreement requires PL Dental to take action to create a workplace inclusive for pregnant employees and pay former employee three years’ worth of wages </Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) today announced a settlement agreement with PL Dental in Coon Rapids after finding the employer violated Minnesota’s civil rights law when it fired Christina Vescio-Holland because of her pregnancy.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“At a moment when this employee’s economic security was especially important to Christina and her family, Christina’s employer unlawfully fired her because of her pregnancy,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“State law has prohibited pregnancy discrimination for decades and this case is a reminder how critical it is for employers to have supportive policies in place for pregnant employees.” &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&quot;I just want people to know that they have options when something like this happens. And don&apos;t give up just because one door closes - keep fighting,&quot;&lt;/strong&gt; said Christina Vescio-Holland. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Case Facts &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR’s investigation found that, at the end of December 2020, Vescio-Holland notified PL Dental that she was pregnant with twins and that her doctor recommended she begin parental leave earlier than originally anticipated.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Days later, Vescio-Holland met with the Office Manager who fired her from her position because of her pregnancy. The Office Manager noted Vescio-Holland’s pregnancy when she said that PL Dental would hire Vescio-Holland back after she gave birth and was ready to return to work.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While PL Dental later provided Vescio-Holland with a termination letter claiming that Vescio-Holland had performance shortcomings, MDHR’s investigation found that PL Dental had no credible evidence of concerns with Vescio-Holland’s performance.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR found that PL Dental fired Vescio-Holland because of her pregnancy not because of any alleged performance shortcomings.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 56, 101);&quot;&gt;Settlement Agreement&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The settlement agreement requires PL Dental to take action to prevent future unlawful discrimination. This includes training employees on how to create inclusive workplaces, enforcing anti-discrimination policies, and submitting regular reports to MDHR so the agency can monitor compliance. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR will monitor PL Dental’s compliance with the agreement for five years.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;PL Dental is also required to pay Vescio-Holland $97,500, which is approximately equivalent to three years of wages for Vescio-Holland.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 56, 101);&quot;&gt;About Pregnancy Discrimination &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Pregnancy discrimination has been illegal in Minnesota since 1977. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Pregnancy discrimination can include an employer denying a temporary reasonable accommodation to a pregnant employee or an employer firing or denying a promotion to an employee based on the employee’s pregnancy. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;A potential or current employee is not required to tell an employer that they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Additionally, an employer cannot ask a potential or current employee if they are pregnant or plan to have children. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Rights by submitting &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;this online form&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency and is responsible for enforcing the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest state civil rights laws in the country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>601708</id><pubdate>2023-11-29T15:59:52Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Happy Native American Heritage Month!</Title><title>Native American Heritage Month</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-598057&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-11-01T14:28:45Z</Date><ShortDescription>November is Native American Heritage Month, celebrating the rich histories, traditions, heritages, and cultures of Native American, American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Indigenous communities.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Native-American-Heritage-Month-Horizontal_tcm1061-598054.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Native American Heritage Month&quot; alt=&quot;Native American Heritage Month&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Native American Heritage Month&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;November is Native American Heritage Month, celebrating the rich histories, traditions, heritages, and cultures of Native American, American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Indigenous communities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The ancestral and contemporary lands, known today as Minnesota, are home to a vibrant Native American community and &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/indian-affairs/tribal-nations-in-minnesota/&quot;&gt;11 Tribal Nations&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;. The Tribal Nations include seven Anishinaabe (Chippewa, Ojibwe) reservations and four Dakota (Sioux) communities:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Anishinaabe reservations:&lt;/strong&gt; Grand Portage, Bois Forte, Red Lake, White Earth, Leech Lake, Fond du Lac, and Mille Lacs.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Dakota communities:&lt;/strong&gt; Shakopee Mdewakanton, Prairie Island, Lower Sioux, and Upper Sioux. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#8D3F2B&quot;&gt;Systemic Discrimination has no Home in Minnesota&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While we celebrate, we recognize that Native American, American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Indigenous peoples experienced a history of violence, colonialization, and historical trauma that continue to impact them today.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;We all play a role in building practices and policies that eliminate systemic discrimination. That’s why the Minnesota Department of Human Rights celebrates that on January 1, 2024, a new law aimed at bringing Minnesota one step closer to closing the gender and racial pay gap in Minnesota will take effect. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Currently, &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://wfmn.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WFMN-2022-Status-of-Women-Girls-in-MN.pdf&quot;&gt;Native women earn 61 cents and Native men earn 70 cents&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; for every dollar a white man earns. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/employers/pay-history-ban/&quot;&gt;new law&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; prohibits all Minnesota employers from asking all prospective or current employees about their current or past pay. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#8D3F2B&quot;&gt;Celebrating Native American Heritage Month&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Celebrate Native American Heritage Month by attending &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.eventbrite.com/d/united-states--minnesota/native-american-heritage-month/?page=1&quot;&gt;events&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; happening throughout November.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>598057</id><pubdate>2023-11-01T14:35:41Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Training: Federal and State Civil Rights Updates </Title><title>Training: Federal and State Civil Rights Updates</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-595984&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-10-12T13:14:56Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission are hosting a training on new federal and state laws.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>October 26 at Noon</Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Fed-and-State-Civil-Rights-Updates_horizontal_tcm1061-595985.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Federal and State Civil Rights Updates&quot; alt=&quot;Federal and State Civil Rights Updates&quot; style=&quot;width: 90%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Federal and State Civil Rights Updates&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission are hosting a training on new federal and state laws.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Participants will learn about these new federal and state laws:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act&lt;/strong&gt;: Federal law that requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations to a worker’s known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless the accommodation will cause the employer an undue hardship. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Preventing Pay Discrimination Act:&lt;/strong&gt; State law that prohibits employers from inquiring into, considering, or requiring an applicant’s pay history for the purpose of determining wages, salary, earnings, benefits, or other compensation. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Take Pride Act&lt;/strong&gt;: State law that clarifies language in the Minnesota Human Rights Act to better reflect Minnesota’s diverse and thriving LGBTQIA+ communities.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CROWN Act&lt;/strong&gt;: State law that clarifies race under the Minnesota Human Rights Act to include traits associated with race, including but not limited to hair texture and hair styles such as braids, locs, and twists.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#5D295F&quot;&gt;Training Details &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When&lt;/strong&gt;: Thursday, October 26 from 12:00 -1:00 p.m.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Where&lt;/strong&gt;: Microsoft Teams  &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Presenters&lt;/strong&gt;: Nicole Salonek Schladt, Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) General Counsel &amp;amp; Adam Carvill, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) State, Local &amp;amp; Tribal Program Manager &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Cost&lt;/strong&gt;: Free &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;CLE&lt;/strong&gt;: The Minnesota Board of Continuing Legal Education approved this training for 1.0 hour of Standard CLE Credit. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Accommodation&lt;/strong&gt;: If you have requests for a reasonable accommodation contact &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:info.mdhr@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;info.mdhr@state.mn.us&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; by Thursday, October 19. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h4 style=&quot;text-shadow: rgb(50, 50, 50) 0.5px 0.5px 1px; text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/198c3c2c-3c18-4b36-9649-1cb8315d943e@eb14b046-24c4-4519-8f26-b89c2159828c&quot; title=&quot;Fact Sheet Two Pager&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#FFFFFF&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;button&quot; style=&quot;background-color: rgb(0, 56, 101);&quot;&gt;Register for the Training&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>595984</id><pubdate>2023-10-17T14:07:59Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Re-Opened Application: Apply to be the Team of Independent Evaluators</Title><title>Re-Opened Application: Apply to be the Team of Independent Evaluators</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-590162&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-09-26T14:10:45Z</Date><ShortDescription>Reopened application will ensure monitoring team can address both state and federal findings.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/NEWTeamOfIndependentEvaluators_horizontal_tcm1061-590412.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Team of Independent Evaluators horizontal&quot; alt=&quot;Team of Independent Evaluators horizontal&quot; style=&quot;width: 90%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Team of Independent Evaluators horizontal&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the City of Minneapolis (City) reopened the application for teams interested in serving as the Independent Evaluator to monitor both the state &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/mpd/agreement/&quot;&gt;court enforceable agreement&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; and an anticipated federal agreement.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The application was initially opened before the U.S. Department of Justice &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-finds-civil-rights-violations-minneapolis-police-department-and-city&quot;&gt;announced&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; their findings and agreed to negotiate a federal court enforceable agreement with a monitor.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The updated application includes requirements to ensure the monitoring team has the necessary qualifications to address both the state and federal findings. This includes race-based policing, issues related to First Amendment protected speech, and discrimination against people with behavioral health disabilities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Deadline:&lt;/strong&gt; The deadline to apply was October 25, 2023.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Teams that already applied:&lt;/strong&gt; Teams that applied during the first round could choose to submit an updated proposal.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Department of Justice’s participation:&lt;/strong&gt; The Department of Justice will help identify this team by providing feedback to MDHR and the City about the applicants and participating in applicant interviews.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Community feedback:&lt;/strong&gt; After the finalists are identified, the City will host public meetings in early 2024 for community members to meet the finalists.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The team will play an important role in holding the City and Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) accountable to court-enforced changes by supporting the City and MPD, monitoring their progress, engaging with community members and police officers, and providing regular, public reports.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Read the updated request for proposals &lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/REVISED_MN_Independent_Evaluator_RFP_-_Updated_2023.09.25_tcm1061-593052.pdf&quot; title=&quot;REVISED MN Independent Evaluator RFP Updated 2023.09.25&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;REVISED MN Independent Evaluator RFP Updated 2023.09.25&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;here&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>590162</id><pubdate>2023-10-27T17:20:10Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Happy Latine Heritage Month!</Title><title>Happy Latine Heritage Month!</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-592175&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-09-15T18:32:36Z</Date><ShortDescription>Latine Heritage Month is September 15 - October 15.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Proclamations-LatineHeritageMonth-horizontal_tcm1061-592156.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Latine Heritage Month Graphic&quot; alt=&quot;Latine Heritage Month Graphic&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Latine Heritage Month Graphic&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Latine Heritage Month is September 15 - October 15, celebrating the rich Latine/Latino/Latina/Latinx, and Hispanic communities and their histories, traditions, heritages, and joy.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;There are multiple names for this month such as Hispanic Heritage Month and Latino Heritage Month. This highlights how identity, or how we understand and express ourselves, is very complex. Latine identities are diverse, unique, and are shaped by geography, heritage, race, gender, and more.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Latine people’s heritages are rooted in many countries, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Cuba, Columbia, Costa Rica, Peru, Chile, Argentina, and more. The dates of Latine Heritage Month are linked to the independence of several of these Latin American nations.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The theme “&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.nationalcouncilhepm.com/national-hispanic-heritage-month&quot;&gt;We are all, we are one&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;” recognizes Latine Minnesotans’ impact on building community bonds and advancing civil rights across the state.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#5D295F&quot;&gt;Addressing and Preventing Discrimination&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Building a thriving Minnesota means intentionally creating and enforcing anti-racist and equitable policies and practices.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;That’s why the Minnesota Department of Human Rights celebrates that the &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/employers/pay-history-ban/&quot;&gt;Pay History Ban&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; will go into effect on January 1, 2024. Currently, &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://wfmn.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WFMN-2022-Status-of-Women-Girls-in-MN.pdf&quot;&gt;Latina women earn 55 cents and Latino men earn 65 cents&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; for every dollar a white man earns. The Pay History Ban will help close the racial and gender pay gap by ending the pay history question in Minnesota.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Along with policy changes, our Department works to address violations of the Minnesota Human Rights Act like when we reached a &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/#/detail/appId/1/id/524233&quot;&gt;settlement agreement with Paramount Auto Service&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; after the company did not take meaningful action when a Latino employee experienced race discrimination and sexual assault from a manager.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#5D295F&quot;&gt;Celebrating Latine Heritage Month&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Celebrate by checking out the &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.eventbrite.com/d/united-states--minnesota/latino-heritage-month/?page=1&quot;&gt;Latine&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; and &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.eventbrite.com/d/united-states--minnesota/hispanic-heritage-month/?page=1&quot;&gt;Hispanic&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; Heritage Month events happening in Minnesota!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Up Next:&lt;/strong&gt; Mark your calendars for Native American Heritage Month in November.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>592175</id><pubdate>2023-09-15T18:58:25Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Secures Settlement in Religious Discrimination Case Against Unifi Aviation</Title><title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Secures Settlement in Religious Discrimination Case Against Unifi Aviation</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-587425&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-08-16T15:34:10Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) today announced a settlement agreement with Unifi Aviation, the largest aviation services company in North America, after finding the company violated Minnesota’s civil rights law by discriminating against an employee because of her religion.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>Company fired employee because of her religion after denying her religious accommodation request</Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) today announced a settlement agreement with Unifi Aviation, the largest aviation services company in North America, after finding the company violated Minnesota’s civil rights law by discriminating against an employee because of her religion.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Minnesotans of every faith have a right to request a religious accommodation,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“Minnesota is stronger when civil rights laws are followed.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR’s investigation found that Unifi Aviation hired an employee in May 2018 to work as a security screener at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. For over a year, the employee wore a skirt as part of her uniform. This aligned with her religious beliefs as a Muslim woman and complied with the company’s uniform policy.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In 2019, Unifi Aviation changed its policy to require employees to wear pants. The employee asked for a religious accommodation to continue wearing a skirt, as she had done throughout her employment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Rather than work with the employee to consider her request, Unifi Aviation flatly denied her religious accommodation request.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;&lt;font size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;Failing to Accommodate Religious Beliefs&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;By failing to accommodate the employee’s religious beliefs, Unifi Aviation violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The law requires employers to reasonably accommodate their employees’ sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices unless doing so would create an undue hardship on the employer’s business.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR determined that the employee’s religious accommodation would not have created an undue hardship. In fact, Unifi Aviation never claimed that accommodating the employee would cause an undue hardship for the company.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 56, 101);&quot;&gt;Unlawful Firing Because of Employee’s Religion &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR also found Unifi Aviation violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act when the company fired the employee because of her religion. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;According to MDHR’s investigation, the company’s regional operations manager told her that she would have to choose between her religion and her job. When the employee refused to withdraw her religious accommodation request, Unifi Aviation abruptly fired her.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot; size=&quot;3&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 56, 101);&quot;&gt;Settlement Agreement&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The settlement agreement resolves the case and requires Unifi Aviation to:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Clarify how employees can make religious accommodation requests.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Follow the law by accommodating the religious beliefs and practices of its employees where a reasonable accommodation does not create an undue burden for the company.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Provide managers with cultural competency training.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Pay the former employee, who worked part-time, approximately two years’ worth of pay, totaling $32,000.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR will monitor the company&apos;s compliance with the agreement through July 2025.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Discrimination Helpline at &lt;strong&gt;1-833-454-0148&lt;/strong&gt; or &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;submit this online form&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>587425</id><pubdate>2023-08-16T15:37:08Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Announces Successful End of Consent Decree with CSL Plasma</Title><title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Announces Successful End of Consent Decree with CSL Plasma</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-587216&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-08-15T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) today announced that CSL Plasma has successfully implemented the changes required in the consent decree so that transgender and non-binary Minnesotans can donate plasma without being turned away because of their gender identity.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>After suing for gender identity discrimination, state determines company no longer discriminates against transgender and non-binary Minnesotans</Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) today announced that CSL Plasma has successfully implemented the changes required in the consent decree so that transgender and non-binary Minnesotans can donate plasma without being turned away because of their gender identity.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Today we celebrate the progress that has been made so that trans and non-binary Minnesotans can live with dignity, free from discrimination,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“Our consent decree has provided CSL Plasma with the tools and framework needed to root out discriminatory practices from its business. I am grateful for the work CSL Plasma has done.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR and CSL Plasma jointly moved to close the case in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District Court in Hennepin County.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In 2021, MDHR filed the &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/#/detail/appId/1/id/501398&quot;&gt;consent decree&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; after suing CSL Plasma for barring a transgender woman and a non-binary Minnesotan from donating plasma. CSL Plasma’s refusal to do business based on gender identity violated Minnesota’s civil rights law. MDHR worked to bring the company into compliance with the law by requiring court-mandated changes through the consent decree.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Since October 2021, CSL Plasma has successfully complied with the terms of the consent decree at all its donation centers in Minnesota. For example:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;Clear, Effective Policies:&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; CSL Plasma set and enforced policies describing when an individual can be denied the opportunity to donate plasma, clarifying that no one can be denied based only on their gender identity.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;Quality Training:&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; CSL Plasma trained employees on its policies and provided multiple trainings to employees on topics such as LGBTQIA+ identities and health.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;Accountability:&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; MDHR regularly reviewed reports detailing how and when individuals were denied the opportunity to donate plasma to ensure that CSL Plasma did not refuse donors because of their gender identity.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Stipulation of Dismissal, filed in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District Court in Hennepin County, details that MDHR and CSL Plasma agree that the company met the terms of the consent decree. Judge Karen Janisch will review the filing to determine whether to enter an order formally closing the case. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While MDHR recognizes CSL Plasma’s progress to eliminate discrimination in its business practices to date, the end of this consent decree does not prevent any further action against the company for violations of the Minnesota Human Rights Act.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you believe you have been discriminated against, submit &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;this online form&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; or call the Discrimination Helpline at &lt;strong&gt;1-833-454-0148&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency and is responsible for enforcing the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest state civil rights laws in the country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>587216</id><pubdate>2023-08-16T15:37:05Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>City and MPD to Host Engagement Events on Police Policies</Title><title>City and MPD to Host Engagement Events on Police Policies</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-587007&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-08-10T19:06:34Z</Date><ShortDescription>As part of the consent decree, the City of Minneapolis (City) and Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) are required to engage with and collect feedback from community members while developing and updating its policies.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/MPD-event-promotion_horizontal_tcm1061-587328.jpg&quot; title=&quot;MPD Event Promotion&quot; alt=&quot;MPD Event Promotion&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;MPD Event Promotion&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;As part of the consent decree, the City of Minneapolis (City) and Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) are required to engage with and collect feedback from community members while developing and updating its policies. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To do this, the City and MPD will hold &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/public-safety/police-public-safety/investigations-settlement-agreement/court-enforceable-settlement-agreement/mpd-policies/community-engagement/&quot;&gt;public engagement sessions&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; on different topic areas throughout Minneapolis.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#066C80&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 56, 101);&quot;&gt;Use of Force Community Engagement Sessions&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Tuesday, Aug. 15 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Public Service Building (1st Precinct)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Wednesday, Aug. 16 6:00 PM-8:00 PM East Neighborhood Services Inc. (2nd Precinct)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Saturday, Aug. 19 1:00 PM-3:00 PM Urban Ventures (3rd Precinct)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#066C80&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 56, 101);&quot;&gt;Stop, Search, Arrest Community Engagement Sessions&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Tuesday, Aug. 22 6:00 PM-8:00 PM University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) (4th Precinct)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Wednesday, Aug. 23 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Public Service Building (1st Precinct)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Thursday, Aug. 24 6:00 PM-8:00 PM East Neighborhood Services Inc. (2nd Precinct)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#066C80&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(0, 56, 101);&quot;&gt;Non-Discriminatory and Impartial Policing, Mission, Goals, Vision and Values Community Engagement Sessions&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Tuesday, Aug. 29 6:00 PM-8:00 PM University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) (4th Precinct)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Wednesday, Aug. 30 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Plymouth Congregational Church (5th Precinct)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Wednesday, Sept. 6 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Plymouth Congregational Church (5th Precinct)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#066C80&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(6, 108, 128);&quot;&gt;Why the Engagement Sessions are Important&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;These community engagement sessions are important because under the consent decree that the City signed, the City and MPD acknowledged that collecting feedback from community members, who are most impacted by MPD policies, is essential to building a culture of continuous learning based on humanity and civil rights.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#066C80&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;caret-color: rgb(6, 108, 128);&quot;&gt;Police Policies and Feedback Webpage&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The consent decree also requires MPD to establish a webpage where it will post proposed policy updates. Community members can comment and provide feedback to MPD about the proposed policy updates.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4 style=&quot;text-shadow: rgb(50, 50, 50) 0.5px 0.5px 1px; text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/public-safety/police-public-safety/investigations-settlement-agreement/court-enforceable-settlement-agreement/mpd-policies/police-policies-feedback/&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#FFFFFF&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;button&quot; style=&quot;background-color: rgb(209, 126, 105);&quot;&gt;Visit the Police Policies and Feedback Webpage&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>587007</id><pubdate>2023-08-15T16:33:50Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>The American with Disabilities Act Turns 33!</Title><title>The ADA Turns 33!</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-585638&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-07-26T14:07:39Z</Date><ShortDescription>On this day 33 years ago, the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/ADA33-celebrate-ADA-public-trans-arial_tcm1061-585390.png&quot; title=&quot;ADA 33rd Anniversary&quot; alt=&quot;ADA 33rd Anniversary&quot; style=&quot;width: 70%; height: auto;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;ADA 33rd Anniversary&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;On this day 33 years ago, the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Similar to the Minnesota Human Rights Act, the ADA prohibits disability discrimination in several areas, including employment and government services.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;At the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, we celebrate when spaces are accessible– whether that’s online or in-person at work, school, or an apartment building. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While we celebrate, we also recognize that systemic ableism is pervasive. For cases the Minnesota Department of Human Rights investigates, disability discrimination is one of most common bases of discrimination, especially in employment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;It takes all of us to end ableism and each of us play a role in advocating for policies and practices that put accessibility at the forefront so that people with disabilities can thrive and live free from discrimination. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This day and every day, remember that disability rights are civil rights! &lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>585638</id><pubdate>2023-07-27T19:41:13Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Pay History Ban Webpage Launches Before Law Goes into Effect January 1 </Title><title>Pay History Ban Webpage Launches Before Law Goes into Effect January 1</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-585212&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-07-20T20:18:22Z</Date><ShortDescription>Minnesota Department of Human Rights seeks to educate employers and job seekers</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Beginning January 1, 2024, employers in Minnesota can no longer ask a job applicant about their pay history.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To help educate employers and job seekers, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights launched a new webpage: &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/employers/pay-history/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;001 Pay History Ban Intro&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;001 Pay History Ban Intro&quot;&gt;Pay History Ban: Breaking the Cycle of Pay Discrimination&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This webpage provides information about the new law, including ways employers can start preparing and what job seekers need to know.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/employers/pay-history/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;001 Pay History Ban Intro&quot; class=&quot;button&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;001 Pay History Ban Intro&quot;&gt;Visit the page today!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/employers/pay-history/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;001 Pay History Ban Intro&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;001 Pay History Ban Intro&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Screenshot-Pay-History-Ban-page_tcm1061-585220.png&quot; title=&quot;Screenshot of Pay History Ban page&quot; alt=&quot;Screenshot of Pay History Ban page&quot; style=&quot;width: 100%; height: auto;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Screenshot of the Pay History Ban page&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>585212</id><pubdate>2024-09-09T20:45:19Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Public Services</Title><Id>244486</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>MPD</Title><Id>697351</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Race</Title><Id>244481</Id><Key/></Category><Title>State Judge Approves Court Enforceable Agreement Mandating Minneapolis Police Department to Make Transformational Changes </Title><title>Judge Enters Consent Decree</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-584578&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-07-13T21:21:52Z</Date><ShortDescription>With Judge Janisch’s approval of the agreement, the City and Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) are legally required to implement the transformational changes to strengthen public safety by addressing discriminatory, race-based policing.  </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; Hennepin County District Court Judge Karen Janisch today approved the court enforceable agreement between the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) and the City of Minneapolis (City).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;With Judge Janisch’s approval of the agreement, the City and Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) are legally required to implement the &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/mpd/agreement/terms.jsp&quot;&gt;transformational changes&lt;/a&gt; to strengthen public safety by addressing discriminatory, race-based policing.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Today, the court entered the consent decree that was negotiated by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, the City of Minneapolis, and the Minneapolis Police Department,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“With the eyes of the world on Minneapolis, entry of this order reflects this critically important moment in time. The agreement captures the scope of the necessary work ahead to address race-based policing, a plague on our City that harms everyone, especially people of color and Indigenous community members. We, at the Department, are committed to the work that lies ahead.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While the City and MPD implement the terms of the court enforceable agreement, multiple entities are responsible for holding the City and MPD accountable.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Team of Independent Evaluators&lt;/strong&gt;: The monitoring team will support the City and MPD, monitor their progress, engage with community members and police officers, and provide regular, public reports. The City and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights are in the process of identifying this team.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;State Court&lt;/strong&gt;: The court will oversee this legally binding agreement and is the only entity that can terminate the agreement once the court determines that the City and MPD have reached full, effective, and sustained compliance with the terms.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Minnesota Department of Human Rights&lt;/strong&gt;: The Department will assess whether the City and MPD are satisfying the terms of the court enforceable agreement.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Community Members and Police Officers&lt;/strong&gt;: While MPD is developing and updating its policies, the court enforceable agreement requires that MPD engage with and collect feedback from officers and community members.   &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size:14.0pt;line-height:112%&quot;&gt;About the Case&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights initiated the investigation of the City and MPD immediately following the murder of George Floyd. In April 2022, the Department &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/index.jsp?id=1061-526423&quot;&gt;announced&lt;/a&gt; that the City and MPD engage in a pattern or practice of race discrimination in violation of Minnesota’s civil rights law. In March 2023, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the City &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/index.jsp?id=1061-571889&quot;&gt;reached and filed&lt;/a&gt; a court enforceable agreement.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights’ findings mark the first of two independent investigations that found a pattern or practice of unlawful policing by MPD. In June 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice found that the City and MPD are in violation of the U.S. Constitution and federal law.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Department of Justice is negotiating a federal court enforceable agreement with the City and MPD to address its findings. Moving forward, the City will be subject to two court enforceable agreements with one monitor to address the findings of the state and federal civil rights enforcement agencies.   &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency. It is tasked with enforcing the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the most comprehensive state civil rights laws in the country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Document: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Signed%20Consent%20Decree%207.13.23_tcm1061-584580.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Signed Consent Decree&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Signed Consent Decree&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Court Enforceable Agreement Signed by Judge Janisch (PDF)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;http://&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; align=&quot;center&quot; style=&quot;text-align:center&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;###&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>584578</id><pubdate>2025-07-16T15:31:32Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Race</Title><Id>244481</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Public Services</Title><Id>244486</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>MPD</Title><Id>697351</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Commissioner Lucero’s Prepared Remarks for Court Hearing on the Consent Decree with City of Minneapolis</Title><title>Commissioner Lucero’s Prepared Remarks for Court Hearing on the Consent Decree with City of Minneapolis</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-584536&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-07-13T19:08:55Z</Date><ShortDescription>Good afternoon, Your Honor, my name is Rebecca Lucero, I am the Commissioner for the Department of Human Rights, the state’s civil rights enforcement agency.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Good afternoon, Your Honor, my name is Rebecca Lucero, I am the Commissioner for the Department of Human Rights, the state’s civil rights enforcement agency.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The eyes of the world have been on Minneapolis since the day that Minneapolis Police Department officers murdered Mr. Floyd. And as Assistant Attorney General McKenzie laid out so well, while this was a singular event, the way Minneapolis became the epicenter of the world demonstrates how Mr. Floyd’s murder represents a symptom of a much larger problem.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Today, we come before you, Your Honor, to request that you enter this court order. This agreement, that we are asking the court to enter today, reflects this critically important moment and captures the scope of the necessary work ahead to address race-based policing, a plague on our City that harms everyone, especially people of color and indigenous community members.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;I want to thank Your Honor in advance for your role in this important process.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;I was asked by Assistant Attorney General McKenzie to share with you the work that the Minnesota Department of Human Rights conducted as it relates to public engagement in Minneapolis and this consent decree. To that end, Your Honor, there are two critical pieces for you to know:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ol xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif&quot;&gt;This agreement thoughtfully incorporates community and police officer feedback that was vital to the creation of the terms encompassed in this agreement.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Open Sans&amp;quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;The first stage of feedback we collected from community members and officers occurred during the investigation itself. This thoughtful and intentional engagement continued after we released our Findings. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Open Sans&amp;quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;During the summer of 2022, before beginning the negotiations with the City, Minnesota Department of Human Rights held many meetings and listening events. And on an ongoing basis, I continue to have conversations with community groups regularly– holding space for all the grief, the hopelessness, the hope, the concerns, and answering so many questions.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Open Sans&amp;quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;Let me highlight specifically the work that we did over the summer of 2022 to gather extensive feedback from both community members and police officers so that we were prepared to incorporate that feedback as we entered negotiations.&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Open Sans&amp;quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;Community Members:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Open Sans&amp;quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;In partnership with the Minnesota Justice Research Center, we hosted 15 community events last summer, in addition to ongoing conversations with many community organizations and community leaders.&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Open Sans&amp;quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;The term humanity was a central focus that emerged from these listening sessions.&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Open Sans&amp;quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;During our conversations, community members shared they want Minneapolis Police Department to move away from a culture of violence to a culture that prioritizes humanity. This includes clear policies that prioritize de-escalation.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Open Sans&amp;quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;Accountability:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Open Sans&amp;quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;Community members also shared that they want strong systems in place for accountability which are essential to transparency and building trust. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Police Officers:&lt;/strong&gt; When it came to listening to police officers, we worked with 21 CP Solutions, a group of police practice experts, to hold 15 listening sessions last summer at every precinct with officers of different ranks and assignments.&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Open Sans&amp;quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;Officers shared repeatedly that they need policies to be clear – that long and confusing policies do not set them up for success. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Open Sans&amp;quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;Officers also shared they want to be trained on those clear policies with hands-on and scenario-based training.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Open Sans&amp;quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;And officers shared they need better support – that includes everything from comprehensive health and wellness programs to having technology systems that interface, or talk, to each other.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif&quot;&gt;Both community members and police officers stressed how important it is for this Agreement to actually result in meaningful change. That means that there is real intentionality around support and enforcement built into this agreement.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif&quot;&gt;While the City and Minneapolis Police Department implement the terms of the court enforceable agreement, multiple entities are responsible both for providing support to the City and Minneapolis Police Department so that they can be successful, and for holding the City and Minneapolis Police Department accountable.&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Community:&lt;/strong&gt; The agreement requires the City, Minneapolis Police Department, and the monitoring team to continuously engage in meaningful community engagement with community members. This includes community’s role in asking questions to monitoring team applicants as the City and Minnesota Department of Human Rights select the monitor, to providing feedback to Minneapolis Police Department as Minneapolis Police Department develops and updates its policies, to ongoing engagement with the monitor once that team is ultimately selected.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Monitoring Team:&lt;/strong&gt; I wanted to also address the intentionality we brought to identifying the role of the monitoring team – as is detailed in the Agreement, we designed the scope of the responsibilities for the monitoring team  with the hopes of really setting the City up for success, that means providing on-the-ground technical assistance from policing experts, approving training programs and actually reviewing and attending trainings, providing support to the City and Minneapolis Police Department as they change their accountability systems, and of course monitoring the changes to make sure those changes address race-based policing. The monitoring team must conduct an annual community assessment to see whether and how all the changes are impacting community members. And the monitoring team must provide regular, public reports. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Open Sans&amp;quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;All these responsibilities for the monitoring team were set forth in this agreement because all of us – community members, the City, Minneapolis Police Department, Minnesota Department of Human Rights, the court – all of us need the City and Minneapolis Police Department to be wildly successful in strengthening public safety by addressing discriminatory, race-based policing.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Team at Minnesota Department of Human Rights:&lt;/strong&gt; To that end, my team at Minnesota Department of Human Rights is committed to providing timely feedback and support as the City and Minneapolis Police Department transform their accountability systems, rewrite policies, provide training, resources, and support for officers so they can reduce any unnecessary danger that occurs because of discriminatory, race-based policing. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Open Sans&amp;quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;The team at Minnesota Department of Human Rights is staffed by deeply dedicated individuals who understood clearly from community members how important it is for the City to make substantial progress.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;City/Minneapolis Police Department implementation teams:&lt;/strong&gt; To set the City and Minneapolis Police Department up for success, the Agreement also requires both the City and Minneapolis Police Department to develop implementation teams. These teams are tasked with moving the framework forward that is detailed in the Agreement. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Open Sans&amp;quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;As Assistant Attorney General McKenzie noted, this agreement was carefully negotiated with both City and Minneapolis Police Department leaders at the table. This was intentional so that we knew that all the terms we put in this Agreement were achievable and could be reached in a meaningful and timely way. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Open Sans&amp;quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;We were careful not to impose an obligation that could not be met – and the implementation teams are intended to successfully move this framework forward.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Court:&lt;/strong&gt; Importantly, you, Your Honor, will oversee this legally binding agreement, and the agreement can only be terminated once the court determines that the City and Minneapolis Police Department have reached full, effective, and sustained compliance with the terms.&lt;/font&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif&quot;&gt;Why is important that it is a legally binding agreement? The fact that this is legally binding agreement is important because we heard repeatedly from community members about the many efforts that they have seen over the years where the City failed to maintain that coordinated and sustained effort that is truly necessary to effectuate this kind of change. Community members will regularly reference the mediations with the Department of Justice (hereinafter DOJ) from 20+ years ago that the City walked away from, they will reference the many civil settlements after an officer involved incident that required changes to training that did not meaningfully occur, community members will reference the DOJ’s report from after Jamar Clark was killed where the DOJ, for instance, told the City that it was really important to identify any concerning behavior before it resulted in a critical incident and the death of a community member. Here the DOJ specifically talked about the importance of using an Early Intervention System and yet community members and foundations who supported this effort talk about the fact that the City did not stand up a meaningful Early Intervention system to prevent officer involved deaths of community members while grieving for Justine Damond, George Floyd, Amir Locke, Andrew Tekle Sundberg.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif&quot;&gt;As you can see, Your Honor, there is a lot of intentionality around enforcement built throughout this agreement to provide the intensive intervention that is necessary to address the seriousness of the problems identified in the Findings.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Your Honor, right before we began negotiating this agreement, I had the honor of meeting with many family members who had a family member killed by a police officer. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;What I heard from them was tremendous grief. And tremendous hope. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;One father who had recently lost his son at the hands of a Minneapolis Police Officer talked about how unbelievably important it is to do the work that we are talking about here today. That if the officer who killed his son had seen his son as someone who was worthy of humanity – that his son was, in fact, a human being, he would still be alive today. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;And despite all his grief, he and many others were spending their time that night with me, encouraging me, encouraging this team, calling on all of us in this room to do everything we can in our power so that the City and Minneapolis Police Department end discriminatory, race-based policing. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This is a critically important moment for community members, some of whom are in the room today, many of whom have been working on this for years, some for decades, and are eager to see transformational changes for Minneapolis.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;I again want to thank you for the critical role you play in this process. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;And I will turn it back over to Assistant Attorney General McKenzie to review some additional information with the Court.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>584536</id><pubdate>2025-07-16T15:31:30Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Responds to U.S. Supreme Court Decision in 303 Creative, Inc. v. Elenis </Title><title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Responds to U.S. Supreme Court Decision in 303 Creative, Inc. v. Elenis</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-583340&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-06-30T16:22:39Z</Date><ShortDescription>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero issued the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in 303 Creative, Inc. v. Elenis.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; Today, Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero issued the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in 303 Creative, Inc. v. Elenis: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in 303 Creative, Inc. v. Elenis comes at a time when numerous states across the country have newly passed laws denying rights to LGBTQIA+ community members and when LGBTQIA+ individuals continue to face violence and hate in our communities.  &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;In Minnesota, we are not in the business of creating second-class community members. That principle is as true today as it was yesterday. &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights affirms that freedom from discrimination is a civil right. In the weeks and months ahead, our Department will determine how to continue to uphold this essential value consistent with the new precedent from the U.S. Supreme Court.” &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;### &lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>583340</id><pubdate>2023-06-30T16:30:08Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Secures Settlement After School District Failed to Prevent a Teacher from Sexually Assaulting Student </Title><title>AFSA K-12 Public Charter School District</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-581635&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-06-20T15:03:33Z</Date><ShortDescription>The district was aware of the teacher’s inappropriate interactions and failed to prevent him from ultimately sexually harassing and assaulting the student. </ShortDescription><Subtitle>School district to pay $325,000 to student sexually harassed and assaulted by teacher; To prevent future sexual harassment and assault, settlement requires school district to make changes</Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) today announced a settlement agreement with AFSA K-12 Public Charter School District #4074 in Vadnais Heights after finding a teacher sexually harassed and assaulted E.D., a ninth-grade student. The district was aware of the teacher’s inappropriate interactions and failed to prevent him from ultimately sexually harassing and assaulting the student.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“I am deeply grateful for the courage and strength of this student to bring forward her story of the sexual violence she faced at the hands of her teacher,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“Yet again, we are reminded that we are surrounded by survivors of sexual assault. To truly honor the courage of this student, schools must do everything possible to prevent sexual harassment and assault from occurring. This is not only the right thing to do but it’s also required under the law.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, schools have a legal responsibility to prevent and address sexual harassment and assault.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;During the Walz-Flanagan administration, MDHR has settled countless sexual harassment and assault cases involving K-12 schools, universities, and workplaces of all sizes. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“We, as students, are told our whole lives that school staff are the people we’re supposed to go to when we feel unsafe, but there was no safe place, and the result caused significant damage. I didn’t know that I was in a vulnerable position, but they had all the information to know. I wouldn’t wish what happened to me to happen to anyone else,”&lt;/strong&gt; said E.D. &lt;strong&gt;“It is not the victim’s responsibility to make the change, but if the change involves protecting yourself it is absolutely worth demanding something be done. Don’t let anyone intimidate you into thinking the harm that was done was not real.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Case&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR’s investigation found that in 2019, a teacher at AFSA High School sexually harassed and assaulted E.D., a ninth-grade student.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The principal and multiple teachers – adults responsible for the safety of the student – were aware that the teacher was interacting inappropriately with E.D. but failed to meaningfully intervene. The principal failed to launch an investigation into the teacher’s conduct, speak directly with E.D., inform her parents, and suspend or otherwise discipline the teacher.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Instead, despite knowing of the teacher’s concerning behavior, the principal failed to follow district policies and only told the teacher to stay away from the student. The teacher did not stay away from E.D. and ultimately sexually assaulted her. &lt;span style=&quot;mso-spacerun:yes&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;mso-spacerun:yes&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In 2020, the teacher was convicted of criminal sexual conduct in Dakota County.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In 2022, MDHR found that AFSA K-12 Public Charter School District #4074 violated Minnesota’s civil rights law for failing to prevent and address sexual harassment and assault.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Settlement Agreement&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The settlement agreement requires AFSA K-12 Public Charter School District #4074 to:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li style=&quot;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2&quot;&gt;Pay E.D. $325,000.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li style=&quot;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2&quot;&gt;Train the school board, executive director, teachers, and volunteers on their role in creating a learning environment that is free from sexual harassment, assault, and discrimination.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li style=&quot;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2&quot;&gt;Create a digital system for students, staff, and volunteers to report harassment and discrimination.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li style=&quot;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2&quot;&gt;Follow district policies by requiring teachers to report problematic behavior; launching investigations of any reports of harassment, assault, and discrimination; and informing parents of the reported harassment, assault, and discrimination.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li style=&quot;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2&quot;&gt;Report any complaints to MDHR in which students, staff, parents, or volunteers are accused of sexual harassment or any other form of discrimination, including any action the district took to investigate the complaints.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR will monitor the school’s compliance with the agreement through the 2028-2029 school year.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you believe you have been discriminated against, submit &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;this online form&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; or call the Discrimination Helpline at &lt;strong&gt;1-833-454-0148&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency and is responsible for enforcing the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest state civil rights laws in the country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; align=&quot;center&quot; style=&quot;text-align:center&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;###&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>581635</id><pubdate>2023-06-20T15:05:20Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>LGBTQIA+ Rights Are Civil Rights!</Title><title>LGBTQIA+ Rights Are Civil Rights!</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-579682&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-06-01T18:03:38Z</Date><ShortDescription>Happy Pride Month Minnesota!</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Pride-Month-Horizontal_tcm1061-579676.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Pride Month Horizontal&quot; alt=&quot;Pride Month Horizontal&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Pride Month Horizontal&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Happy Pride Month Minnesota!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Pride celebrates LGBTQIA+* Minnesotans and the joy, resistance, and pivotal moments in history that have brought us closer to ensuring that LGBTQIA+ rights are truly civil rights.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This year’s Pride comes at a time of increased hate against the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly transgender community members. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;There are multiple Pride Month &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2023/04/10/when-why-pride-month-2023/11600260002/&quot;&gt;themes&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; happening across the country, from “Peace, Love, and Revolution” to “Strength in Solidarity”. These themes center the importance of building an inclusive state where people of all gender identities and sexual orientations can thrive.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;Leading with Love and Inclusion&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Take Pride that in 1993, Minnesota became the first state in the country to prohibit sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in workplaces, housing, government services, education, credit, and businesses.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;It takes all of us to end gender identity and sexual orientation discrimination. This means advancing inclusive policies, such as the &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/assets/Take%20Pride%20Act_tcm1061-566906.pdf&quot;&gt;Take Pride Act&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;. On August 1, 2023, this Act will better reflect Minnesota’s LGBTQIA+ communities by clarifying critical protections for LGBTQIA+ Minnesotans, while also removing outdated and prejudicial language from the Minnesota Human Rights Act.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Ending gender identity and sexual orientation discrimination also means working to address and implement meaningful changes, such as when we &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/civilrightsupdates.jsp#/detail/appId/1/id/501398&quot;&gt;reached a consent agreement with CSL Plasma&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; after the company barred a transgender woman and a non-binary Minnesotan from donating plasma.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While we celebrate Pride, we know that homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia persists. This is especially true for LGBTQIA+ people who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, people with disabilities, youth and elders, and more.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;Celebrating Pride Month&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Check out &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.eventbrite.com/d/united-states--minnesota/pride/?page=1&quot;&gt;pride events&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; happening in the area to celebrate Pride Month!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Mark your calendars in September for Hispanic Heritage Month.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;LGBTQIA+: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual. The “+” acknowledges the identities that are not included in the acronym&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>579682</id><pubdate>2023-06-01T18:10:55Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>The Judiciary and Public Safety Bill Advances Civil Rights</Title><title>The Judiciary and Public Safety Bill Advances Civil Rights</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-579395&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-05-30T19:17:53Z</Date><ShortDescription>When Governor Tim Walz signed the Judiciary and Public Safety bill into law, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights celebrated the investments and policy changes the legislature made to advance civil rights and address discrimination.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Gov%20Walz%20signing%20Judiciary%20and%20Public%20Safety%20bill_tcm1061-579392.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Gov Walz signing Judiciary and Public Safety bill&quot; alt=&quot;Gov Walz signing Judiciary and Public Safety bill&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Gov Walz signing Judiciary and Public Safety bill&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;When Governor Tim Walz signed the Judiciary and Public Safety bill into law, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights celebrated the investments and policy changes the legislature made to advance civil rights and address discrimination.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Thank you to the many people who have been part of moving these policies forward for years -- sometimes decades! This work absolutely would not be possible without your tireless work.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;Preventing Pay Discrimination Act&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/PreventingPayDiscriminationAct-horizontal_tcm1061-579391.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Preventing Pay Discrimination Act Horizontal&quot; alt=&quot;Preventing Pay Discrimination Act Horizontal&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Preventing Pay Discrimination Act Horizontal&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesotans should be paid based on their skills, experiences, education, and the job market – not their previous salary. That’s exactly what the Preventing Pay Discrimination Act does.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Beginning January 1, 2024, employers can no longer ask a job applicant about their pay history. This will help narrow the racial and gender pay gap because when someone’s future pay is locked to their past pay, the cycle of unequal pay impacts them throughout their life. This cycle stops with the Preventing Pay Discrimination Act.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;Take Pride Act&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Take-Pride-Act-horizontal_tcm1061-579390.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Take Pride Act Horizontal&quot; alt=&quot;Take Pride Act Horizontal&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Take Pride Act Horizontal&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesota has a lot to be proud of when it comes to LGBTQIA+ rights. With the passage of the Take Pride Act, Minnesota has one more reason to be proud.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Take Pride Act helps clarify critical protections for LGBTQIA+ Minnesotans, while also removing outdated and prejudicial language from the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Beginning August 1, 2023, the state’s civil rights law will better reflect Minnesota’s diverse and thriving LGBTQIA+ communities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;Investments in Civil Rights&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/2023-One-MN-Budget-horizontal_tcm1061-579389.jpg&quot; title=&quot;One Minnesota Budget Horizontal&quot; alt=&quot;One Minnesota Budget Horizontal&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;One Minnesota Budget Horizontal&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;Investment in Civil Rights Enforcement&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesotans deserve a strong civil rights enforcement agency. The Judiciary and Public Safety bill provides a transformational investment to support the Minnesota Department of Human Rights to carry out its mission by increasing the Department’s capacity to investigate discrimination and work with contractors to ensure state investments are used to intentionally undo racial and gender inequities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;Supports Mediation&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Judiciary and Public Safety bill also recognizes the importance of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights’ mediation program. Over the last several years, more Minnesotans chose to mediate their cases because mediation provides a meaningful way to find solutions and move forward. The Judiciary and Public Safety bill helps the Department to continue meeting the demand by providing stipends to trained and skilled volunteer mediators.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;What’s Next?&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Legislature charged the Minnesota Department of Human Rights with these important new responsibilities to help end discrimination in Minnesota. We will spend the months ahead focused on implementing these new policies and you can look to this newsletter and our website to keep you informed.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;We look forward to the continued work in the years ahead to build a world where everyone can live with dignity and joy, free from discrimination.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>579395</id><pubdate>2025-02-06T14:57:41Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month </Title><title>Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-574804&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-05-01T12:52:01Z</Date><ShortDescription>While we celebrate the AANHPI  community, we also recognize that xenophobia and racism are pervasive and persistent. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/AANHPI-Heritage-Month-Horizontal_tcm1061-574801.jpg&quot; title=&quot;AANHPI Heritage Month&quot; alt=&quot;AANHPI Heritage Month&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;AANHPI Heritage Month&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI) – celebrating the vibrant AANHPI communities and their joy, heritages, and experiences.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Far from being a monolith, AANHPI Minnesotans are Hmong, Vietnamese, Laotian, Cambodian, Filipino, Asian Indian, Chinese, Burmese, Korean, Japanese, and more!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This year’s &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://fapac.org/pressreleases/13056819&quot;&gt;theme&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; is Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity, recognizing the impact of building spaces where AANHPI people can grow and define their own path as leaders.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#0D5257&quot;&gt;Building a Joyful Minnesota &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While we celebrate the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community, we also recognize that xenophobia and racism are pervasive and persistent. This is especially true for AANHPI people experiencing homophobia, ableism, sexism, and other intersectional forms of discrimination. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;It takes all of us to create a state where AANHPI Minnesotans can thrive, free from racial discrimination. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Ending anti-Asian hate and discrimination means taking meaningful action towards systems level changes. That’s why Governor Walz, Lt. Governor Flanagan, the House, and Senate have invested in policies and budget proposals that work to advance civil rights and address discrimination across the state. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#0D5257&quot;&gt;Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by checking out the &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.eventbrite.com/d/united-states--minnesota/asian-american-heritage-month/&quot;&gt;events&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; happening throughout May!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Up Next:&lt;/strong&gt; Pride Month.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>574804</id><pubdate>2023-05-01T12:52:11Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Reaches Court Enforceable Agreement with City of Minneapolis to Make Transformational Changes that Address Race-Based Policing and Strengthen Public Safety</Title><Publisher/><Subject>Consent Decree</Subject><Subject>George Floyd</Subject><Subject>Policing</Subject><Subject>Culture Change</Subject><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Public Services</Title><Id>244486</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>MPD</Title><Id>697351</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Race</Title><Id>244481</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Reaches Court Enforceable Agreement with City of Minneapolis to Make Transformational Changes that Address Race-Based Policing and Strengthen Public Safety</Title><title>Court Enforceable Agreement with City of Minneapolis</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-571889&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-03-31T10:38:43Z</Date><ShortDescription>Unlike any previous effort to improve public safety in Minneapolis, this is the first time a court will require the City to make transformational changes through a court enforceable agreement.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>City and MPD to be Held Accountable by Court; Independent Evaluators to Monitor Progress</Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; Today, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) and the City of Minneapolis (City) filed a court enforceable agreement in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District Court that requires the City and the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) to make transformational changes to their organizational culture by recognizing the humanity and civil rights of community members, addressing race-based policing, and strengthening public safety. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Unlike any previous effort to improve public safety in Minneapolis, this is the first time a court will require the City to make transformational changes through a court enforceable agreement. This agreement also incorporates independent oversight through an independent evaluation team who will support the City and MPD, monitor their progress, and provide regular, public reports.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Minneapolis community members deserve to be treated with humanity. This court enforceable agreement provides the framework for lawful, non-discriminatory policing, reduces unnecessary dangers for officers, and results in better public safety for Minneapolis,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“I am grateful to Mayor Frey, Chief O’Hara, City Council, and City and MPD staff for their commitment to set a path towards a more just future for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color in Minneapolis.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The court enforceable agreement is the result of an investigation by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, the state’s civil rights enforcement agency, immediately following the murder of George Floyd. The investigation found the City and MPD engage in a &lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/mpd/findings/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Investigation Findings&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Investigation Findings&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;pattern or practice of race discrimination&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; in violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights conducted extensive engagement with Minneapolis community members and MPD officers in partnership with the Minnesota Justice Research Center and 21 CP Solutions. The court enforceable agreement contains many provisions that are based on what community members and officers shared. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Transformational Changes   &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Clear, effective policies&lt;/strong&gt;: The court enforceable agreement requires the City and MPD to set and enforce clear policies that build community trust, provide non-discriminatory public safety, and reduce dangers for officers. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The court enforceable agreement requires the City and MPD, in part, to:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Require officers to de-escalate&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Prohibit officers from using force to punish or retaliate&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Prohibit the use of certain pretext stops&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ban searches based on alleged smells of cannabis&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Prohibit so-called consent searches during pedestrian or vehicle stops&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Limit when officers can use force &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Limit when and how officers can use chemical irritants and tasers&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ban “excited delirium” training&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The court enforceable agreement does not prohibit an officer from relying on reasonable articulable suspicion of criminal activity to enforce the law. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Training, engagement, accountability, and data collection&lt;/strong&gt;: The court enforceable agreement prioritizes organizational culture change to strengthen public safety by requiring the City and/or MPD to provide training, engagement, accountability, and data collection for all policy changes. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Quality training and support.&lt;/strong&gt; For MPD officers to understand and follow policies, the court enforceable agreement requires the City and MPD to provide officers and employees with quality, timely training. The agreement also requires the City and MPD to provide officers with a range of support services, including meaningful mental health support and a well-functioning early intervention system. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Meaningful engagement.&lt;/strong&gt; While MPD is developing and updating its policies, the court enforceable agreement requires MPD to engage with and collect feedback from the people who are most impacted by MPD’s policies – both community members and officers. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Strong accountability and oversight.&lt;/strong&gt; The agreement requires the City and MPD to develop robust and well-functioning accountability and oversight systems so MPD officers are held to the highest standards of integrity. The City and MPD are also required to conduct thorough investigations of police misconduct. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Robust data collection and transparency.&lt;/strong&gt; Recognizing that data-driven decision making supports a culture of accountability and transparency, the agreement requires the City and MPD to strengthen its data collection mechanisms, produce an annual use of force report, and create a public database of discipline records. To support a culture of continuous learning, the agreement also establishes an MPD Review Panel to regularly assess MPD’s enforcement practices and determine whether changes to trainings, policies, and tactics are necessary to address patterns of discrimination and bias. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Sustained and Coordinated Action through Independent Oversight and Court Enforcement &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The court enforceable agreement provides City and MPD leaders with the framework for sustained and coordinated action needed to change organizational culture to strengthen public safety. The legally binding agreement provides clear timelines for prioritization, incorporates independent oversight, and can only be terminated by the court when the City and MPD have reached full, effective, and sustained compliance with the terms in the agreement. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To provide independent oversight of the agreement, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the City will identify an independent evaluation team to support the City and MPD, monitor their progress, engage with community members and police officers, and provide regular, public reports.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Court Enforceable Agreements are Powerful Tools for Change&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;A court enforceable agreement is a legal agreement that is submitted to the court after the parties have reached a settlement. Once approved by the court, the agreement is binding and enforceable on all parties through ongoing oversight by the court. Court enforceable agreements are often referred to with a variety of terms. Under the Walz-Flanagan administration, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights has entered into several consent decrees. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Questions about the Investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights enforces Minnesota state law. The U.S. Department of Justice enforces federal law and the U.S. Constitution. The Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the City do not anticipate that this court enforceable agreement will conflict with any agreement between the City and the Department of Justice. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;More information about the court enforceable agreement &lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/mpd/agreement/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Consent Decree Title&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Consent Decree Intro&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;can be found here.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Document&lt;/strong&gt;: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/assets/Court%20Enforceable%20Agreement_tcm1061-571942.pdf&quot;&gt;Court Enforceable Agreement&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>571889</id><pubdate>2025-07-16T15:31:32Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Rebecca Lucero Confirmed as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights </Title><title>Lucero Confirmed</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-568527&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-03-09T13:06:47Z</Date><ShortDescription> “I am excited to continue this work with both fierce dedication and joy.&quot; </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; Today, the Minnesota Senate confirmed Rebecca Lucero as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR). This follows unanimous approval by the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety committee on January 23, 2023.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Commissioner Rebecca Lucero is a highly qualified and focused leader with a commitment to addressing and ultimately ending discrimination,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Governor Tim Walz. &lt;strong&gt;“Minnesota is made better and more fair by her service as Commissioner of Human Rights.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“In everything she does, Commissioner Lucero centers her commitment to justice, equity, and civil rights for all Minnesotans,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. &lt;strong&gt;“Her work, especially on behalf of those who have faced discrimination along the lines of gender, sexuality, race, religion, or any other factor, has made our communities and our state safer.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is at the center of ending discrimination and is an unwavering force for advancing civil rights,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“I am excited to continue this work with both fierce dedication and joy.” &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;During her tenure, Commissioner Lucero has transformed MDHR into a strategic civil rights enforcement agency. This has included launching a pattern or practice investigation into the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department; settling discrimination cases that resulted in workplaces, schools, and public places having and enforcing stronger policies to prevent discrimination; and making schools safer and more welcoming for transgender and gender nonconfining students. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In January 2019, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan appointed Rebecca Lucero and reappointed her in November 2022.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency and is responsible for enforcing the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest state civil rights laws in the country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>568527</id><pubdate>2025-07-16T15:31:32Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Women’s Rights Are Civil Rights</Title><title>Women’s Rights Are Civil Rights</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-567155&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-03-01T15:22:25Z</Date><ShortDescription>March is Women’s History Month! </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Women%27s-History-Month-Horizontal_tcm1061-567146.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Women&apos;s History Month&quot; alt=&quot;Women&apos;s History Month&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Women&apos;s History Month&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;March is Women’s History Month! We celebrate the progress made in women’s rights and the ongoing efforts to advance civil rights across the state.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;With this year’s &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/2023-theme/&quot;&gt;theme&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; as Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories, we recognize women’s instrumental role in passing down vibrant experiences, heritages, and cultures through art and storytelling on their own terms.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#5D295F&quot;&gt;Ending Sex Discrimination&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;At the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, we’re committed to ending sex discrimination which means addressing sexism, sexual harassment and assault, and pay inequities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;That’s why the Minnesota Department of Human Rights supports the &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/assets/Preventing-Pay-Discrimination-Act_tcm1061-566905.pdf&quot;&gt;Preventing Pay Discrimination Act&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;, which would help close the gender and racial pay gap by ending the pay history question. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In addition, our recent case with a &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/Copy_of_civilrightsupdates.jsp#/detail/appId/1/id/560403&quot;&gt;McDonald’s franchisee&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; addresses sexual harassment and assault through impactful, systemic changes and creating a safer environment where employees can thrive.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While we celebrate the groundwork made in women’s rights, we also recognize that sexism persists. This is especially true for Black, Indigenous, and women of color, women with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ women, girls and elder women, women of different national origins, and women of different religions.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#5D295F&quot;&gt;Celebrating Women and Their Stories&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Celebrate by checking out the &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.eventbrite.com/d/united-states--minnesota/women-history-month/?page=1&quot;&gt;Women’s History Month events&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; happening in the area!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Coming Up:&lt;/strong&gt; Mark your calendars for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>567155</id><pubdate>2023-03-01T17:29:37Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>CROWN Act Becomes Law </Title><title>CROWN Act Becomes Law</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-562863&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-02-03T17:30:38Z</Date><ShortDescription>On January 31, 2023, Governor Walz signed the CROWN Act into law!</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/CrownActBecomesLaw_2023_horizontal_tcm1061-562857.jpg&quot; title=&quot;CROWN Act Becomes Law&quot; alt=&quot;CROWN Act Becomes Law&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;CROWN Act Becomes Law&quot; /&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;em xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/em&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;On January 31, 2023, Governor Walz signed the CROWN Act into law!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This means that Minnesota’s civil rights law now confirms protection against discrimination based on race-based natural hair texture and styles such as braids, locs, and twists. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Minnesota law is clear: Black Minnesotans have the right to express their racial identity through their natural hair without being discrimination against,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“I am grateful to everyone who made this possible, especially the many community members who worked to pass this bill for years.” &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Gov%20Signing%20CROWN%20Act_tcm1061-562869.png&quot; title=&quot;Gov Signing CROWN Act&quot; alt=&quot;Gov Signing CROWN Act&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Gov Signing CROWN Act&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Commissioner Lucero joined Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, legislators, and community members for the ceremonial bill signing.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/CROWN%20Act%20Group%20Photo_tcm1061-562870.png&quot; title=&quot;CROWN Act Group Photo&quot; alt=&quot;CROWN Act Group Photo&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;CROWN Act Group Photo&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you experienced discrimination, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Rights by completing &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/&quot;&gt;this online form&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; or call 1-833-454-0148.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#003865&quot;&gt;Fact Sheet: Preventing Hair Discrimination&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Preventing-Hair-Discrimination-FactSheet_tcm1061-562859.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Prevent Hair Discrimination PDF&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Prevent Hair Discrimination PDF&quot;&gt;Download and share this fact sheet&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; that outlines what the law is; examples of hair discrimination; ways employers, schools and businesses can prevent discrimination; and how to report discrimination. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Preventing-Hair-Discrimination-FactSheet_tcm1061-562859.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Prevent Hair Discrimination PDF&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Prevent Hair Discrimination PDF&quot;&gt;Preventing Hair Discrimination (PDF)&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Preventing-Hair-Discrimination-FactSheet_tcm1061-562858.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Preventing Hair Discrimination Screenshot&quot; alt=&quot;Preventing Hair Discrimination Screenshot&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Preventing Hair Discrimination Screenshot&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>562863</id><pubdate>2023-02-03T19:26:06Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Black History Matters</Title><title>Black History Matters</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-562518&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-02-01T19:49:31Z</Date><ShortDescription>Black history matters. This month and every month. February is Black History Month, celebrating Black culture, experiences, history, and joy.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Black-History-Month_horizontal_tcm1061-562513.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Black History Month&quot; alt=&quot;Black History Month&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Black History Month&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Black history matters. This month and every month. February is Black History Month, celebrating Black culture, experiences, history, and joy.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This year’s &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/&quot;&gt;theme&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; is Black Resistance, highlighting the injustices and systemic oppression Black people have and continue to face and the ongoing work to build thriving communities, free from discrimination.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#5D295F&quot;&gt;What the Law Covers&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, racial discrimination is prohibited in workplaces, housing, government services, education, credit, and businesses.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;After finding discrimination, we work on systems level changes to build more racially inclusive places, such as when we reached a &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/Copy_of_civilrightsupdates.jsp#/detail/appId/1/id/533862&quot;&gt;settlement agreement with Nahan, a printing company&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#5D295F&quot;&gt;Support the CROWN Act&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Ending racial discrimination means taking intentional steps and creating anti-racist policies and practices. That’s why the Minnesota Department of Human Rights supports the CROWN Act. This month, we’re celebrating the progress the CROWN Act has made at the Capitol!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/FmOQDpxX0AYRvQO_tcm1061-562515.jpeg&quot; title=&quot;CROWN Act 2023&quot; alt=&quot;CROWN Act 2023&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;CROWN Act 2023&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While we celebrate, we recognize that racism is prevalent -- especially for Black people experiencing ableism, sexism, and other forms of intersectional discrimination. It takes all of us to create communities where Black Minnesotans can thrive.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Black-Lives-Matter-2023-horizontal-graphic_tcm1061-562514.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Black Lives Matter 2023&quot; alt=&quot;Black Lives Matter 2023&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Black Lives Matter 2023&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#5D295F&quot;&gt;Celebrating Black History Month&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Celebrate Black History month by learning more about &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.mnopedia.org/african-americans-minnesota&quot;&gt;Minnesota’s Black History&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; or checking out &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://spokesman-recorder.com/2023/01/31/black-history-month-events-in-the-twin-cities-feb-1-9/&quot;&gt;Black History Month events&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; in the area. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Up next:&lt;/strong&gt; Mark your calendars for Women’s History Month in March.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>562518</id><pubdate>2023-02-01T20:29:28Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Secures Consent Decree to Address Sexual Harassment and Assault at McDonald’s Restaurants </Title><Publisher/><Subject>Sexual Harassment </Subject><Subject>Sexual Assault</Subject><Subject>McDonald&apos;s</Subject><Subject>Consent Decree</Subject><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Secures Consent Decree to Address Sexual Harassment and Assault at McDonald’s Restaurants</Title><title>McDonalds Consent Decree</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-560403&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2023-01-18T15:42:35Z</Date><ShortDescription>The consent decree requires the McDonald&apos;s franchisee to make sweeping changes at its 14 McDonald’s restaurants.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Verdana&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; After suing a McDonald’s franchisee for fostering a culture of sexual harassment that led to a manager sexually assaulting a minor employee, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) today filed a &lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Consent_decree_tcm1061-560405.pdf&quot; title=&quot;McDonald&apos;s Consent Decree&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;McDonald&apos;s Consent Decree&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;consent decree&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; in state court that requires Hyder Investments, Inc. to make sweeping changes at its 14 McDonald’s restaurants. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Verdana&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“This consent decree means that these McDonald’s restaurants are now safer for employees,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“Sexual harassment in the fast-food industry has long been a reality and this consent decree serves up much needed reform. From policy changes to required trainings to leadership engagement, this comprehensive agreement is a new beginning and an opportunity for culture change at each of these restaurants.” &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Verdana&quot;&gt;The Case&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Verdana&quot;&gt;In December 2021, MDHR &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/index.jsp?id=1061-512823&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;sued the McDonald’s franchisee&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; for violating the Minnesota Human Rights Act. According to the lawsuit, in 2018, a 24-year-old manager used his position of power to repeatedly sexually assault a 14-year-old employee at a Maple Grove McDonald’s. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Verdana&quot;&gt;The lawsuit details MDHR’s findings about how the McDonald’s franchisee fostered a culture of sexual harassment. For example, the McDonald’s franchisee’s policies were ineffective and not provided to employees. The policy said that someone could call and report sexual harassment but provided a non-existent telephone number, XXX-XXX-XXXX, made up solely of the letter “X” instead of an actual phone number. Additionally, employees in positions of authority failed to act. Supervisors knew about the inappropriate relationship and did nothing.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Verdana&quot;&gt;Consent Decree &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Verdana&quot;&gt;The consent decree covers four key areas that require the McDonald’s franchisee to address and prevent sexual harassment and assault at its 14 restaurants. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ol xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Verdana&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Policy Changes&lt;/strong&gt;: Create, maintain, and enforce policies that prevent and address sexual harassment and assault and ensure those policies are easily understood by workers of all ages and available in all languages spoken by employees. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Verdana&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Effective Reporting Systems&lt;/strong&gt;: Create systems for reporting harassment and discrimination where employees can report free from retaliation and have the option to report anonymously.  &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Verdana&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Required Trainings&lt;/strong&gt;: Hold regular all employee training on implicit bias, how to appropriately intervene in unwelcome workplace conduct, and information about reporting harassment and discrimination. Supervisors and managers must also be trained on the important role they play in creating safe workplaces.  &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Verdana&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Leadership Engagement&lt;/strong&gt;: To help create a strong culture from the top, the CEO will 1) stress to all employees at biannual meetings that McDonald’s restaurants must be free from harassment and discrimination, 2) meet with non-supervisory employees to hear their feedback and concerns, and 3) work with human resources on a report that outlines employee concerns, action steps to address those concerns, and key metrics to track progress. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Verdana&quot;&gt;The consent decree was filed in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District Court in Hennepin County. Once approved by the court, MDHR will assess the franchisee’s compliance and, if necessary, report any violations of the agreement to the court. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Verdana&quot;&gt;A separate agreement was reached between Hyder and the former employee who is represented by TSR Injury Law and Conard Nelson Schaffer. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Verdana&quot;&gt;If you believe you have been discriminated against, submit &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/&quot;&gt;this online form&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; or call the Discrimination Helpline at &lt;strong&gt;1-833-454-0148&lt;/strong&gt;. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Verdana&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency and is responsible for enforcing the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest state civil rights laws in the country.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Verdana&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Documents&lt;/strong&gt;: &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Consent_decree_tcm1061-560405.pdf&quot; title=&quot;McDonald&apos;s Consent Decree&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;McDonald&apos;s Consent Decree&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Verdana&quot;&gt;Consent Decree&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Consent%20Decree%20Signed_tcm1061-580574.pdf&quot; title=&quot;McDonald&apos;s Consent Decree Signed&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;McDonald&apos;s Consent Decree Signed&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Verdana&quot;&gt;Consent Decree (Signed by Hennepin County District Court Judge Bridget A. Sullivan)&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>560403</id><pubdate>2023-06-12T16:37:08Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Building a more inclusive Minnesota: a 2022 recap</Title><title>Building a more inclusive Minnesota</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-552742&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-12-20T17:04:14Z</Date><ShortDescription>2022 is coming to an end, but the work to advance civil rights and end hate is far from over.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Imagine a world where everyone can lead lives full of dignity and joy, free from discrimination. That&apos;s the bold vision we are building towards at the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNDHR/bulletins/33a5bbf&quot;&gt;&lt;strong class=&quot;button-brand-primary&quot;&gt;Learn more about how our work in 2022 moved us towards that vision.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;While important work occurred this year, the work to advance civil rights and end hate is far from over.&lt;/strong&gt; Racism, transphobia, sexism, ableism, antisemitism, sexual harassment, and so many other forms of systemic discrimination remain pervasive and persistent in Minnesota. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;There is more transformational work to do together.&lt;/strong&gt; We look forward to advancing civil rights and imagining a thriving and more loving world with you in 2023!&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div class=&quot;margin-bottom&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>552742</id><pubdate>2022-12-20T17:03:33Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Subject>Disability Discrimination</Subject><Subject>Andersen</Subject><Subject>Failed to Hire</Subject><Subject>Hiring </Subject><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Disability</Title><Id>244473</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Employment</Title><Id>244471</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Settles with Andersen Corporation after the Company Refused to Hire an Applicant Because of His Disability</Title><title>Andersen Corporation</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-543416&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-10-12T13:43:30Z</Date><ShortDescription>“Minnesota is not in the business of excluding people from jobs because of their disability,” said Commissioner Lucero </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) today announced a settlement agreement that requires Andersen Corporation, the window and door manufacturer, to pay a former job applicant a year’s worth of pay and work to build a more inclusive workplace for people with disabilities. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Minnesota is not in the business of excluding people from jobs because of their disability,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“The state’s civil rights law requires employers to have inclusive hiring practices, which help employers recruit applicants and foster a stronger workforce.” &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Case&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR found that in 2019, Andersen Corporation withdrew a job offer to an applicant at their Bayport production facility after learning of his disability. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The company claimed that it withdrew the offer because the applicant could not safely operate a forklift. However, operating a forklift was not an essential function of the job. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Furthermore, MDHR found that the applicant could safely operate a forklift, a fact that was confirmed by his doctor. When the applicant provided medical documentation to Andersen Corporation and asked them to reconsider his employment, the company again refused to hire him. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR found that the employer’s alleged justification for rescinding the job offer was false. MDHR’s investigation concluded that Andersen Corporation refused to hire the applicant because of his disability, in violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act, the state’s civil rights law.   &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Settlement Agreement &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To help prevent future discrimination, the settlement agreement requires Andersen Corporation to:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Audit all manufacturing positions at Minnesota-based production facilities so they accurately reflect the actual job functions of each role. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Create and enforce a policy so applicants can appeal a decision to rescind a job offer. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Provide all employees with anti-discrimination training, including disability-related topics. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The agreement also requires Andersen Corporation to pay the former applicant $41,000. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR will monitor the company for three years to ensure compliance with the settlement agreement.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you believe you have been discriminated against, submit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;this online form&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; or call the Discrimination Helpline at &lt;strong&gt;1-833-454-0148&lt;/strong&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency. It is tasked with enforcing the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the most comprehensive state civil rights laws in the country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>543416</id><pubdate>2022-10-12T15:04:17Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>4 FAQ’s on Reporting Discrimination</Title><title>4 FAQ’s on Reporting Discrimination</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-536421&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-08-08T14:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>If you or someone you know experienced discrimination based on race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or another protected class, follow these helpful questions and answers.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you or someone you know experienced discrimination based on race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or another &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/yourrights/who-is-protected/&quot;&gt;protected class&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;, follow these helpful questions and answers.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;1. What information can I prepare before reporting discrimination?&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;✍🏿Write down what happened.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;🕝 Write down dates and times. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;📋 Write down the names of other people that were there.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;📱 Keep info relating to calls, texts, emails, and other communications.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;📅 Don’t wait! If the incident is covered under the state’s civil rights law, you have 1 year from the date of the incident to file a charge.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;2. How do I report discrimination to the Department of Human Rights?&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;You can report discrimination with the Department by:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;🖥️ Filling out the &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdhr/intake&quot;&gt;online form&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;📱 Calling the Discrimination Helpline at 1-833-454-0148.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;3. Do I need a lawyer to file a charge of discrimination?&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;📝 If you experienced discrimination and the incident is covered under the state’s civil rights law, you do not need to be represented by a lawyer to file a charge of discrimination.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;4. What happens after reporting?&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;💡 Staff will determine if it’s covered under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, the state’s civil rights law. This &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/assets/Civil-Rights-Investigation-Process_t_tcm1061-350437.pdf&quot;&gt;chart&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; outlines the process.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/assets/Civil-Rights-Investigation-Process_t_tcm1061-350437.pdf&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/CivilRightsInvestigationProcess_Chart_tcm1061-440515.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Civil Rights Investigation Process chart image&quot; alt=&quot;Civil Rights Investigation Process chart image&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Civil Rights Investigation Process chart image&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>536421</id><pubdate>2022-08-08T18:12:57Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>55 Powerful Years and Counting</Title><title>55 Powerful Years and Counting</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-534411&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-07-20T15:01:54Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Human Rights Act was written for times like this – times when racism, transphobia, ableism, antisemitism, sexual harassment, and so many other forms of discrimination are pervasive and persistent.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#5D295F&quot;&gt;Celebrating 55 Years!&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This year marks the 55th anniversary of the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Human Rights Act was written for times like this – times when racism, transphobia, ableism, antisemitism, sexual harassment, and so many other forms of discrimination are pervasive and persistent.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/55-anniversary-Homepage-graphic-1160x580_tcm1061-534304.jpg&quot; title=&quot;55 Anniversary Homepage Graphic&quot; alt=&quot;55 Anniversary Homepage Graphic&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;55 Anniversary Homepage Graphic&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;A Powerful Tool&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;We use the full power of the Minnesota Human Rights Act every day to create a more welcoming and inclusive Minnesota that is free from discrimination. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Over the past few years, we have done that by:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Reaching settlement agreements with workplaces and schools requiring them to have and enforce &lt;strong&gt;strong policies that prevent discrimination.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Making sure &lt;strong&gt;Minnesotans with disabilities can fully access public places&lt;/strong&gt; and bring their service animals to work.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Conducting a &lt;strong&gt;comprehensive investigation into the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department.&lt;/strong&gt; We are now working with the City to develop a court enforceable settlement agreement to address race-based policing in Minneapolis.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Celebrating the landmark court ruling that Minnesota schools must allow students to use locker rooms that &lt;strong&gt;align with their gender identity.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Advancing policies at the Capitol&lt;/strong&gt; like the CROWN Act, the Preventing Pay Discrimination Act, and Equity in Bonding.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Building and strengthening relationships&lt;/strong&gt; with civil rights organizations, human rights commissions, and state contractors.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;
&lt;p&gt;And so much more!&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;As we celebrate, we also honor the many Minnesotans – Black, Indigenous, and people of color; LGBTQIA+ Minnesotans; people with disabilities; women; immigrants and refugees – who fought and continue to fight to advance civil rights today.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;We acknowledge and learn from their work as we chart out the next 55 years of civil rights enforcement in Minnesota.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#008EAA&quot;&gt;Everyone Has a Role to Play&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;From getting involved in a local human rights commission to proactively working to change policies and procedures in your workplace so they are more inclusive and equitable, everyone has a role to play.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Let&apos;s build a vibrant and joyful Minnesota that is free from discrimination together!&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>534411</id><pubdate>2022-07-20T17:01:12Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Race</Title><Id>244481</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Employment</Title><Id>244471</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Settles with Printing Company that Racially Discriminated against Black Employee </Title><title>Nahan Printing</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-533862&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-07-14T13:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>The agreement requires Nahan to enforce policies that prevent racial discrimination and create a more welcoming workplace.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) today announced a settlement agreement with Nahan, a printing company in St. Cloud, that requires the company to enforce policies that prevent racial discrimination and create a more welcoming workplace. This comes after MDHR found that Nahan violated the state’s civil rights law when it discriminated against a former employee because he is Black. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“What’s concerning here is not just that employees were using racial slurs when referring to their fellow Black colleagues and making derogatory comments about Black people, but that management knew this was occurring and did nothing to stop it,&lt;/strong&gt;” said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“This case demonstrates the persistence of racial discrimination and highlights how employers must proactively and intentionally work to end discriminatory practices to create a welcoming workplace for Black Minnesotans.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif&quot;&gt;MDHR’s investigation found that from 2018 to 2019, white employees at Nahan regularly harassed a Black employee and his son, who also worked at the company, because of their race. Nahan employees made racist comments and used racial epithets when referring to Black people. One employee even refused to shake hands with the Black employee and his son because of their race.  &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif&quot;&gt;Although the Black employees repeatedly reported these incidents to management, Nahan ignored and minimized the complaints, violating their own policy that requires the company to investigate reports of harassment. In one instance, a manager told the Black employee “Deal with it [the racial harassment] or leave.”  &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif&quot;&gt;Ultimately, the company’s refusal to meaningfully address the racist work environment forced the Black employee and his son to quit their jobs. In 2021, MDHR found that Nahan violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act, which prohibits workplace racial discrimination. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif&quot;&gt;MDHR will monitor the company for two years to ensure compliance with the settlement agreement.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif&quot;&gt;If you believe you have been discriminated against, submit &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;this online form&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; or call the Discrimination Helpline at &lt;strong&gt;1-833-454-0148&lt;/strong&gt;. &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency. It is tasked with enforcing the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the most comprehensive state civil rights laws in the country.&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font face=&quot;Open Sans, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif&quot;&gt;###&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>533862</id><pubdate>2025-07-16T15:17:31Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Subject>Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, Disability Rights, accessibility, all-terrain track chairs, ADA 32nd anniversary</Subject><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>The American with Disabilities Act Turns 32!</Title><title>ADA 32nd Anniversary 2022</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-532885&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-07-05T16:49:18Z</Date><ShortDescription>32 years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;32 years ago, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. Like the Minnesota Human Rights Act, the ADA ensures people with disabilities can thrive and live free from discrimination. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://celebrateadamn.com/&quot;&gt;year’s theme&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; highlights ways to make outdoor places more accessible and enjoyable for Minnesotans with disabilities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#0D5257&quot;&gt;Accessible Adventures&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Exploring nature should be something Minnesotans with disabilities can enjoy. That’s why the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is creating assistive outdoor products for people with mobility impairments.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For the first time, 5 state parks received &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mcvmagazine/issues/2022/mar-apr/tracks.html&quot;&gt;all-terrain track chairs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;, allowing people with disabilities to travel on mud, pebbles, hills, and other outdoor terrain. This will change how people with disabilities can experience outdoor areas that their electric wheelchairs or other assistive devices couldn’t take them before.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://twitter.com/mndnr/status/1534295307072290817&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/MN%20DNR%20Tweet_tcm1061-532877.PNG&quot; title=&quot;ADA Article MN DNR Tweet&quot; alt=&quot;ADA Article MN DNR Tweet&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;ADA Article MN DNR Tweet&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#0D5257&quot;&gt;Accessibility is Essential&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Here at the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, we celebrate when spaces are accessible to people with disabilities because disability rights are civil rights.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Similar to how the DNR is making state parks more accessible, our recent &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/#/detail/appId/1/id/522848&quot;&gt;settlement agreement with LA Fitness&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; is a reminder that when spaces are accessible, they not only benefit people with disabilities, but in many situations, everyone using those spaces benefits.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/#/detail/appId/1/id/522848&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/LA%20Fitness%20Graphic_tcm1061-532878.jpg&quot; title=&quot;ADA Article LA Fitness Graphic&quot; alt=&quot;ADA Article LA Fitness Graphic&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;ADA Article LA Fitness Graphic&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While we celebrate the 32nd anniversary, we also recognize that ableism is still prevalent. This is especially true for Minnesotans with disabilities who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, and women who experience intersectional discrimination – discrimination that targets multiple aspects of an individual’s identity.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;We can and must all take steps to end ableism and ensure policies, procedures, and practices center accessibility so that people with disabilities can thrive and live with dignity.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#0D5257&quot;&gt;Coming Up: The ADA’s 32nd Anniversary Virtual Event&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Celebrate 32 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26th! This free virtual event celebrates accessible programs and activities that offer a wide range of options to explore the outdoors. &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://minnstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_H3NHa9wGSXu_SpOSol9csw&quot;&gt;Register here&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>532885</id><pubdate>2022-07-13T16:48:47Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Subject>May Awareness Days, holidays, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Heritage Month, Jewish American, Older Minnesotans Month, Mental Health Awareness Month</Subject><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>4 Holidays to Celebrate in May</Title><title>May Awareness Days Article</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-528398&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-05-18T18:23:40Z</Date><ShortDescription>From Asian American Heritage Month to Older Minnesotans Month, there’s lots to celebrate in May! </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;From Asian American Heritage Month to Older Minnesotans Month, there’s lots to celebrate in May! &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;Don’t forget to engage with us on &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.facebook.com/mnhumanrights&quot;&gt;Facebook&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;, &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://twitter.com/mnhumanrights&quot;&gt;Twitter&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;, and &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.instagram.com/mnhumanrights/&quot;&gt;Instagram&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; where we highlight different awareness days, months, and religious holidays throughout the year to celebrate Minnesota’s vibrant communities.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI)&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;AANHPI Heritage Month celebrates the many generations, histories, joys, and cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Asian Americans have distinct cultural roots and are far from being a monolith. AANHPI Minnesotans are Hmong, Vietnamese, Asian Indian, Chinese, Burmese, Korean, Cambodian, Filipino, Laotian, Japanese, and/or belong to other ethnic groups.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This month reminds us to forge community bonds and continue to work intentionally to end racism and xenophobia in Minnesota.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Jewish American Heritage Month&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Jewish American Heritage Month celebrates the experiences, rich heritage, faith, and traditions of Jewish Minnesotans. This month also underscores the fact that discrimination against the Jewish community is still prevalent.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;We can and must all continue the work of building a state free from antisemitism.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Older Minnesotans Month&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Age discrimination has no home in Minnesota. Older Minnesotans Month highlights the importance of ending ageism. Minnesota’s civil rights law prohibits age discrimination in employment and education. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Every Minnesotan has a role in building an age inclusive community. To do this, we must be intentional and ensure that policies, practices, and biases don’t perpetuate ageism. Read about &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/#/detail/appId/1/id/490838&quot;&gt;our 2021 settlement with an employer who fired an employee because of her age&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Mental Health Awareness Month&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Mental Health Awareness Month is about take steps to create safe, accessible spaces where people with mental illnesses can live free from discrimination.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;People who live with mental illnesses are often met with stigma. This is especially true for people with disabilities who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, transgender, and women who experience intersectional discrimination, which targets multiple areas of their identities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Disability discrimination is prohibited under the Minnesota Human Rights Act. The law also covers &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/yourrights/service-animals/&quot;&gt;service and emotional support animals&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;, which play essential roles for people with mental disabilities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Up Next: June Awareness Days&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Mark your calendars for some upcoming June awareness days which include, but are not limited to: Pride Month, Immigrant Heritage Month, and Juneteenth.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While we celebrate these awareness holidays, we also recognize that discrimination in many forms persists and is pervasive. It takes all of us to continue creating an inclusive environment where Minnesotans of different races, faiths, nationalities, disabilities, and ages can thrive and live with dignity.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>528398</id><pubdate>2022-05-18T18:50:52Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Race</Title><Id>244481</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>MPD</Title><Id>697351</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Public Services</Title><Id>244486</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Finds City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Police Department Engage in a Pattern or Practice of Race Discrimination </Title><title>MPD Findings</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-526423&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-04-28T01:17:48Z</Date><ShortDescription>“Following the murder of George Floyd, demands to end discriminatory policing practices reverberated across the world. Those demands remain just as urgent today with the announcement of the investigative findings which paints an unsettling picture of the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department engaging in a pattern of racial discrimination over the last decade,” said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; Following its investigation, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) today &lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Investigation%20into%20the%20City%20of%20Minneapolis%20and%20the%20Minneapolis%20Police%20Department_tcm1061-526417.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Investigation into the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Investigation into the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;released its findings&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and announced that the City of Minneapolis (City) and Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) engage in a pattern or practice of race discrimination in violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR will next work with the City to develop a consent decree to address discriminatory, race-based policing in Minneapolis. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Following the murder of George Floyd, demands to end discriminatory policing practices reverberated across the world. Those demands remain just as urgent today with the announcement of the investigative findings which paints an unsettling picture of the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department engaging in a pattern of racial discrimination over the last decade,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“&lt;strong&gt;Race-based policing is unlawful and harms everyone, especially people of color and Indigenous community members – sometimes costing community members their lives,”&lt;/strong&gt; continued Commissioner Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“I look forward to the work ahead with the City, MPD, and community members to improve public safety by reversing unlawful policing practices.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Investigation Findings&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR finds there is probable cause that the City and MPD engage in a pattern or practice of race discrimination in violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Specifically, MDHR finds:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;MPD engages in a pattern or practice of discriminatory, race-based policing as evidenced by:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Racial disparities in how MPD officers use force, stop, search, arrest, and cite people of color, particularly Black individuals, compared to white individuals in similar circumstances. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;MPD officers’ use of covert social media to surveil Black individuals and Black organizations, unrelated to criminal activity.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;MPD officers’ consistent use of racist, misogynistic, and disrespectful language. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The pattern or practice of discriminatory, race-based policing is caused primarily by an organizational culture where: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;MPD officers, supervisors, and field training officers receive deficient training, which emphasizes a paramilitary approach to policing that results in officers unnecessarily escalating encounters or using inappropriate levels of force. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Accountability systems are insufficient and ineffective at holding officers accountable for misconduct.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Former and current City and MPD leaders have not collectively acted with the urgency, coordination, and intentionality necessary to address racial disparities in policing to improve public safety and increase community trust.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Without fundamental, organizational culture changes, reforming MPD’s policies, procedures, and trainings will be meaningless.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The complete 72-page findings can be found on MDHR’s website at &lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/mpd/findings/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;Investigation Findings&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Investigation Findings&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;mn.gov/mdhr/mpd/findings&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Next Steps: Working Toward a Consent Decree&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Moving forward, MDHR will work with the City to develop a consent decree, which is a court-enforceable agreement that identifies specific changes to be made and timelines for those changes to occur. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Unlike previous efforts to reform policing in Minneapolis, a consent decree is a court order issued by a judge. Importantly, a consent decree also integrates independent oversight in the form of a monitor or monitoring team that regularly reports to the court to hold the parties accountable to the agreed upon changes. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;As part of this process, MDHR will meet with community members, MPD officers, City staff, and other stakeholders to gather feedback on what should be included in a consent decree to address racial discrimination in policing in Minneapolis. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;At this time, ideas for potential changes in a consent decree can be provided to MDHR at &lt;a href=&quot;&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-443769&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;&quot; title=&quot;001 Contact Us&quot; xlink:title=&quot;001 Contact Us&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;mn.gov/mdhr/mpd/contactus&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;About the Comprehensive Investigation &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;On June 1, 2020, MDHR launched its pattern or practice investigation after a former MPD officer murdered George Floyd on May 25, 2020. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR’s investigation resulted in early and significant public safety changes. On June 8, 2020, MDHR obtained &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/assets/Order%20signed%20by%20Judge%206.8.20_tcm1061-435169.pdf&quot;&gt;a temporary court order&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; from Hennepin County District Court that required the City and MPD to make immediate changes. The court order required MPD to change how officers interact with community members and resulted in police accountability changes. Importantly, the City and MPD incorporated all the changes identified in the court order into their policies, ordinances, and procedures. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR’s comprehensive investigation included review of approximately 700 hours of body worn camera footage; review of approximately 480,000 pages of City and MPD documents; observation of approximately 87 hours of MPD Academy trainings; multiple ride-alongs with MPD officers in each of MPD’s five precincts; analysis of MPD’s policing data from the last ten years; and review of police use of force files and alleged police misconduct files. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Additionally, MDHR interviewed current and former Mayors and Police Chiefs; MPD officers; City of Minneapolis staff and elected officials; prosecutors and public defenders; health care professionals; and representatives from violence prevention and support services organizations. MDHR also interviewed and reviewed statements from over 2,200 community members and conducted 15 listening sessions with neighborhood associations and organizations across Minneapolis.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To assist with completing its investigation, MDHR worked with nationally recognized experts. This included policing practice experts at 21CP Solutions, many of whom formerly served as police chiefs around the United States, and Greg Ridgeway, a renowned statistician and Professor of Criminology, Statistics, and Data Science at the University of Pennsylvania and Chair of the Department of Criminology. MDHR thanks the Joyce Foundation for their continued support, which has allowed MDHR to work with these experts.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This investigation would not have been possible without a team of lawyers and staff from Kirkland &amp;amp; Ellis, which provided a tremendous amount of pro bono support. This includes support from Lisa Madigan, the former Illinois Attorney General, currently a partner at Kirkland &amp;amp; Ellis.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;About the Minnesota Department of Human Rights&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency. It is tasked with enforcing the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the most comprehensive state civil rights laws in the country. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong style=&quot;font-family: Verdana;&quot;&gt;Document: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong style=&quot;font-family: Verdana;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Investigation%20into%20the%20City%20of%20Minneapolis%20and%20the%20Minneapolis%20Police%20Department_tcm1061-526417.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Investigation into the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Investigation into the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;Findings from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>526423</id><pubdate>2025-07-16T15:31:29Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Race</Title><Id>244481</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Employment</Title><Id>244471</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Reprisal</Title><Id>244490</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Sexual Harassment</Title><Id>244489</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Settles with Company that Forced an Employee to Quit His Job after Reporting a Manager Racially and Sexually Harassed Him </Title><title>Paramount Auto Service Settlement</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-524233&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-04-07T21:14:22Z</Date><ShortDescription>This announcement comes during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which brings attention to the fact that living free from sexual harassment and assault is every Minnesotan’s civil right.  </ShortDescription><Subtitle>Settlement requires Paramount Auto Service to pay the former employee $60,000, change its policies, and provide anti-discrimination training</Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN] &lt;/strong&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) today announced a settlement agreement with Linn Retail Centers, Inc., the owner of Paramount Auto Service, after finding the company violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act by retaliating against an employee and refusing to meaningfully address workplace racial and sexual harassment. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“When someone reports that they are being sexually harassed by their supervisor and that their supervisor is repeatedly calling them a racial slur, a company has an obligation to take the complaint seriously. That’s not what happened here. When its employee courageously reported the harassment, the company instead made this employee’s life miserable and ultimately pushed him out of the job,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;This case is a reminder that employers have an obligation to immediately investigate and address any concerns of harassment and failure to do so is a violation of Minnesota’s civil rights law.” &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This announcement comes during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which brings attention to the fact that living free from sexual harassment and assault is every Minnesotan’s civil right.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Case&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR’s investigation found that a manager at Paramount Auto Service’s Rosemount store sexually harassed employees. MDHR’s investigation also found that the manager abused his position of power by intimidating employees and preventing them from speaking up. Paramount Auto Service was aware of this unlawful conduct and refused to take meaningful action to hold the manager accountable.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;When a Latino employee told Paramount Auto Service that this same manager repeatedly called him by a racial slur and sexually harassed him, the company again refused to take meaningful action. Instead, the company ignored the employee’s complaints and retaliated against him by forcing him to quit his job. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Paramount Auto Service used several strategies to push the employee out of his job. Rather than take immediate action to remove the harasser, the company required the employee to relocate to a different store, causing him to have a longer commute. The company also reduced the employee’s pay by giving him less favorable hours and assigning him work that resulted in lower commissions. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Settlement &lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The settlement agreement resolves the case and requires Paramount Auto Service, in part, to:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Pay the former employee $60,000.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Provide training to employees, managers, and human resources staff on the importance of creating a welcoming and discrimination-free workplace. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Update and enforce its policies to ensure the company follows the law by prohibiting retaliation and ensuring no employee who reported discrimination can be forced to move store locations. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Start an investigation within 24 hours of receiving any discrimination complaint.  &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR will monitor the company’s compliance with the two-year agreement. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state&apos;s civil rights enforcement agency. If you believe you experienced discrimination covered under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, call the Discrimination Helpline at &lt;strong&gt;1-833-454-0148&lt;/strong&gt; or &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;submit this online form&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>524233</id><pubdate>2025-07-16T15:15:37Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Disability</Title><Id>244473</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Public Places</Title><Id>244480</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Settles with National Company that Operates LA Fitness to Ensure Equal Access for Minnesotans with Disabilities </Title><title>LA Fitness Settlement</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-522848&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-03-28T15:58:35Z</Date><ShortDescription>“Ensuring that public places are accessible to people with disabilities is critical to building an inclusive and thriving Minnesota,” said Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) today announced a settlement agreement that requires Fitness International, LLC, the company that operates LA Fitness, to ensure all its fitness centers in Minnesota are accessible to people with disabilities. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Ensuring that public places are accessible to people with disabilities is critical to building an inclusive and thriving Minnesota,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“This case is a reminder to all businesses that when spaces are accessible, when they are universally designed, they not only benefit people with disabilities, but in many situations, everyone using those spaces benefits.” &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR’s investigation found that an LA Fitness in New Brighton provided non-slip rubber mats in its locker rooms for years to help keep its members safe on wet surfaces. For Greg Reid, a member with a mobility-related disability, these mats were essential to prevent him from slipping. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Without providing any notice or explanation to Reid, LA Fitness removed these mats. Reid repeatedly asked for the mats to be reinstalled or for handrails to be installed.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;However, LA Fitness ignored his requests, violating their own policy to be responsive whenever someone requests an accommodation, and did not permanently reinstall the mats or install handrails.   &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;By denying Reid equal access, LA Fitness violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act for disability discrimination. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The settlement resolves the case and requires LA Fitness to ensure that people with disabilities can use their fitness centers in Minnesota without experiencing discrimination. The company is also required to install handrails in both of its locker rooms at its New Brighton LA Fitness.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“I’m happy I could make things safer and better for myself and for all people with disabilities who use LA Fitness in Minnesota,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Greg Reid. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Approximately 11% of Minnesotans report having a disability, according to Minnesota Compass, and disability discrimination is consistently one of the largest areas of discrimination MDHR investigates. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you have been discriminated against because of your disability, call the Discrimination Helpline at &lt;strong&gt;1-833-454-0148&lt;/strong&gt; or &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;submit this online form&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>522848</id><pubdate>2025-07-16T15:16:47Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Subject>Equal Pay Day</Subject><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>When Women are Paid Equally, Minnesota Thrives</Title><title>Equal Pay Day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-521303&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-03-15T13:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>Today is Women&apos;s Equal Pay Day.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Equal-Pay-Day-2022-Horizontal_tcm1061-521436.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Equal Pay Day Graphic 3.15.22&quot; alt=&quot;Equal Pay Day Graphic 3.15.22&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Equal Pay Day Graphic 3.15.22&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Today is Women&apos;s Equal Pay Day, highlighting the importance of ensuring equal pay for equal work and eliminating pay discrimination in Minnesota.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;What is Women&apos;s Equal Pay Day? &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This awareness day marks how far into the current year women must work to earn the same as men did last year. That means in 2022, women of all racial backgrounds must work almost 15 months to earn what men of all racial backgrounds earned in 12 months. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;2022 Equal Pay Days&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For women of color and Indigenous women, the pay gap is larger. Latinas, for example, must work 24 months to earn what white men earned in 12 months. That’s an entire year longer. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Mark your calendars for these upcoming Equal Pay Days:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;May 3: Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Women’s Equal Pay Day&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;September 29: Black Women’s Equal Pay Day &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;December 1: Native Women’s Equal Pay Day&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;December 8: Latina Equal Pay Day&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;One Step Closer&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Ending pay discrimination means taking intentional steps to examine what systems may be in place that are contributing to these outcomes. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;That’s why the Minnesota Department of Human Rights supports the &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/assets/HF403_Preventing%20Pay%20Discrimination%20Act-020221--t_tcm1061-422608.pdf&quot;&gt;Preventing Pay Discrimination Act&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;. Last year, the Minnesota House passed the act with strong bipartisan support, making Minnesota one step closer to closing the gender and racial pay gap. The companion bill now awaits action in the Minnesota Senate. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Lt.Gov%20Preventing%20Pay%20Act%20Tweet_tcm1061-521446.png&quot; title=&quot;Lt. Gov Preventing Pay Act Tweet&quot; alt=&quot;Lt. Gov Preventing Pay Act Tweet&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Lt. Gov Preventing Pay Act Tweet&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;What is the Preventing Pay Discrimination Act?&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This bill ensures job candidates are protected from disclosing their pay history when applying for jobs or negotiating a salary.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When future salaries are anchored to past pay, gender and racial pay discrimination can follow Minnesotans from job to job. This bill helps break this cycle.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;When Minnesota passes this bill, we will join the 18 states that have already ended the pay history question. Where this bill has already passed, pay has increased pay by 8% for all women and 13% for Black women. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;On this Women&apos;s Equal Pay Day, let’s commit to building a stronger, thriving Minnesota by continuing the work of closing racial and gender pay gaps across the state. &lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>521303</id><pubdate>2022-03-15T13:00:14Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Subject>CROWN Act</Subject><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Celebrating Blackness by Working to End Natural Black Hair Discrimination </Title><title>CROWN Act</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-519993&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2022-02-28T18:44:46Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is excited that the Minnesota House passed the CROWN Act.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is excited that the Minnesota House passed the CROWN Act with bipartisan support today. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Crown-Act-CommissionerQuote-horizontal3_tcm1061-519996.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Crown Act Commissioner Quote&quot; alt=&quot;Crown Act Commissioner Quote&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Crown Act Commissioner Quote&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For too long, Black Minnesotans – particularly Black women – have been discriminated against at school, in jobs, and elsewhere because of their hair. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) seeks to change that by providing plain language clarity to the Minnesota Human Rights Act to ensure the definition of race includes natural hairstyles inherit to racial identity such as braids, locs, and twists.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Today’s vote took place on the last day of Black History Month and highlights the work of intentionally ending racial discrimination in Minnesota. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;We are grateful for the leadership of the Council on Minnesotans of African Heritage and the Urban League Twin Cities Young Professionals, community members who shared powerful stories about their own experiences with hair discrimination, as well as the support from many legislators. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The companion bill in the Senate awaits action. &lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>519993</id><pubdate>2022-02-28T22:09:47Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Sexual Harassment</Title><Id>244489</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Education</Title><Id>502813</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Settles with the University of Minnesota Board of Regents after a Humphrey School Professor Sexually Harassed a Graduate Student </Title><title>University of Minnesota Board of Regents</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-513283&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-12-17T15:35:17Z</Date><ShortDescription>The settlement requires the Humphrey School of Public Affairs to take action to prevent sexual harassment, pay a graduate student $75,000, and allow the student to complete her degree tuition-free. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; Marking the third sexual harassment case the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) announced this week, MDHR today announced a settlement agreement with the University of Minnesota Board of Regents. The settlement requires the Humphrey School of Public Affairs to take action to prevent sexual harassment, pay a graduate student $75,000, and allow the student to complete her degree tuition-free. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Schools should be places where students go to learn more about the world and what kind of person they’re going to be. They cannot be places where professors sexually harass students,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“What should have been a safe and sacred relationship between a professor and a student instead became an unsafe and abusive space. Sexual harassment must stop. Students deserve better.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR’s investigation found that in 2018, a professor used his position of power to sexually harass a graduate student. The professor made sexual comments in front of her, told her about sex he had with other women, and commented on her appearance in front of her classmates. He also told her that he wanted to be her boyfriend and asked her to move into his home.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The unequal power dynamic between the professor and the student was very apparent. She was not only his student, but also reported directly to the professor as a research assistant. He had influence over her grades, employment, and reputation within the school. The professor was also a gatekeeper to her career after graduate school. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The professor’s conduct violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act, the state’s civil rights law, which prohibits sexual harassment.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The settlement requires Humphrey School to:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Allow the graduate student to complete her degree tuition-free and pay her $75,000 for damages and attorney fees.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Provide harassment and bystander training to students and faculty so they know how to recognize and report inappropriate behavior such as sexual harassment and sexual grooming. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Send quarterly communications to faculty reminding them of their responsibility to refrain from and report harassment. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Send quarterly communications to students encouraging them to report harassment. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Distribute the school’s sexual harassment policy, resources, and reporting information to students at the beginning of each academic year. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To ensure compliance with the agreement, MDHR will monitor the school for four years. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This case is the third sexual harassment case MDHR announced this week, further demonstrating that sexual harassment is pervasive and persistent. On Tuesday, MDHR &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/index.jsp?id=1061-512823&quot;&gt;sued a McDonald&apos;s franchisee&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; for workplace sexual assault and harassment. Then on Wednesday, MDHR announced a &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/index.jsp?id=1061-512962&quot;&gt;settlement agreement with Bruening Rock&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; after finding the company refused to address sexual harassment. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you believe you are the victim of sexual harassment or any other type of discrimination covered under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, call the Discrimination Helpline at &lt;strong&gt;1-833-454-0148&lt;/strong&gt; or &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/&quot;&gt;submit this online form&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>513283</id><pubdate>2025-07-16T15:13:40Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Sexual Harassment</Title><Id>244489</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Employment</Title><Id>244471</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Reaches Settlement with a Company that Refused to Address its Sexist Workplace Culture  </Title><title>Bruening Rock Settlement Agreement</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-512962&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-12-15T15:11:27Z</Date><ShortDescription>“It’s almost 2022 and we’re still talking about employers who refuse to address a sexually toxic culture. It needs to stop.&quot; - Commissioner Lucero</ShortDescription><Subtitle>Settlement requires Bruening Rock to build a workplace free from sexual harassment</Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) today announced a settlement agreement with Bruening Rock Products, Inc. after finding the company fostered a culture of degrading women and refused to address sexual harassment. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“It’s almost 2022 and we’re still talking about employers who refuse to address a sexually toxic culture. It needs to stop. Sexual harassment has no business in the workplace,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“This case sends a message to all employers that they have a responsibility to create welcoming workplaces and a legal obligation to actively address and prevent sexual harassment.” &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR’s investigation found three employees sexually harassed a truck driver on three different occasions in 2018. The harassment included unwelcome sexual advances, unwanted touching, and offensive comments. One incident was witnessed by two other employees who did not intervene or report it, indicating such conduct was acceptable in the workplace.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While Bruening Rock had a sexual harassment policy, MDHR found that it was not enforced. After reporting one incident, the truck driver’s supervisor did not take any action to investigate. The company finally conducted interviews with the three harassers only after the truck driver informed her supervisor of the other incidents. However, the manager conducting the interviews did not take them seriously and reassured one harasser “not to worry about anything.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR also found the company did not take meaningful action to address multiple incidents of sexual harassment over several years. The company enabled a culture in which inappropriate actions by employees were condoned and therefore engaged in sexual harassment without fear of discipline.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Bruening Rock’s inaction to address sexual harassment in the workplace violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act, the state’s civil rights law. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To help build a safe workplace free from sexual harassment, the settlement requires Bruening Rock to:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Create a 24/7 hotline that allows employees to anonymously report unwelcome workplace behavior. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Send the updated sexual harassment policy to all employees that will now include a requirement that supervisors and managers report any violation of the policy and all reports will be investigated. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Provide inclusiveness and bystander training to coach all employees how they can intervene when they observe inappropriate workplace behavior and their duty to report harassment. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Require supervisors, managers, and human resources staff to attend anti-harassment training. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The agreement also requires the company to pay the former employee for lost wages and damages. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To ensure compliance with the agreement, MDHR will monitor Bruening Rock for two years. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Bruening Rock Products Inc. is a rock supply and construction company with a worksite in Zumbrota, MN.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state&apos;s civil rights enforcement agency. If you believe you are the victim of sexual harassment or any other type of discrimination covered under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, call the Discrimination Helpline at &lt;strong&gt;1-833-454-0148&lt;/strong&gt; or &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;submit this online form&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>512962</id><pubdate>2025-07-16T15:13:22Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Sexual Harassment</Title><Id>244489</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Employment</Title><Id>244471</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Sues McDonald&apos;s Franchisee for Workplace Sexual Assault and Harassment </Title><title>McDonalds Lawsuit</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-512823&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-12-14T18:03:08Z</Date><ShortDescription>McDonald&apos;s franchisee violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act by fostering a culture of sexual harassment that led to a manager sexually assaulting a minor employee.  </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) today &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/MDHR_GG_v__Hyder_Complaint_in_Intervention_FINAL_tcm1061-512914.pdf&quot; title=&quot;McDonalds Complaint&quot; xlink:title=&quot;McDonalds Complaint&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;filed to join a lawsuit&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; against Hyder Investments, Inc., a McDonald&apos;s franchisee, for violating the Minnesota Human Rights Act by fostering a culture of sexual harassment that led to a manager sexually assaulting a minor employee.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Workers – especially young workers – have the right to be safe at work. Here, McDonald’s failed to create a safe workplace when a manager repeatedly sexually assaulted a 14-year-old worker,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“Employers must create a culture where its employees can work with dignity, free from sexual harassment and assault. This lawsuit is a reminder that, in fact, employers have a legal obligation to do so.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The complaint describes how in 2018, while working at a Maple Grove McDonald&apos;s, a 24-year-old manager used his position of power to groom a 14-year-old employee for a sexual relationship and repeatedly sexually assaulted her at the restaurant.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;According to the complaint, there were several instances where employees in positions of authority failed to act. At least two supervisors were aware of the inappropriate relationship and did nothing. Even after the police arrested the manager at the restaurant for criminal sexual conduct, the company only fired him for bringing marijuana to work – not for sexually harassing or assaulting the employee.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Additionally, the company’s sexual harassment policies were ineffective and not provided to employees. For example, the policy said that someone could call and report sexual harassment, but provided a fake telephone number, XXX-XXX-XXXX, made up solely of the letter “X” instead of an actual phone number. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In requesting to join the lawsuit, MDHR is seeking structural change to ensure employees at all McDonald&apos;s locations are provided a safe work environment free from sexual harassment and assault.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This lawsuit is one of many that have been filed across the country against McDonald’s franchisees for sexual harassment. Recently, the &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.eeoc.gov/newsroom/eeoc-sues-mcdonalds-restaurants-sexual-harassment-young-workers&quot;&gt;EEOC sued&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; a McDonald&apos;s franchisee for sexual harassment of young workers in Nevada, Arizona, and California. A Pittsburgh-based franchisee &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.spkpowerlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/McDonalds-Sex-Offender-Manager-Legal-Complaint.pdf&quot;&gt;was also sued&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; after a manager, who was a registered sex offender, sexually assaulted a minor employee. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The complaint was filed today in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District Court in Hennepin County. The employee, represented by attorneys with Schwebel, Goetz &amp;amp; Sieben and Conard Nelson Schaffer, initiated this lawsuit on December 10, 2021.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state&apos;s civil rights enforcement agency. If you believe you are the victim of sexual harassment or any other type of discrimination covered under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, call the Discrimination Helpline at &lt;strong&gt;1-833-454-0148&lt;/strong&gt; or &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;submit this online form&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Document: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/MDHR_GG_v__Hyder_Complaint_in_Intervention_FINAL_tcm1061-512914.pdf&quot; title=&quot;McDonalds Complaint&quot; xlink:title=&quot;McDonalds Complaint&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Complaint in Intervention&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>512823</id><pubdate>2025-07-16T15:12:48Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Gender Identity</Title><Id>502812</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Public Places</Title><Id>244480</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Obtains Successful Resolution in Lawsuit against CSL Plasma for Gender Identity Discrimination </Title><title>CSL Plasma Resolution</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-501398&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-10-06T12:51:20Z</Date><ShortDescription>This announcement comes after MDHR sued the plasma collection center for violating the Minnesota Human Rights Act when it barred a transgender woman and a non-binary Minnesotan from donating plasma.  </ShortDescription><Subtitle>Under the agreement, CSL Plasma cannot ban donors based on gender identity</Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul]&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) today announced that CSL Plasma is required to make structural changes at all of its locations in Minnesota so that transgender and non-binary Minnesotans can donate plasma without being turned away because of their gender identity. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This announcement comes after MDHR sued the plasma collection center for violating the Minnesota Human Rights Act, the state&apos;s civil rights law, when it barred a transgender woman and a non-binary Minnesotan from donating plasma. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“With some of the strongest civil rights laws in the country, Minnesota continues to work toward becoming a state where transgender and non-binary Minnesotans are accepted, protected, and celebrated,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Governor Tim Walz. &lt;strong&gt;“I am grateful for the diligent work of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights on behalf of Minnesotans who have been discriminated against. Every victory like this brings us one step closer to our vision of One Minnesota.” &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The resolution of the lawsuit, which is outlined in the proposed &lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/CSL%20Plasma%20Joint%20Motion_tcm1061-501482.pdf&quot; title=&quot;CSL Plasma Consent Agreement and Final Order&quot; xlink:title=&quot;CSL Plasma Consent Agreement and Final Order&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Consent Agreement and Final Order&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; filed in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District Court in Hennepin County, requires CSL Plasma to: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ensure no employee refuses a potential donor because of their gender identity. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Allow donors to self-identify their gender. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Provide LGBTQ+ equity training to employees. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Submit reports to MDHR documenting the reason for deferring any donor whose gender identity differs from their assigned sex at birth and/or gender marker on personal identification documents. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Once the agreement is approved by Hennepin County District Court, the court will have the power to enforce these measures and failure to comply could lead to penalties. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&quot;There is no place for hate or discrimination in Minnesota,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. &lt;strong&gt;“This consent agreement affirms that trans and non-binary Minnesotans have the right to donate life-saving plasma without being turned away because of their gender identity. I am proud to continue building on Minnesota’s legacy of acceptance for LGBTQ+ Minnesotans.” &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Refusing to provide services to transgender and non-binary Minnesotans violates the state’s civil rights law. Minnesota was the first state in the country to prohibit gender identity discrimination in 1993. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“CSL Plasma’s discriminatory actions stop today,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“This agreement is yet another example that discrimination against transgender and non-binary Minnesotans is illegal and not in alignment with the values of our state.” &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;About MDHR’s Lawsuit Against CSL Plasma &lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In March 2019, MDHR &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/index.jsp?id=1061-374858&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;filed suit&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; against CSL Plasma for denying a transgender woman from donating her plasma multiple times at collection centers in Duluth and Minneapolis because of her gender identity. In response to the lawsuit, CSL Plasma claimed they updated their policies based on guidance from the Federal Drug Administration that prohibits the consideration of gender identity in determining donor eligibility. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;However, in September 2019, CSL Plasma in Minneapolis refused to allow a non-binary Minnesotan from donating their plasma because their gender identity did not align with their assigned sex at birth. In response, MDHR &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/index.jsp?id=1061-409618&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;amended its lawsuit&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt; to add this unlawful discrimination to demonstrate CSL Plasma’s continued discrimination. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state&apos;s civil rights enforcement agency. If you experienced or witnessed discrimination or bias call the Discrimination Helpline at &lt;strong&gt;1-833-454-0148&lt;/strong&gt; or &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;submit this online form&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Documents: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/CSL%20Plasma%20Joint%20Motion_tcm1061-501482.pdf&quot; title=&quot;CSL Plasma Consent Agreement and Final Order&quot; xlink:title=&quot;CSL Plasma Consent Agreement and Final Order&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Consent Agreement and Final Order&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Consent%20Agreement%20%20Order%20%28court%20approved%29%20%28002%29_tcm1061-501864.pdf&quot; title=&quot;CSL Consent Agreement Court Approved&quot; xlink:title=&quot;CSL Consent Agreement Court Approved&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Consent Agreement and Final Order (Signed by Hennepin County District Court Judge Karen Janisch)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Consent%20Agreement%20%20Order%20%28court%20approved%29%20%28002%29_tcm1061-501864.pdf&quot; title=&quot;CSL Consent Agreement Court Approved&quot; xlink:title=&quot;CSL Consent Agreement Court Approved&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;###&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>501398</id><pubdate>2021-10-14T20:59:24Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Race</Title><Id>244481</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Public Services</Title><Id>244486</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Public Places</Title><Id>244480</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Finds Brooklyn Center Police Department and Michaels Stores Discriminated Against Black 16-Year-Old Because of His Race</Title><title>Brooklyn Center Police Department and Michaels Stores</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-500242&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-09-23T13:52:05Z</Date><ShortDescription>“The facts of this case are both shocking and unsurprising. There was no reason for Michaels to call the police. And no Black child should ever have to plead for their life from police,” said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. </ShortDescription><Subtitle>Police officers used unjustified and unreasonable force on a Black 16-year-old after a store manager racially profiled and called the police on him for being Black</Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul]&lt;/strong&gt; Following its investigation into two charges of discrimination, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) today announced the Brooklyn Center Police Department and Michaels Stores, Inc. violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act, the state’s civil rights law, for racial discrimination. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“The facts of this case are both shocking and unsurprising. There was no reason for Michaels to call the police. And no Black child should ever have to plead for their life from police,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“What happened to this kid is a clear violation of his dignity and his civil rights. We can and must do better, especially when it comes to kids.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“It’s unimaginable how the scariest day of my life started with applying for a job at Michaels. Police were called because of my skin color and they abused me to the point I thought I was going to die. No human should fear the police when we are taught that they are protectors. There should be some changes so this never happens again,”&lt;/strong&gt; said the then 16-year-old.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In the determinations released today, MDHR found that in March 2019 a white store manager called the police on a Black 16-year-old who wanted to apply for a job at Michaels. The manager, who has a history of racially profiling Black customers, made false allegations to the police about the 16-year-old because of his race. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;When three white officers from the Brooklyn Center Police Department arrived, they found a frightened and surprised Black 16-year-old who immediately raised his hands in the air. Rather than following their own policies and training, MDHR found that the officers immediately used unjustified and unreasonable force. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Throughout the encounter, the Black 16-year-old repeatedly pleaded, “I want to live,” “I want to grow up,” and “Don’t kill me.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;During its investigation, MDHR also found that body-worn camera footage contradicted reports and testimony provided by the police officers. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, it is illegal for police departments and businesses to discriminate against someone because of their race. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR will next seek structural change through a conciliated settlement agreement with the Brooklyn Center Police Department and Michaels Stores, Inc., as well as monetary relief for the then 16-year-old. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state&apos;s civil rights enforcement agency. If you have experienced or witnessed discrimination, call the Discrimination Helpline at &lt;strong&gt;1-833-454-0148&lt;/strong&gt; or &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;submit this online form&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Documents: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/70468%20Memorandum_tcm1061-500245.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Brooklyn Center Police Department Determination&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Brooklyn Center Police Department Determination&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;Brooklyn Center Police Department Determination&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/70470%20Memorandum_tcm1061-500246.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Michaels Stores Determination&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Michaels Stores Determination&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;Michaels Stores Determination&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;###&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>500242</id><pubdate>2021-10-14T20:59:53Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Settlement Reached after Finding Employer Fired Employee Because of Her Age </Title><title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Reaches Settlement after Finding Employer Fired Employee Because of Her Age</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-491922&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-07-29T15:08:31Z</Date><ShortDescription> “Ageism has no place in Minnesota’s workplaces,” said Commissioner Rebecca Lucero.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) announced a settlement agreement with Natural Dental, a dental practice located in St. Paul, after the employer violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act by discriminating against Kathleen Dahlstrom because of her age. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Commissioner-quote-0721-horizontal_tcm1061-491925.png&quot; title=&quot;Age Discrimination Case Commissioner Quote&quot; alt=&quot;Age Discrimination Case Commissioner Quote&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Age Discrimination Case Commissioner Quote&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Case &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In June 2018, Dahlstrom was unlawfully terminated from her position as the business manager at Natural Dental because of age discrimination.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR found the owner of Natural Dental made demeaning age-related comments about Dahlstrom. The owner said he “couldn’t work with Kathleen – she’s too old” and that she was “too old to learn new things.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The owner, who purchased the dental practice in May 2018, claimed he fired Dahlstrom because of performance shortcomings, even though he gave Dahlstrom a favorable performance evaluation just days before firing her. Dahlstrom capably performed her job duties since 1999. Less than a week after the owner fired Dahlstrom, he hired a new business manager who was more than 30 years younger.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In November 2020, MDHR found probable cause that Natural Dental violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Under the state’s civil rights law, employers cannot discriminate against an employee because of their age.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Kathleen-Dahlstrom-quote-0721-horizontal_tcm1061-491927.png&quot; title=&quot;Age Discrimination Case Kathleen Quote&quot; alt=&quot;Age Discrimination Case Kathleen Quote&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Age Discrimination Case Kathleen Quote&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Terms of the Settlement &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To address and prevent future age discrimination, the settlement requires Natural Dental to:  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Create and implement anti-discrimination policies.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Require all employees to read and sign an acknowledgment of the new policies.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Require its owner to attend anti-discrimination and bias training. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Provide all employees with anti-discrimination and bias training. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The settlement also requires Natural Dental to pay Dahlstrom $54,000 for lost wages and damages.  &lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>491922</id><pubdate>2021-07-29T17:24:58Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title>Governor Walz Signs Executive Order Restricting Conversion Therapy in Minnesota</Title><Publisher/><Subject>Conversion Therapy</Subject><Subject>LGBTQ</Subject><Subject>Sexual Orientation </Subject><Subject>Gender Identity </Subject><Subject>Health Care</Subject><Subject>Executive Order</Subject><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Governor Walz Signs Executive Order Restricting Conversion Therapy in Minnesota</Title><title>Restricting Conversion Therapy in Minnesota</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-490886&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-07-22T13:32:38Z</Date><ShortDescription>This executive order reminds us that LGBTQ+ Minnesotans deserve to live with dignity, free from discrimination and hate.
</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/conversion-therapy-restrict-rainbow-wide_tcm1061-490887.png&quot; title=&quot;Conversation Therapy&quot; alt=&quot;Conversation Therapy&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Conversation Therapy&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Last week, Governor Walz signed a &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/governor/assets/EO%2021-25%20Final%20Signed%20%28002%29_tcm1055-489794.pdf&quot;&gt;historic executive order&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; to protect LGBTQ+ Minnesotans from the harmful, cruel, and discredited practice of conversion therapy. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This executive order reminds us that LGBTQ+ Minnesotans deserve to live with dignity, free from discrimination and hate. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Under the executive order, MDHR will investigate health care providers who are engaged in discriminatory practices related to conversion therapy. MDHR, along with other agencies, released &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Joint%20Admin%20Bulletin%202022_tcm1061-520041.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Conversion Therapy Bulletin&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Conversion Therapy Bulletin&quot;&gt;this bulletin&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; on March 1, 2022, to help providers prevent the use of conversion therapy. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;This article was updated on March 1, 2022. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div class=&quot;margin-bottom&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>490886</id><pubdate>2022-03-01T14:40:26Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Reaches Settlements in Three Workplace Sexual Harassment Cases</Title><title>Settlements in Three Workplace Sexual Harassment Cases</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-483565&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-06-01T19:28:06Z</Date><ShortDescription>Today, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) announced it reached settlement agreements with three businesses across Minnesota after finding they violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act by failing to provide a safe work environment free from sexual harassment or assault.
</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/USE%202%20SexualAssaultCases-Horizontal-CmmrQuote-2r_tcm1061-483587.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Commissioner&apos;s Quote 2&quot; alt=&quot;Commissioner&apos;s Quote 2&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Commissioner&apos;s Quote 2&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Today, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) announced it reached settlement agreements with three businesses across Minnesota after finding they violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act by failing to provide a safe work environment free from sexual harassment or assault. The three businesses were: (1) Mid-America Festivals Corporation that operates the Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee, (2) Red Cabin Custard in Ely, and (3) the Minnesota Sword Club in Minneapolis.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Abuse and misuse of authority to sexually harass, assault, or rape workers violates civil rights law,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“For employers to effectively prevent sexual harassment, assault, or rape from occurring, they must not only have strong policies, but they must also enforce those policies.&quot;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(0, 56, 101); font-size: 23px; font-weight: 600;&quot;&gt;No or Ineffective Workplace Policies &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In all three cases, MDHR found the businesses did not have or did not implement policies to help prevent sexual harassment or assault. This fostered a power imbalance between supervisors and workers that resulted in unwanted sexual innuendos, forcible sexual touching, or rape. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In the Red Cabin Custard and the Minnesota Sword Club cases, the businesses chose not to have sexual harassment policies. The only people to whom workers could have reported the repeated sexual harassment were the owners themselves. And, the owners were the harassers.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While the Minnesota Renaissance Festival had a sexual harassment policy, it was ineffective. The policy was not distributed to workers and training on the policy was sparse. Moreover, the Artistic Director was primarily responsible for enforcing the sexual harassment policy and repeatedly violated it himself when he raped a contract photographer and promoted a highly sexualized work environment. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style=&quot;color:#003865;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Cases demonstrate sexual harassment is pervasive and persistent&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Approximately one in four workplace discrimination cases filed with MDHR involve sex discrimination. Under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, sex discrimination includes sexual harassment and assault.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;(Content warning: description of sexual harassment, assault, and rape)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Mid-America Festivals Corporation &lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR’s investigation found the Artistic Director of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, operated by Mid-America Festivals Corporation, raped a contract photographer on the worksite in 2017. During the rape, he threatened to kill her family and ruin her life. The Artistic Director hired the contract photographer and had expansive power at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/SexualAssaultCases-Horizontal-ContractPhotographer-quote_tcm1061-483832.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Contract Photographer Quote&quot; alt=&quot;Contract Photographer Quote&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Contract Photographer Quote&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR also found that the rape was not an isolated event. MDHR determined that the Artistic Director expected performers to engage in sexual acts in lieu of paying rent. The investigation also uncovered that he pressured performers to take nude pictures of them. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The settlement applies to all Mid-America Festivals Corporation operations in Minnesota, such as the Trail of Terror in Shakopee.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Red Cabin Custard &lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: start;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR’s investigation found and its lawsuit alleged that the owner of Red Cabin Custard used his position of authority to subject Lorna, then 14-years-old, to repeated sexual harassment. Although it did not admit wrongdoing in the settlement agreement, Red Cabin Custard agreed to have MDHR monitor its business for the next four years to ensure compliance with the Minnesota Human Rights Act.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/SexualAssaultCases-Horizontal-Lorna-quote_tcm1061-483833.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Lorna&apos;s Quote&quot; alt=&quot;Lorna&apos;s Quote&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Lorna&apos;s Quote&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; font-family: Verdana;&quot;&gt;Minnesota Sword Club&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR’s investigation found that the owner of the Minnesota Sword Club used his position of power to subject an employee to unwanted touching and sexual innuendos. Beginning in 2016, he came up behind the employee, put his groin area on her, and slapped her backside. The owner also told the employee about his sex life, asked about her sex life, and asked her to read stories that he wrote about the two of them having sex. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Sword Club has since permanently closed, and the non-monetary settlement terms apply if the previous owner returns to work.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 style=&quot;color:#003865;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Settlements Require Structural Changes &lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;After finding probable cause of sex discrimination, MDHR reached settlement agreements with each of the three businesses. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Every business has a legal obligation to ensure their workplace is free from sexual harassment, assault, or rape – plain and simple,&quot;&lt;/strong&gt; continued Commissioner Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“These settlement agreements require just that – structural change to ensure enforcement with strong policies towards safe and welcoming workplaces.&quot;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Mid-America Festivals Corporation, Red Cabin Custard, and the Minnesota Sword Club must implement and enforce anti-harassment policies and ensure their staff are trained on what constitutes sexual harassment and assault and how to address it. As part of the agreements, staff must also have multiple ways to report the harassment and/or assault. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To ensure compliance with the agreements and the Minnesota Human Rights Act, MDHR will monitor each of the businesses. MDHR finalized agreements with Red Cabin Custard in May, Mid-America Festivals Corporation in April, and the Minnesota Sword Club in March. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/USE%202%20SexualAssaultCases-Horizontal-CmmrQuote-1r_tcm1061-483576.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Commissioner&apos;s Quote 1&quot; alt=&quot;Commissioner&apos;s Quote 1&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Commissioner&apos;s Quote 1&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;This article was updated on June 3, 2021. &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>483565</id><pubdate>2021-06-03T19:58:29Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Sexual Assault Awareness Month</Title><title>Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2021</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-476604&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-04-16T19:11:34Z</Date><ShortDescription>Every Minnesotan has the responsibility to build a culture that is free from sexual assault and harassment. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth-Horizontal_tcm1061-476601.jpg&quot; title=&quot;April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month&quot; alt=&quot;April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month&quot; style=&quot;width: 500px; height: 261px;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan proclaimed April as &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/governor/assets/04.01.21%20Sexual%20Assault%20Awareness%20Month_tcm1055-475268.pdf&quot;&gt;Sexual Assault Awareness Month&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;During this month and every month, our message is clear: living a life free of sexual assault is every Minnesotan’s civil right.  &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Sexual harassment and assault are pervasive in our culture. According to the &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.wfmn.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/WFM-2020StatusReport-DIGITAL.pdf&quot;&gt;2020 Status on Women and Girls in Minnesota&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;, 63% of Minnesota women say they have been sexually harassed. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesota’s Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian Pacific Islander, youth, women, and transgender communities are often the most affected. Sexual violence can have lasting health, financial, and physiological consequences. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Every Minnesotan has the responsibility to build a culture that is free from sexual assault and harassment. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#5D295F&quot;&gt;Minnesota Human Rights Act &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Human Rights Act is an important tool to help address and prevent sexual harassment and assault in places where you work, live, go to school, and public places you visit. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#007188&quot;&gt;Case Highlight: Minnesota Department of Human Rights&apos; Settlement Agreement with Ramsey County &lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;A 16-year-old seasonal lifeguard’s supervisor sexually assaulted her at a closed beach. He then drove her in a county vehicle to purchase Plan B emergency contraceptive.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The lifeguard reported the sexual assault to two other supervisors and neither took action. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The following summer, the County rehired the lifeguard and assigned her to work with the supervisor who assaulted her. She then reported the assault to a third supervisor who acted.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Our settlement agreement with Ramsey County required the County to update its policies and procedures to prevent sexual assault and harassment from happening in the future. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;And if it does, the County will ensure that incidents are addressed promptly. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#5D295F&quot;&gt;Resources&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Report sexual assault and harassment to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights by calling &lt;strong&gt;1-833-454-0148&lt;/strong&gt; or &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;report it online&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.mncasa.org/&quot;&gt;Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA)&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; provides leadership and resources for sexual assault programs and allies to prevent sexual violence while promoting a comprehensive, socially just response for all victims/survivors.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>476604</id><pubdate>2021-04-16T18:53:07Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>A look back at the lawsuit against Minnesota’s largest school district for discriminating against a transgender student</Title><title>Look back at lawsuit against Anoka Hennepin</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-472912&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-03-30T17:49:41Z</Date><ShortDescription>Separate never has been – and never will be – equal.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This month, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) reached a final milestone in the lawsuit against the Anoka-Hennepin School District: a settlement agreement with the district requiring structural change. The agreement ends the lawsuit so we look at key moments in the case from the past two years.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;The Anoka-Hennepin School District and School Board forced N.H., a transgender student, to use a segregated locker room based solely on his gender identity and then threatened to discipline him if he did not use the segregated locker room. This violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act, which was the first state law in the country to prohibit gender identity discrimination.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#5D295F&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#5D295F&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#5D295F&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;February 25, 2019&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;N.H. and his mother, represented by Gender Justice and the ACLU of Minnesota, initially filed the lawsuit.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#5D295F&quot;&gt;March 26, 2019&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/index.jsp?id=1061-377055&quot;&gt;filed to join&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; the lawsuit against the Anoka-Hennepin School District and School Board. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;margin-left: 40px;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“We filed to join this lawsuit because equal access to public schools for all students, including transgender and gender nonconforming students, is a civil right protected by the Minnesota Human Rights Act,” explained Deputy Commissioner Irina Vaynerman at the time of filing. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#5D295F&quot;&gt;August 6, 2019&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;A district &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/index.jsp?id=1061-397168&quot;&gt;court ruled&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; that MDHR can join the lawsuit. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;margin-left: 40px;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In its ruling, the Court noted that it permitted MDHR to join because the Department is seeking systemic relief, such as requesting that Anoka-Hennepin revise its policies and procedures, train its staff, and report about compliance with the revised policies. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#5D295F&quot;&gt;September 28, 2020&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In a landmark decision, the &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/index.jsp?id=1061-448604&quot;&gt;Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; that Minnesota schools must allow students to use locker rooms that align with their gender identity under the Minnesota Human Rights Act. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;margin-left: 40px;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In its powerful opinion, the Court recognized &quot;students should not be required to &apos;shop&apos; among schools and districts to obtain a discrimination-free education.” &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;font color=&quot;#5D295F&quot;&gt;March 10, 2021&lt;/font&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;MDHR and N.H., represented by Gender Justice and the ACLU of Minnesota, reached a &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Anoka%20Hennepin%20Settlement%20Agreement%20Redacted_tcm1061-473857.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Anoka Hennepin Settlement Agreement Redacted&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Anoka Hennepin Settlement Agreement Redacted&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;settlement agreement&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; with Anoka-Hennepin requiring the district to make changes to ensure transgender and gender nonconforming students are safe and welcome at school. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The agreement, in part, requires Anoka-Hennepin to: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Implement a policy to allow every student to use facilities consistent with their gender identity. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Train school board members, district officials, teachers, staff, and students on this policy. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Report to MDHR any alleged violations of this policy. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Add a statement to their website and student handbook that affirms students of all gender identities are valued and welcome. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;As the state’s civil rights enforcement agency, MDHR is committed to using all available tools, including litigation, to build a world where everyone can lead lives full of dignity and joy, free from discrimination. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you experienced or witnessed discrimination based on your gender identity and/or sexual orientation, &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;report discrimination online&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; or by calling 1-833-454-0148. &lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>472912</id><pubdate>2021-04-16T17:33:59Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Settlement with Employer for Refusing to Hire Women</Title><title>Villaume Industries Settlement</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-469948&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-03-01T22:05:58Z</Date><ShortDescription>Agreement requires Villaume Industries to implement systemic reforms to create an inclusive and welcoming workplace. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Villuame-Settlement-CmmrQuote-Horizontal_tcm1061-469949.png&quot; title=&quot;Villuame-Settlement-CmmrQuote-Horizontal&quot; alt=&quot;Villuame-Settlement-CmmrQuote-Horizontal&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Villuame-Settlement-CmmrQuote-Horizontal&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;

&lt;br xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights today announced a settlement agreement with Villaume Industries in Eagan after learning the wood products manufacturer had a practice of refusing to hire women.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“This settlement agreement helps bring attention to how women continue to face both explicit and implicit discrimination in the workplace. As the state’s civil rights enforcement agency, we are committed to ensuring every woman can live with dignity and joy, free from discrimination,&quot;&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;On November 14, 2019, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights launched an investigation into Villaume Industries after finding they refused to accept women applicants from an employment placement agency as part of a separate investigation.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, sex discrimination is prohibited, and employers cannot refuse to hire someone because of their sex.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The settlement agreement ends the ongoing investigation and seeks to transform the company’s hiring practices by requiring Villaume Industries, in part, to:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Recruit and hire women.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Amend all recruitment materials to explicitly state the company welcomes and values women in the workplace.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Establish relationships with organizations that help employers recruit qualified women.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Provide anti-bias, cultural humility, and welcoming workplace training to employees.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Report hiring data to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights every 90 days.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Pay $90,000 as a civil penalty, settlement monitoring costs, and a donation to an organization that supports the advancement of women in the workplace.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Create, maintain, and implement workplace anti-discrimination policies that comply with the Minnesota Human Rights Act.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“We are pleased we were able to reach an agreement with Villaume Industries and are encouraged by how the company will begin to change its hiring practices,”&lt;/strong&gt; Commissioner Lucero concluded.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>469948</id><pubdate>2021-03-02T12:56:59Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Preventing Pay Discrimination Act</Title><title>Preventing Pay Discrimination Act</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-467087&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-02-04T14:58:59Z</Date><ShortDescription>&quot;When future salaries are anchored to past pay, gender and racial pay discrimination can follow Minnesotans from job to job. The Preventing Pay Discrimination Act helps intentionally break this cycle.&quot; - Commissioner Lucero</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;On Tuesday, Commissioner Lucero, along with &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.law.umn.edu/profiles/jill-hasday&quot;&gt;University of Minnesota Law School Professor Jill Hasday&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;, shared with state lawmakers how the &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/assets/HF403_Preventing%20Pay%20Discrimination%20Act-020221--t_tcm1061-422608.pdf&quot;&gt;Preventing Pay Discrimination Act&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;will help close Minnesota’s pay gap. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This bill would prevent employers from asking prospective employees about their pay history when they apply for a job.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Future-Salaries-Anchored-to-Past-Pay-Cmmr-quote-horizontal_tcm1061-467089.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Future-Salaries-Anchored-to-Past-Pay-Cmmr-quote-horizontal&quot; alt=&quot;Future-Salaries-Anchored-to-Past-Pay-Cmmr-quote-horizontal&quot; style=&quot;vertical-align: middle; width: 500px; height: 261px;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Future-Salaries-Anchored-to-Past-Pay-Cmmr-quote-horizontal&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Helping close the racial and gender pay gap&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In 2019, white women made 80 cents to every dollar a man made in Minnesota, according to the National Women&apos;s Law Center. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For women of color, the pay gap is substantially worse:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Asian Women earned 71 cents &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Black women earned 59 cents &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Indigenous women earned 56 cents &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Latinas earned 53 cents&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Proven to Increase Pay&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Open Sans&amp;quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;When Minnesota passes the Preventing Pay Discrimination Act, it will join a groundswell of states that have already ended the pay history question. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Open Sans&amp;quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;In the 18 states&lt;/span&gt;&lt;sup style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Open Sans&amp;quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt; &lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Open Sans&amp;quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;that have already ended the pay history question&lt;/span&gt;&lt;sup style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Open Sans&amp;quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Open Sans&amp;quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;&quot;&gt;, pay is up 8% for all women and 13% for Black workers. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;More Information&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For more information about Preventing Pay Discrimination Act, contact Eric Armacanqui at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:Eric.Armacanqui@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Eric.Armacanqui@state.mn.us&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;margin-left&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;1. https://www.hrdive.com/news/salary-history-ban-states-list/516662/ &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p class=&quot;margin-left&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;2. Bessen, James E. and Meng, Chen and Denk, Erich, Perpetuating Inequality: What Salary History Bans Reveal About Wages (June 1, 2020). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3628729&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>467087</id><pubdate>2021-02-04T21:26:04Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Happy New Year from MDHR</Title><title>Happy New Year</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-462211&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2021-01-07T14:58:59Z</Date><ShortDescription>A Message from Commissioner Lucero</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Rebecca%20Lucero%20headshot_tcm1061-428424.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Rebecca Lucero-vertical&quot; alt=&quot;Rebecca Lucero-vertical&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 175px; height: 245px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Rebecca Lucero-vertical&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Happy New Year! &lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While 2021 will bring new opportunities and challenges, two things will not change at the Minnesota Department of Human Rights:&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;strong xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;First, our vision remains strong. &lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;We believe that everyone deserves to live a life with dignity and joy.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;However, racism, transphobia, sexism, xenophobia, ableism, anti-Semitism, and Islamophobia continue to be persistent and pervasive. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;And at the same time, Minnesota has one of the strongest civil rights enforcement laws in the country, the Minnesota Human Rights Act. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;So, as always, Minnesotans have a strong civil rights law and agency to turn to if they experience discrimination.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;strong xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Secondly, civil rights work cannot be done alone.&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;We are made stronger through the simple recognition that we are interconnected and interdependent. We need one another. I am incredibly grateful for the staff, community partners, human rights commissions, and so many others!&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Looking ahead, I am encouraged and excited for what is possible because we are building on a strong foundation. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNDHR/bulletins/2ad1c9d&quot;&gt;While there&apos;s more work to do, learn about some of what we accomplished last year.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;With deep gratitude, &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Rebecca Lucero &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Commissioner&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesota Department of Human Rights&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div class=&quot;margin-bottom&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>462211</id><pubdate>2021-01-07T21:39:11Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Employer Fired Employee for Taking Parental Leave</Title><title>Employer Fired Employee for Taking Parental Leave</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-456907&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-12-15T15:13:57Z</Date><ShortDescription>Pregnancy discrimination is prohibited under the Minnesota Human Rights Act yet remains a widespread problem.
</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/PregnancyDiscriminationCase_tcm1061-456971.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Kimberly&apos;s Quote&quot; alt=&quot;Kimberly&apos;s Quote&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Kimberly&apos;s Quote&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;A few weeks into her maternity leave, Kimberly’s employer informed her that they eliminated her position because of a reorganization.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Kimberly believed, and our investigation later confirmed, she was not fired because of a reorganization.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Kimberly was fired because she took maternity leave.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Our Department’s investigation uncovered credible evidence that the owner said, “It’s not my problem that she decided to go and get pregnant.”&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Firing Kimberly violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Our settlement agreement requires the employer to change their policies and procedures to create a more equitable and inclusive workplace.  &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The agreement requires the employer to follow the law by adopting a parental leave policy that provides all employees with 12 weeks of parental leave. It goes even further by requiring the employer to provide four weeks of paid leave.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The employer is also required to pay Kimberly $25,000.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Pregnancy Discrimination is Pervasive&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Pregnancy discrimination is prohibited under the Minnesota Human Rights Act yet remains a widespread problem.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Pregnancy discrimination has serious consequences for people who are pregnant and their families. Not only do they risk losing their income, but they may also lose health insurance at a critical time.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div class=&quot;margin-bottom&quot;&gt;No one should be discriminated against because they are pregnant, a parent, or caregivers.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>456907</id><pubdate>2020-12-15T15:14:05Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Happy Human Rights Day!</Title><title>Human Rights Day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-457372&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-12-10T14:58:59Z</Date><ShortDescription>Celebrating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/I%20Love%20Civil%20Rights_tcm1061-457412.jpg&quot; title=&quot;I Love Civil Rights Graphic&quot; alt=&quot;I Love Civil Rights Graphic&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;I Love Civil Rights Graphic&quot; /&gt; 
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Human Rights Day is observed on December 10 every year to mark the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. In declaring the dignity and worth of every person, this document helped sparked powerful action throughout the world. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;In Minnesota, it helped bring about the creation of one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country, the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Enforced by our Department, the law prohibits discrimination in different areas such as employment, housing, and education based on protected class such as race, disability, and sex. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;The Minnesota Human Rights Act is a powerful tool used to help address systemic discrimination. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;The law boldly exclaims, “Discrimination threatens the rights and privileges of the inhabitants of this state and menaces the institutions and foundations of democracy.” &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;All of us have a role to play when it comes to addressing racial and gender inequities, centering equity in our decisions, and building inclusive workplaces. We must continue to celebrate and honor our interconnectedness and see one another as complex, beautiful beings.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;Celebrate Human Rights Day!&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Get Involved in Your Local Human Rights Commission:&lt;/strong&gt; Minnesota is fortunate to have &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/community-engagement/minn-hr-comm/&quot;&gt;human rights commissions and councils&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; throughout the state that operate at a city, county, or regional level to advance civil rights and promote equity and inclusion. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Mark your Calendar for 2021 MLK Celebration:&lt;/strong&gt; On January 18, Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan will host the 35th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration. To build a community where we can thrive, actively work to end racism and poverty, and embrace our connections, we’ll gather virtually through a virtual celebration. Stay tuned for more details! &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Lead with Love:&lt;/strong&gt; Be intentional about letting people know they are welcome and valued. If you see discrimination or hate, speak up. You can &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;report discrimination and bias&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.  &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;margin-left: 40px;&quot; class=&quot;margin-bottom&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>457372</id><pubdate>2020-12-10T15:07:28Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Deadline to Share Your Story about the Minneapolis Police Department</Title><title>Deadline Approaching to Share Your Story about the Minneapolis Police Department</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-456909&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-12-07T15:25:27Z</Date><ShortDescription>Next Tuesday is the last day community members have to share any relevant story.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/CivilRightsInvestigation-MPD-horizontal_tcm1061-434673.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Civil Rights Investigation&quot; alt=&quot;Civil Rights Investigation&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Civil Rights Investigation&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Tuesday, December 15&lt;/strong&gt; is the last day community members have to share any relevant story, regardless of experience or outcome, about the Minneapolis Police Department.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Thank you to everyone who already shared their story since our Department launched the &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/mpd/&quot;&gt;civil rights investigation&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; in June. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Stories are used to inform the investigation and no one&apos;s personal information will be shared at the end of the investigation. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;h2 class=&quot;margin-bottom&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Want to share your story?&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Online&lt;/strong&gt;: You can submit information &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://survey.mn.gov/s.asp?k=159078854680&quot;&gt;on this form&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; that will go directly to our investigators. The form is available in English, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Phone&lt;/strong&gt;: Call us at &lt;strong&gt;651-539-1100&lt;/strong&gt;. When prompted, press 3 to leave a voicemail to submit information. Our investigators are listening to the messages on a regular basis.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div class=&quot;margin-bottom&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>456909</id><pubdate>2020-12-07T17:00:01Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Lawsuit to Protect Access to Critical Data used to Combat Workplace Discrimination</Title><title>Lawsuit to Protect Access to Critical Data used to Combat Workplace Discrimination</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-456910&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-12-02T14:11:55Z</Date><ShortDescription>Our Department joined a national lawsuit against the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Closing-the-racial-and-gender-pay-gap_tcm1061-456974.jpg&quot; title=&quot;New Component&quot; alt=&quot;New Component&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;New Component&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;To help close the racial and gender pay gap, civil rights agencies need data used to address workplace discrimination. However, the federal agency responsible for sharing that data is refusing to do so. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;To get access, our Department joined a national lawsuit against the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;The data, which includes the composition of an employer&apos;s workforce by sex, race, and ethnicity, is used to identify trends and civil rights enforcement priorities.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Our Department is committed to building a future in which equal pay for equal work is a reality.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Last year, our Department &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/#/detail/appId/1/id/408591&quot;&gt;joined a multi-state coalition&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; in support of a lawsuit protecting access to critical information on pay discrimination. The Department also &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/assets/Pay%20History%20Ban%20one-pager_3.9.20_tcm1061-422608.pdf&quot;&gt;introduced a bill&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; that would end the pay history question in Minnesota. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;In filing the lawsuit against the EEOC, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights joined California, Maryland, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, and the Illinois Department of Human Rights. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div class=&quot;margin-bottom&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>456910</id><pubdate>2020-12-02T19:52:16Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Commissioner Lucero named Community Changemaker</Title><title>Commissioner Lucero named Community Changemaker</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-456911&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-12-01T20:39:39Z</Date><ShortDescription>University of Minnesota Law School acknowledges &quot;eight alumni who make it their business to make a difference.&quot;


</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;div&gt;The University of Minnesota Law School selected eight alumni who &quot;make it their business to make a difference.&quot;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Lucero was selected as one of eight changemakers! &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Read about Commissioner Lucero and the other changemakers in the &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://minnesotalawmag.law.umn.edu/stories/community-changemakers?fbclid=IwAR1A-ctd9PGyn3PPrMFVnSAuaJUN-ahsr9tjyjMdFvs142fNsg7Ihz5lT88&quot;&gt;Fall 2020 Minnesota Law magazine&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Changemaker_CommissionerLuceroQuote_tcm1061-456969.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Commissioner&apos;s Quote for Changemaker&quot; alt=&quot;Commissioner&apos;s Quote for Changemaker&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Commissioner&apos;s Quote for Changemaker&quot; /&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>456911</id><pubdate>2020-12-01T20:58:41Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Today is Latina Equal Pay Day</Title><title>Today is Latina Equal Pay Day</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-451587&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-10-29T13:40:46Z</Date><ShortDescription>Latinas must work nearly 23 months to earn what white men earned in 12 months. </ShortDescription><Subtitle>Pay Discrimination has no business in Minnesota</Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/WAG_LEPD_1.1_tcm1061-451616.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Latina Equal Pay Day&quot; alt=&quot;Latina Equal Pay Day&quot; style=&quot;width: 50%; height: auto;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Latina Equal Pay Day&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesota thrives when women are paid equally for their work.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Yet, we know that women do not always receive equal pay for equal work. Black women, Indigenous women, Hmong women, and Latinas are still paid substantially less than men in Minnesota. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Every year we mark how far into the current year women would have to work in order to earn the same amount as men did in the previous year through Equal Pay Days. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Today, October 29, is Latina Equal Pay Day, meaning Latinas must work nearly 23 months to earn what white men earned in 12 months. &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Being paid equally for work means being treated with dignity. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;So on this Latina Equal Pay Day and every day, we proclaim that pay discrimination has no business in Minnesota. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;At the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, we are dedicated to building a future in which women are paid based on their skills, experience, responsibilities of the position, market research, and education. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The gender pay gap is the result of many factors including access to education and affordable health care, bias against working moms, occupational segregation, racial bias, transphobia, ableism, and sexism. It also spans occupations and educational levels. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Pay discrimination makes it difficult to pay for housing, afford quality health care, and save for retirement. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To build a thriving Minnesota, we must continue to tackle the discriminatory gender and racial pay gap. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you have you experienced discrimination, contact the Discrimination Helpline by calling &lt;strong&gt;1-833-454-0148&lt;/strong&gt; or &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;report discrimination online&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>451587</id><pubdate>2020-10-29T13:40:58Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Bonding Bill Commits to Racial and Gender Equity</Title><title>Bonding Bill Commits to Racial and Gender Equity</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-451495&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-10-28T15:00:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>Last week, Governor Walz signed the Local Jobs and Projects plan into law, funding public infrastructure construction projects across the state.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Construction-scene-image_tcm1061-451521.png&quot; title=&quot;Vector construction site with workers working&quot; alt=&quot;Vector construction site with workers working&quot; style=&quot;width: 90%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Vector construction site with workers working&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Last week, Governor Walz signed the Local Jobs and Projects plan into law, funding public infrastructure construction projects across the state.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This new law is a commitment to greater racial and gender equity in Minnesota. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Through the Equity in Bonding provision, bonding money recipients are required to create hiring opportunities for communities of color, Indigenous communities, and women on state projects, while ensuring men and women are paid the same rate for the same job.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Equity in Bonding responds to urgent requests from communities of color, Indigenous communities, and women throughout the state. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;We are grateful for the support from Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, legislators, as well as an array of stakeholders including the NAACP, the Rochester Diversity Council, the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, and many others from the nonprofit, union, contractor, local government, and higher education sectors.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What is Equity in Bonding?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Equity in Bonding extends the Minnesota Department of Human Rights’ Workforce Participation Goals and Equal Pay protections to state-funded bonding projects.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Our Department already works with more than 3,700 contractors on state-funded projects. Beginning in January 2022, our Department will begin working with bonding recipients.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why is it important?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesota has some of the worst racial disparities in the country and the gender wage gap persists. When state investments are used to intentionally undo these disparities and inequities, Minnesota communities thrive.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Equity in Bonding will intentionally create career opportunities for Black, Indigenous, people of color, and women throughout the state on the construction projects. This new law will also ensure that employers are paying men and women the same rate for the same job.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When does Equity in Bonding start?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;January 2022. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In the time leading up to this policy’s full implementation, our Department will be working with local units of government and other bonding recipients on how to comply with the policy, as well as working with other state agencies to update internal systems accordingly.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Our Department is looking forward to working with local governments and other bonding recipients to help eliminate racial and gender disparities in Minnesota through this work.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;If you have questions or would like more information, send us an email at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:info.mdhr@state.mn.us&quot; title=&quot;Minnesota Department of Human Rights information mailbox&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;info.mdhr@state.mn.us&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>451495</id><pubdate>2020-10-28T17:29:58Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month </Title><title>October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-449192&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-10-15T21:15:53Z</Date><ShortDescription>Join us on October 26 for a free 90-minute, online event to celebrate!</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesotans with disabilities have the right to work with dignity, free from discrimination. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Govenor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan proclaimed October as &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/governor/assets/10.01.20%20Disability%20Employment%20Awareness%20Month_tcm1055-449262.pdf&quot;&gt;Disability Employment Awareness Month&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;At the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, we know that people with disabilities encounter bias and discrimination in all stages of employment. Disability discrimination in employment is one of the most common areas of discrimination we investigate. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;We also know that people with disabilities who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, and women encounter intersectional discrimination -- discrimination that targets multiple aspects of an individual’s identity. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;That&apos;s why as the state&apos;s civil rights enforcement agency -- this month and every month -- we are committed to breaking down systemic barriers so that people with disabilities can thrive and work with dignity and joy. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;h3 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Join us to celebrate and honor disability rights!&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 30th Anniversary planning committee is pleased to announce a virtual event on Monday, October 26 at 1pm. This free, 90-minute, online event will feature informative presentations, artistic performances, and more.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Barry Taylor,&lt;/strong&gt; Vice President for Civil Rights and Systemic Litigation and &lt;strong&gt;R&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;achel Weisberg&lt;/strong&gt;, Staff Attorney, both from Equip for Equality present: &lt;strong&gt;30 Years of Employment Rights &amp;amp; The ADA: Where We’ve Been; Where We Are and Where We’re Going.&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Over the past three decades, courts have decided many landmark ADA cases that have forever changed the landscape for people with disabilities. This webinar will review pivotal historical ADA decisions, analyze the current state of the law, and consider what we might see in the future, including as new issues arise, such as COVID-19. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Don’t miss what is sure to be a thought-provoking celebration!&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;h4 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://minnstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uYQOZ5gnQ7yGRTIrfE4brA?_x_zm_rtaid=vFjJD6bJRke50iW_PjlOcw.1601926055280.0f3a407690051ddd5d5cf5b3e2aa4072&amp;amp;_x_zm_rhtaid=421&quot;&gt;Register for the event today!&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://https://minnstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uYQOZ5gnQ7yGRTIrfE4brA?_x_zm_rtaid=vFjJD6bJRke50iW_PjlOcw.1601926055280.0f3a407690051ddd5d5cf5b3e2aa4072&amp;amp;_x_zm_rhtaid=421&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/ADA_socialmedia_tcm1061-449203.png&quot; title=&quot;ADA 30 Oct. 26 Event&quot; alt=&quot;ADA 30 Oct. 26 Event&quot; style=&quot;width: 400px; height: 400px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;ADA 30 Oct. 26 Event&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;h4&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Special guest performers: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Disabled artist/dance/choreographer &lt;strong&gt;Alice Sheppard&lt;/strong&gt;. Kinetic Light, founded in 2016 by Sheppard, is a project-based ensemble, working at the intersections of disability, dance, design, identity, and technology. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The event will feature a piece from &lt;strong&gt;DESCENT&lt;/strong&gt;. Combining dance, architecture, design, and technology, the work challenges cultural assumptions of what disability, dance, and beauty can be. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Rapper, disability advocate, and community leader &lt;strong&gt;Dupree Edwards&lt;/strong&gt;. A musician and Teaching Artist Program Support Assistant at Upstream Arts, Edwards brings a powerful, personal message to his music.  &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The event will feature emcee &lt;strong&gt;Vincent Peterson&lt;/strong&gt;, a Metropolitan State University student pursuing a degree in computer science.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;More details at &lt;a href=&quot;https://ada30mn.com/&quot;&gt;ADA30MN.com&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;ASL and CART services will be provided for this event. Portions will be audio described. To request additional accommodations, contact &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:Linda.gremillion@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;Linda.gremillion@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; by Monday, October 19, 2020.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>449192</id><pubdate>2020-10-15T21:04:33Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Gender Identity</Title><Id>502812</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Education</Title><Id>502813</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Court of Appeals Rules that Minnesota Schools Must Allow Students to Use Locker Rooms that Align with their Gender Identity</Title><title>-Court of Appeals Rules that Minnesota Schools Must Allow Students to Use Locker Rooms that Align with their Gender Identity</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-448604&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-09-28T17:33:17Z</Date><ShortDescription>“This decision means that schools are now safer and more welcoming for transgender and gender nonconforming students across Minnesota,” said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Deputy Commissioner Irina Vaynerman.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Court of Appeals today &lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/N.H.%20%26%20Lucero%20v%20Anoka-Hennepin%20School%20District_tcm1061-448605.pdf&quot; title=&quot;N.H. &amp;amp; Lucero v Anoka-Hennepin School District&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xlink:title=&quot;N.H. &amp;amp; Lucero v Anoka-Hennepin School District&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;issued a landmark decision&lt;/a&gt; that Minnesota schools must allow students to use locker rooms that align with their gender identity under the state’s civil rights law. This ruling comes after the &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/index.jsp?id=1061-397168&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Minnesota Department of Human Rights joined a lawsuit&lt;/a&gt; against the Anoka-Hennepin School District and School Board, the largest district in the state, for unlawfully forcing N.H., a transgender student, to use a segregated locker room based solely on his gender identity.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“This decision means that schools are now safer and more welcoming for transgender and gender nonconforming students across Minnesota,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Deputy Commissioner Irina Vaynerman. &lt;strong&gt;“Our state was the first in the nation to prohibit gender identity discrimination. Today’s decision honors that legacy and continues to build a more equitable and inclusive Minnesota.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In a powerful opinion, the court held that it is unlawful to require transgender students to use a locker room that is inconsistent with their gender identity. The court recognized that &quot;students should not be required to &apos;shop&apos; among schools and districts to obtain a discrimination-free education,&quot; because, &quot;[s]chools play a pivotal role in a young person&apos;s development and intellectual, mental, and emotional health.&quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;As the court noted, the facts in the case are undisputed. N.H. used the boys’ locker room without issue after he joined the boys’ swim team at Coon Rapids High School during the 2015-16 school year. The following year, the district required him to use an entirely separate and segregated locker room and threatened to disciple N.H. if he did not use the separate room. By segregating N.H. to a separate changing space, the Anoka-Hennepin School District violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act, which prohibits gender identity discrimination in schools.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Today’s ruling by the Minnesota Court of Appeals comes on the heels of the historic U.S. Supreme Court decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia and additional federal court cases this summer that affirmed that discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is illegal under federal law.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state&apos;s civil rights enforcement agency. If you have experienced or witnessed discrimination or bias, call the Discrimination Helpline at 1-833-454-0148 or report discrimination online at &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr&quot;&gt;mn.gov/mdhr&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Document:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/N.H.%20%26%20Lucero%20v%20Anoka-Hennepin%20School%20District_tcm1061-448605.pdf&quot; title=&quot;N.H. &amp;amp; Lucero v Anoka-Hennepin School District&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xlink:title=&quot;N.H. &amp;amp; Lucero v Anoka-Hennepin School District&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;N.H., Respondent, and Rebecca Lucero, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, plaintiff-intervenor, Respondent, vs. Anoka-Hennepin School District No. 11, Appellant.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;###&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>448604</id><pubdate>2021-10-14T20:56:25Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Employment</Title><Id>244471</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Minnesota Supreme Court Sides with Minnesota Department of Human Rights</Title><title>Minnesota Supreme Court Sides with Minnesota Department of Human Rights</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-442018&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-07-29T20:13:02Z</Date><ShortDescription>The Minnesota Supreme Court today sided with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, represented by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, in the high-stakes employment discrimination case, Meagan Abel v. Abbott Northwestern Hospital and St. Mary’s University Minnesota.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>Court confirms state’s civil rights law contains robust protections for paid and unpaid workers. Also confirms harassment occurring outside of reporting period can be taken into account in a hostile work environment claim</Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Supreme Court today sided with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, represented by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, in the high-stakes employment discrimination case, Meagan Abel v. Abbott Northwestern Hospital and St. Mary’s University Minnesota.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Supreme Court agreed with the Department that compensation is not required for an individual to be considered an employee under the Minnesota Human Rights Act’s employment protections.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“For the first time in Minnesota history, the highest court in the state ruled Minnesota&apos;s civil rights law protects unpaid interns,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“The Court correctly recognized that all Minnesota workers, including interns, are entitled to the protections of the Minnesota Human Rights Act.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Significantly, the Minnesota Supreme Court also sided with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights by ruling that harassment, contributing to a hostile work environment and occurring outside the one-year statute of limitations, should be taken into account when determining if the state’s civil rights law was violated.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;During the course of her unpaid practicum at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Abel’s supervisor reportedly referred to Abel as “the brown one” and told students that he is “good in bed” during highly sexualized role-playing. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;  &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Living a life free of sexual and racial harassment is every Minnesotan’s civil right,”&lt;/strong&gt; continued Commissioner Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“Abel’s civil rights were denied when she faced sexual and racial harassment. Today, the Minnesota Supreme Court affirmed that her voice and experience matters.” &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state&apos;s civil rights enforcement agency. If you have experienced or witnessed an incident of discrimination or bias call the Discrimination Helpline at 1-833-454-0148 or &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/&quot;&gt;submit this online form&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Document&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Minnesota%20Supreme%20Court%20Meagan%20Abel%20v.%20Abbott%20Northwestern%20Hospital%20and%20St.%20Mary%E2%80%99s%20University%20Minnesota_tcm1061-442011.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Minnesota Supreme Court Meagan Abel v. Abbott Northwestern Hospital and St. Mary’s University Minnesota&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Minnesota Supreme Court Meagan Abel v. Abbott Northwestern Hospital and St. Mary’s University Minnesota&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;Minnesota Supreme Court Opinion in&lt;/a&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Minnesota%20Supreme%20Court%20Meagan%20Abel%20v.%20Abbott%20Northwestern%20Hospital%20and%20St.%20Mary%E2%80%99s%20University%20Minnesota_tcm1061-442011.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Minnesota Supreme Court Meagan Abel v. Abbott Northwestern Hospital and St. Mary’s University Minnesota&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Minnesota Supreme Court Meagan Abel v. Abbott Northwestern Hospital and St. Mary’s University Minnesota&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt; Meagan Abel v. Abbott Northwestern Hospital and St. Mary’s University Minnesota&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;em&gt;The press release was updated on August 1, 2020.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&lt;em /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>442018</id><pubdate>2021-10-14T21:05:31Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Boat Shop Denied Family the Right to Rent Watersport Equipment because of Son’s Disability </Title><title>Michael&apos;s Story</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-440955&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-07-23T21:16:17Z</Date><ShortDescription>When Michael, a proud father, went to rent a boat and equipment from a rental shop, the owner unlawfully refused to rent a tube and kneeboard to him based solely on the observation that one of Michael’s children has a disability.  </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Michael%20Carlson_tcm1061-441024.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Michael Carlson&quot; alt=&quot;Michael Carlson&quot; style=&quot;float: right; width: 43%; height: auto;&quot; class=&quot;photoRightNoBorder&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Michael Carlson&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Michael Carlson revels in the opportunity to create long-lasting, fun memories for his three kids. However, the memory from a summer day in 2018 is not a happy one.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;On July 21, 2018, Michael reserved a boat, tube, and kneeboard from Boats and Beyond Rentals on Gull Lake in Nisswa, Minnesota. When he arrived with his three children, he signed the necessary paperwork and listened as the owner provided a safety overview.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;At some point, the owner noticed that Michael’s oldest son has a disability, abruptly stopped, and refused to rent the tube and kneeboard to Michael.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“You have too much going on,” the owner stated, making assumptions about his son’s disability.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;When Michael attempted to provide information about his son’s disability, the owner continued, “No, I’ve seen enough. You just can’t handle it.”&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This humiliating exchange took place in front of Michael’s children and other customers.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;“No one should be treated differently because of who they are. You might find that you have more in common with people who are different than you,” commented Michael whose family has to deal with judgements, assumptions, and stereotypes on a daily basis in public. “&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Following the incident, Michael called the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and filed a charge of discrimination based on disability. After conducting a thorough investigation, the Department determined Boats and Beyond Rentals violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;As part of the settlement agreement the Department reached with the boat shop, the owner must send Michael an apology, undergo at least three hours of anti-discrimination training, and at least one hour of bias training. Additionally, the owner is required to post a notice that Boats and Beyond Rentals is committed to running an inclusive business. Over the next two years, the owner will also submit a log to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights identifying all customers who it refused service to and an explanation for the refusal.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Michael is pleased the owner will participate in training to prevent future discrimination. He also hopes that more individuals will take time to understand their biases so that individuals with disabilities and their families can live dignified and joyful lives.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Michael is looking forward the next time he can take his family to the lake and create new memories!&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>440955</id><pubdate>2020-07-29T21:16:29Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act </Title><title>ADA 30th</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-440931&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-07-21T21:15:53Z</Date><ShortDescription>30 years ago this month, disability rights were etched into federal law with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;30 years ago this month, disability rights were etched into federal law with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;Similar to the Minnesota Human Rights Act, the ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;These powerful civil rights tools echo what we know to be true, &lt;strong&gt;Disability Rights are Civil Rights! &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;While we celebrate the ADA’s anniversary, we know that equality for people with disabilities in the law does not always mean equality in day-to-day life. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;People with disabilities continue to face systemic ableism as well as conscious and unconscious biases. For the cases we investigate at the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, disability discrimination is one of most common bases of discrimination, especially in employment. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/news-community/newsroom/#/detail/appId/1/id/418906&quot;&gt;Read about a settlement agreement we announced this year involving an employer who refused to allow an employee to bring her service animal to work.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/DisabilityRightsAreCivilRights-square_tcm1061-440954.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Disability Rights are Civil Rights&quot; alt=&quot;Disability Rights are Civil Rights&quot; style=&quot;width: 250px; height: 250px;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Disability Rights are Civil Rights&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;We also know that individuals with disabilities, particularly people with disabilities who are people of color, Indigenous, transgender, and women, are subject to intersectional discrimination – discrimination that targets multiple aspects of an individual’s identity. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;As the state’s civil rights enforcement agency, we are dedicated to building a state where an individual’s race, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or other identity make our communities stronger and more interconnected. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;h4 style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Three ways you can honor and celebrate the ADA today! &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;1. During COVID-19, help inform employers that workers who have a disability, including individuals with health conditions, can request a reasonable accommodation like shifting working hours or moving workstations.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;2. If you or someone you know experienced or witnessed discrimination, encourage them to contact the Minnesota Department of Human Rights by calling 1-833-454-0148. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt;3. Use #&lt;strong&gt;ThanksToTheADA&lt;/strong&gt; on social media to share what the ADA means to you! &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>440931</id><pubdate>2020-07-29T21:16:07Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Race</Title><Id>244481</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Employment</Title><Id>244471</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Reaches Settlement with Senior Living Facility for Racially Discriminating against Black Employee</Title><title>Settlement with Employer for Racially Discriminating against Black Employee</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-438480&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-06-30T20:19:15Z</Date><ShortDescription> “Jameisha Cox’s case lays bare yet another example of anti-Black racism,” said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero.</ShortDescription><Subtitle>Employer permitted racial harassment and fired employee because of her race</Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; The Minnesota Department of Human Rights today announced a settlement agreement with a senior living facility, Edgewood Sartell, that violated Minnesota’s civil rights law by discriminating against Jameisha Cox, a personal care assistant, because of her race. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Being belittled on a daily basis because of race is sad a reality for Black people,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Jameisha Cox. &lt;strong&gt;“I was blatantly ignored when I raised concerns about being racially harassed. I was ignored again when I was fired because of my race. All I wanted was my job back and nobody cared at all. Now my former employer is being held responsible and has to change their policies so what happened to me doesn’t happen for the next Black person.” &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Jameisha Cox’s case lays bare yet another example of anti-Black racism,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“As Minnesota’s civil rights enforcement agency, we continue to work every day to build a state where communities of color and Indigenous communities can thrive by enforcing civil rights law, ending racist practices, and undoing systems that perpetuate racial disparities.” &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Racial discrimination in employment is consistently one of the largest areas of complaints the Minnesota Department of Human Rights receives. Workplace discrimination is one of the many reasons why Minnesota is home to some of the worst racial disparities in the country. The gap between Black and white families&apos; incomes in Minnesota is the third worst in the nation, according to the American Community Survey. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Case &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Throughout her employment as a personal care assistant at Edgewood Sartell, the senior living facility assigned Jameisha Cox, a Black woman, to work with a resident who racially harassed her. The resident made racist and derogatory comments about Cox’s race, skin, and hair. The resident shouted racial epithets at Cox and attempted to rip off Cox’s headscarf. When Cox and other employees reported the racial harassment to Cox’s supervisor, the supervisor did nothing. Cox’s supervisor also repeatedly denied Cox’s requests to work with a different resident. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In addition to permitting the racial harassment to occur, the senior living facility fired Cox because of her race. Edgewood Sartell falsely claimed that Cox failed to report to work, when in fact she followed the company’s protocol. Cox requested and her supervisor approved time-off because she was waiting for her next paycheck in order to repair her car that she used to get to work. Edgewood Sartell did not fire white employees who had significant attendance issues.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The senior care facility’s executive director never responded to Cox’s complaint in response to her termination. On November 18, 2018, Cox filed a charge of discrimination with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights alleging racial discrimination. Minnesota has one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country, the Minnesota Human Rights Act, which prohibits racial discrimination in employment. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;On December 31, 2019, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights determined that Edgewood Sartell violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act when the senior living facility discriminated against Cox when it failed to address the racial harassment by the resident and when it fired Cox because of her race.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Terms of the Settlement &lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;To address and prevent future racial discrimination from occurring, the settlement requires Edgewood Sartell to:&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Amend discrimination and harassment policies to make clear the policies apply to harassing and discriminatory conduct by employees, residents, guests, visitors, vendors, and contractors;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Inform all employees of the updated policies; and &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Provide one hour of anti-discrimination and anti-harassment training to all non-supervisory and non-managerial employees, provide 1.5 hours of anti-discrimination and anti-harassment to all of its managers and supervisors, and provide one hour of bias trainings to all of its employees. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The settlement agreement also requires Edgewood Sartell to pay Cox for lost wages and damages. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state&apos;s civil rights enforcement agency. If you have experienced or witnessed an incident of discrimination or bias call the Discrimination Helpline at 1-833-454-0148 or &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/&quot;&gt;submit this online form&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Documents&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;• &lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Memo_tcm1061-438507.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Memo Cox v. Edgewood&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Memo Cox v. Edgewood&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;Memo&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>438480</id><pubdate>2021-10-14T21:06:08Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Employment</Title><Id>244471</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Gender Identity</Title><Id>502812</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Sexual Orientation</Title><Id>244477</Id><Key/></Category><Title>The Minnesota Department of Human Rights Issues Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Ruling </Title><title>-Title VII Ruling Statement</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-435947&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-06-15T15:37:37Z</Date><ShortDescription>“Today, the highest court in the country affirmed that discrimination against LGBTQ+ workers is illegal. Since 1993, Minnesota’s civil rights law has prohibited discrimination on the basis of someone’s gender identity or sexual orientation. The decision today by the U.S. Supreme Court echoed this fundamental right,” said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; Today is an important day for civil rights. The U.S. Supreme Court decided in a 6-3 ruling that an employer cannot fire an employee based on their sexual orientation or gender identity under federal law.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Today, the highest court in the country affirmed that discrimination against LGBTQ+ workers is illegal. Since 1993, Minnesota’s civil rights law has prohibited discrimination on the basis of someone’s gender identity or sexual orientation. The decision today by the U.S. Supreme Court echoed this fundamental right,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“Particularly for trans women of color and gender nonconforming individuals who experience higher rates of discrimination and violence, this ruling will have a profound impact for decades to come.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state&apos;s civil rights enforcement agency. If you have experienced or witnessed an incident of discrimination or bias call Minnesota&apos;s Discrimination Helpline at 1-833-454-0148 or submit this &lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/index.jsp&quot; title=&quot;000 Complaint Inquiry Form Page Intro&quot; xlink:title=&quot;000 Complaint Inquiry Form Page Intro&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;online form&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>435947</id><pubdate>2024-08-01T18:56:25Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Race</Title><Id>244481</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>MPD</Title><Id>697351</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Public Services</Title><Id>244486</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Court Orders Minneapolis Police Department to Make Immediate Changes</Title><title>Court Approves Court Order</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-435170&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-06-09T01:30:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>Hennepin County Court today approved the proposed court order filed by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) that requires the Minneapolis Police Department to implement initial structural changes, as part of MDHR’s ongoing civil rights investigation. The court has the power to enforce these preliminary measures and failure to comply with the order could lead to penalties. </ShortDescription><Subtitle>Hennepin County Judge Signed Court Order Filed by Minnesota Department of Human Rights</Subtitle><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;[St. Paul, MN]  Hennepin County Court today approved the proposed court order filed by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) that requires the Minneapolis Police Department to implement initial structural changes, as part of MDHR’s ongoing civil rights investigation. The court has the power to enforce these preliminary measures and failure to comply with the order could lead to penalties. &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Today’s court order will create immediate change for communities of color and Indigenous communities who have suffered generational pain and trauma as a result of systemic and institutional racism and long-standing problems in policing,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero.   &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Under the court order entered by Hennepin County District Court Judge Karen Janisch, the City of Minneapolis must implement the following measures:&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ban the use of all neck restraints and choke holds.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Any police officer, regardless of tenure or rank, must report while still on scene if they observe another police officer use any unauthorized use of force, including any choke hold or neck restraint.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Any police officer, regardless of tenure or rank, must intervene by verbal and physical means if they observe another police officer use any unauthorized use of force, including any choke hold or neck restraint.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Only the Police Chief or the chief’s designee at the rank of deputy chief may approve the use of crowd control weapons, including chemical agents, rubber bullets, flash-bangs, batons, and marking rounds, during protests and demonstrations.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;The Police Chief must make timely and transparent discipline decisions for police officers as outlined in the order.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Civilian body worn camera footage analysts and investigators in the City’s Office of Police Conduct Review have the authority to proactively audit body worn camera footage and file or amend complaints on behalf of the Minneapolis Civil Rights Department.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The court order also requires the Minneapolis Police Department to fully comply with the ongoing civil rights investigation by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Any Minnesotan who witnesses or experiences violations of the terms in the order should contact the Minnesota Department of Human Rights by calling 651-539-1100 or 1-800-657-3704.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Document:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Order%20signed%20by%20Judge%206.8.20_tcm1061-435169.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Order signed by Judge 6.8.20&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Order signed by Judge 6.8.20&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;Stipulation and Order signed by Judge Janisch&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>435170</id><pubdate>2025-07-16T15:31:33Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights and City of Minneapolis Agree on Immediate Changes to Policies and Procedures for Minneapolis Police Department while Civil Rights Investigation Continues</Title><title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights and City of Minneapolis Agree on Immediate Changes to Policies and Procedures for Minneapolis Police Department while Civil Rights Investigation Continues</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-435129&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-06-06T01:00:28Z</Date><ShortDescription>In an unprecedented move, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights announced immediate structural changes the Minneapolis Police Department must implement.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;On June 5, Governor Tim Walz, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, and Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero announced next steps in the civil rights investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD), following the death of George Floyd.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;In an unprecedented move, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights filed an emergency court action and an agreed proposed court order that details immediate structural changes that the MPD must implement. The City of Minneapolis agreed to implement structural changes and joined the Minnesota Department of Human Rights in submitting the court order. &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/assets/Stipulation%20and%20Order%20Signed_tcm1061-435103.pdf&quot;&gt;Read the court order here.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/CityofMpls-terms-agreed-to-6.5.20-horizontal_tcm1061-435125.jpg&quot; title=&quot;City of Minneapolis Terms&quot; alt=&quot;City of Minneapolis Terms&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;City of Minneapolis Terms&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;div&gt;The proposed court order also requires the MPD to comply with the ongoing civil rights investigation by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Once the order is reviewed and approved by the Hennepin County District Court, the court will have the power to enforce these reforms and failure to comply could result in an action for contempt of court&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;The civil rights investigation into MPD policies, procedures, and practices over the past 10 years remains ongoing. The investigation will determine if the MPD has engaged in systemic discriminatory practices towards people of color and ensure any such practices are stopped.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;
&lt;div&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is committed to engaging with community throughout this investigation. Minnesotans with information that can further the civil investigation into the MPD should contact the Minnesota Department of Human Rights at &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/&quot;&gt;mn.gov/mdhr&lt;/a&gt; or 651-539-1100.&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;div style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/CommissionerLucero-quote-6.5.20-horizontal_tcm1061-435126.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Commissioner&apos;s Quote Stipulation and Order&quot; alt=&quot;Commissioner&apos;s Quote Stipulation and Order&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Commissioner&apos;s Quote Stipulation and Order&quot; /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>435129</id><pubdate>2020-06-08T19:52:59Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Civil Rights Investigation into Minneapolis Police Department</Title><title>Civil Rights Investigation into City of Minneapolis Police Department</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-434480&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-06-04T01:00:28Z</Date><ShortDescription>Following the death of George Floyd, Govenor Walz, Lieutentant Governor Flanagan, and Commissioner Lucero announced that the Minnesota Department of Human Rights opened a civil rights investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/CivilRightsInvestigation-MPD-horizontal_tcm1061-434673.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Civil Rights Investigation&quot; alt=&quot;Civil Rights Investigation&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Civil Rights Investigation&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: left;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;On June 2, Commissioner Rebecca Lucero stood with Governor Tim Walz, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, and Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage Executive Director Justin Terrell to announce that the Minnesota Department of Human Rights opened a civil rights investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department. The death of George Floyd launched this investigation. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/assets/71537%20-%20LUCERO%20-%20REBECCA%20-%20ECP%20-%20Charge%20of%20Discrimination%20-%20Notarized%20-%206-2-2020%20CJ_tcm1061-433988.pdf&quot;&gt;Read the charge of discrimination.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The investigation will review the Minneapolis Police Department&apos;s policies, procedures, and practices over the past 10 years to determine if the police department has utilized systemic discriminatory practices towards people of color.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesota has one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country. It is a powerful tool to help address systemic racism and discrimination. Under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, it is illegal for a police department to discriminate against someone because of their race. Where civil rights violations are found, our Department seeks structural change.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/CommissionerLuceroQuote-6.2.20-slideshow_tcm1061-434672.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Commissioner&apos;s Quote&quot; alt=&quot;Commissioner&apos;s Quote&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Commissioner&apos;s Quote&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;During the press conference, Commissioner Lucero highlighted what communities of color and Indigenous communities are facing today is the direct result of 400 years of intentional decisions to create and sustain systems, policies, and processes that have resulted in systematic discrimination and oppression. She continued by saying that all of us are called to do everything we can – not just to prevent future deaths but to end the systemic racism that is leading to all these outcomes throughout Minnesota.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesotans with relevant information that may be helpful in advancing this investigation are encouraged to contact our Department by calling 651-539-1100 or submitting information &lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://survey.mn.gov/s.asp?k=159078854680&quot;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>434480</id><pubdate>2020-11-12T15:18:28Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>MPR Virtual Town Hall: Spotlight on Anti-Asian Racism during COVID-19 Pandemic</Title><title>MPR Town Hall</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-432127&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-05-14T23:57:28Z</Date><ShortDescription>Watch this timely and important discussion on anti-Asian racism and its personal and cultural effects on the Asian American community and beyond. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;On May 12, MPR hosted a Virtual Town Hall: Spotlight on Anti-Asian Racism during COVID-19 Pandemic. Laura Yuen, editor at MPR News, interviewed Asian American leaders, as well as, Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. One hundred and seventy-nine community members attended this timely and important program. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://vimeo.com/417765371/8cdac8f483&quot;&gt;You can watch a recording of the town hall here&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The panel discussed anti-Asian racism and its personal and cultural effects on the Asian American community and beyond. They also discussed allyship and self-care during this challenging time.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you have experienced or witnessed an incident of discrimination or bias call Minnesota&apos;s Discrimination Helpline at 1-833-454-0148 or &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/&quot;&gt;submit this online form&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/MPR_single_stacked%20HiRes_tcm1061-432128.jpg&quot; title=&quot;MPR logo&quot; alt=&quot;MPR logo&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;MPR logo&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>432127</id><pubdate>2020-05-15T00:08:26Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Employers cannot discriminate against workers who applied for unemployment insurance </Title><title>Unemployment Insurance Protections</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-431513&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-05-10T16:31:30Z</Date><ShortDescription>If you were fired, not rehired, or treated differently than other applicants or employees because you applied for and/or received unemployment insurance during COVID-19, call the Discrimination Helpline.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;With COVID-19 forcing thousands of Minnesotans to apply for unemployment insurance, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights reminds employers that they cannot fire, refuse to rehire, or penalize employees because they applied for or received unemployment insurance. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, it is unlawful to discriminate against an employee because they applied for or received public assistance, which includes unemployment insurance benefits. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting communities of color and Indigenous communities, compounding existing disparities in economic opportunities and outcomes. Since mid-March, 26% of workers from communities of color and Indigenous communities in Minnesota have applied for unemployment insurance, compared to 14% of white Minnesotans in the labor force. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Discriminating against people of color, Indigenous communities, refugees, or immigrants because they applied for unemployment insurance will exacerbate inequities and disparities in our state. We must and can do better in Minnesota. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/NoOneShouldBeTreatedDifferently2-UnemploymentInsurance-horizontal_tcm1061-431514.jpg&quot; title=&quot;Unemployment Insurance&quot; alt=&quot;Unemployment Insurance&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Unemployment Insurance&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;We understand that many employers and workers are navigating the unemployment insurance program for the first time. If you are an employer and want to know more about employers’ obligations under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, we recommend you reach out to your attorney or call our office at 651-539-1100 or 1-800-657-3704. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If you were fired, not rehired, or treated differently than other applicants or employees because you applied for and/or received unemployment insurance during COVID-19, call the Discrimination Helpline at 1-833-454-0148 or &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/&quot;&gt;submit this online form&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>431513</id><pubdate>2020-05-10T16:33:21Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Discrimination Helpline Update</Title><title>-April 2020 Newsletter</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-431001&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-05-05T13:38:05Z</Date><ShortDescription>Over the last several weeks, we&apos;ve heard from Minnesotans throughout the state and what&apos;s clear is that COVID-19 is exposing what has always been true: racism and xenophobia are pervasive and persistent.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/discrimination-helpline.jsp&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/English-Discrimination-Helpline-horizontal_tcm1061-426270.jpg&quot; title=&quot;English-Horizontal&quot; alt=&quot;English-Horizontal&quot; style=&quot;width: 80%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;English-Horizontal&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Over the last several weeks, we&apos;ve heard from Minnesotans throughout the state and what&apos;s clear is that COVID-19 is exposing what has always been true: racism and xenophobia are pervasive and persistent. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;It is unacceptable to relate this pandemic to any group of people and treat those individuals differently.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;As the state&apos;s civil rights enforcement agency, we remain committed to investigating incidents of illegal discrimination and collecting stories to inform our outreach, education, and policy change.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;While we are still in the early stages of the discrimination helpline, below are some initial themes and stories we have received. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesotans are Experiencing Bias at Grocery Stores and in Parking Lots&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Incidents are occurring in grocery stores or in the parking lots of grocery stores. We are also hearing about Minnesotans who are positively intervening when they see others being treated unfairly. This story demonstrates both:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;My father was confronted in front of a grocery store in Maplewood by another customer who told my father to return to China. The man grabbed my father&apos;s jacket collar. Luckily a security guard intervened and told the other man to stop harassing my father. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h4 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Children Experience Discrimination and Bias&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Before distance learning, students experienced bias at school:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;My children&apos;s friend was bullied at school because the other student thought they were Chinese. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;h4 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Minnesotans Calling on Behalf of Their Parents &lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;When we receive reports of bias incidents, it&apos;s often on behalf of parents:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;My mother was in a parking lot when a woman approached my mom, called her a &quot;Chinawoman&quot; and gave her the finger.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;My parents were at a bank in Brooklyn Park today. A person in the drive thru line cut them off. The person called my dad &quot;Chinese&quot; and said, &quot;You&apos;re the reason the virus is here.&quot; They then spit towards my dad.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;These stories represent the pain and backlash that communities, particularly the Asian American community, are facing during COVID-19. They also represent hope and the opportunity to work towards building a state where people can live with dignity and joy. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h4 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Share Information About the Helpline&lt;/h4&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;You can find graphics, social media content, and information in 17 different languages &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/discrimination-helpline.jsp&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; rel=&quot;noopener&quot;&gt;on our website.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;This information was published &lt;a href=&quot;https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNDHR/bulletins/2874b2c&quot;&gt;in our newsletter&lt;/a&gt; on April 5, 2020. &lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>431001</id><pubdate>2020-05-15T00:12:36Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Partners with Minnesota Department of Transportation to Build a Thriving Minnesota</Title><title>-Minnesota Department of Human Rights Partners with Minnesota Department of Transportation to Build a Thriving Minnesota</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-429678&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-04-24T15:15:50Z</Date><ShortDescription>Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the Minnesota Department of Transportation are working together to ensure the state is enforcing state and federal anti-discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity laws.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Every Minnesotan should have the opportunity to live with dignity and joy, free from discrimination.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;That’s why the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the Minnesota Department of Transportation are working together to ensure the state is enforcing state and federal anti-discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity laws.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The two agencies signed an inter-agency agreement earlier this month that enables greater collaboration on contractor compliance for state-funded highway heavy construction projects, leveraging both agencies’ expertise in order to intentionally dismantle disparities and inequities.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;This agreement allows both agencies to collaborate on state-funded highway heavy projects to:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Ensure contractors are making good faith efforts to meet Workforce Participation Goals to hire and retain people of color and women;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Enforce equal pay laws so that women and men are paid the same for equal work;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Work to make sure sites are inclusive and equitable;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Investigate claims of discrimination; and&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Share relevant information and data so that enforcement is strategic and impactful.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The two agencies are looking forward to this deeper coordination. If you have questions or would like more information, email &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:info.mdhr@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;info.mdhr@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;/mdhr/assets/construction-scene-image_original_tcm1061-429676.png&quot; title=&quot;construction workers working onsite&quot; alt=&quot;construction workers working on site&quot; style=&quot;width: 90%; height: auto;&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;construction-scene-image_original&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>429678</id><pubdate>2020-05-06T14:32:21Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Housing Discrimination &amp; Eviction Protections</Title><title>Housing Discrimination &amp; Eviction Protections – COVID-19</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-423491&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-03-31T15:57:06Z</Date><ShortDescription>Are you are a tenant or homeowner in Minnesota who is facing hardship due to COVID-19? The State of Minnesota is here to help you maintain stable housing. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Evictions are Currently Suspended in Minnesota&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Know that, effective 5 pm on March 24, 2020, most eviction proceedings in Minnesota are suspended as long as the emergency declaration is in effect. During this time, sheriffs or other officers cannot enforce evictions and remove renters from their homes. For more information and resources, please visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.mnhousing.gov/sites/Satellite?c=Page&amp;amp;cid=1520221592207&amp;amp;pagename=External%2FPage%2FEXTStandardLayout&quot;&gt;Minnesota Housing&lt;/a&gt; and review these &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.mnhousing.gov/sites/Satellite?c=Page&amp;amp;cid=1520221592207&amp;amp;pagename=External%2FPage%2FEXTStandardLayout&quot;&gt;Frequently Asked Questions&lt;/a&gt;.
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;You are still required to pay rent or your mortgage during COVID-19, but you cannot be evicted or foreclosed for non-payment of rent or a mortgage. Exceptions apply for serious safety or certain unlawful activities.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Anyone with knowledge of landlords or other individuals attempting to evict a household can report this activity by calling the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office at: (651) 296-3353 (Twin Cities Calling Area) (800) 657-3787 (Outside the Twin Cities) (800) 627-3529 (Minnesota Relay).&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Right to Housing Due to COVID-19&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Your landlord cannot evict you, kick you out, or ask you to leave your apartment for having COVID-19.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Your landlord cannot evict you, kick you out, or ask you to leave your apartment for being under home-quarantine.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Being under isolation or quarantine in a hospital or other facility does not change your status as a tenant – your apartment remains your primary residence.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;You will still need to pay rent during quarantine or any time in a medical facility, as is the case for any illness.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Discrimination is Prohibited&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Your landlord cannot discriminate against you, kick you out, or ask you to leave your apartment because of fears and stigma around COVID-19, including discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, national origin, disability, or other protected classes. 
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;If you are facing discrimination and harassment by your landlord, please call the Minnesota Department of Human Rights at 651-539-1133, 800-657-3704, or email the Department at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:info.mdhr@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;info.mdhr@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;, or complete the &lt;a href=&quot;mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform&quot;&gt;online form&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;If you are sick and you need an accommodation for your living conditions, you may also be able to request a reasonable accommodation from your landlord, under laws that prohibit disability discrimination. A reasonable accommodation may be a request to making existing facilities accessible. 
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;If you are sick and you need an accommodation for your living conditions, you may also be able to request a reasonable accommodation from your landlord, under laws that prohibit disability discrimination. A reasonable accommodation may be a request to making existing facilities accessible. &lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;div xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt; &lt;/div&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Download and Share&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Housing%20Discrimination%20and%20Eviction%20Protections%20-%20COVID-19r_tcm1061-425716.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Housing Discrimination &amp;amp; Eviction Protections – COVID-19&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Housing Discrimination &amp;amp; Eviction Protections – COVID-19&quot;&gt;English&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Housing%20Discrimination%20and%20Eviction%20Protections%20-%20COVID-19_Spanish_tcm1061-426877.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Housing Discrimination and Eviction Protections - COVID-19_Spanish.pdf&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Housing Discrimination and Eviction Protections - COVID-19_Spanish.pdf&quot;&gt;Spanish&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Housing%20Discrimination%20and%20Eviction%20Protections%20-%20COVID-19_Somali%204.3.2020_tcm1061-426802.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Housing Discrimination and Eviction Protections - COVID-19_Somali 4.3.2020.pdf&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Housing Discrimination and Eviction Protections - COVID-19_Somali 4.3.2020.pdf&quot;&gt;Somali&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/Housing%20Discrimination%20and%20Eviction%20Protections%20-%20COVID-19_Hmong%204.3.20_tcm1061-426801.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Housing Discrimination and Eviction Protections - COVID-19_Hmong 4.3.20.pdf&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Housing Discrimination and Eviction Protections - COVID-19_Hmong 4.3.20.pdf&quot;&gt;Hmong&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>423491</id><Tag><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>423234</Id><Key/></Tag><pubdate>2020-05-06T14:32:21Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Title>Worker Anti-Discrimination Protections Related to COVID-19 </Title><title>-Worker Anti-Discrimination Protections Related to COVID-19</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-423226&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-03-20T16:23:20Z</Date><ShortDescription>If you have a disability that affects your risk for contracting COVID-19 or being harmed if you do contract this virus, you should request a reasonable accommodation from your employer. </ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) protects employees from discrimination on the basis of disability, race, national origin, age, and other protected classes. Individuals with disabilities have the right to request “reasonable accommodations” from employers who are subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or the MHRA. If you have a disability that affects your risk for contracting COVID-19 or being harmed if you do contract this virus, you should request a reasonable accommodation from your employer.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;For example, employees with disabilities that put them at high-risk for complications related to COVID-19 may request telework or paid/sick/unpaid leave as a reasonable accommodation to reduce their chances of infection during a pandemic.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Employers may ask employees if they are experiencing influenza-like symptoms, such as fever or chills, &lt;u&gt;and&lt;/u&gt; a cough or sore throat. Employers must maintain all information about employee illness as a confidential medical record in compliance with state and federal law.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;During a pandemic, employers may not ask employees who do not have known or apparent influenza symptoms whether they have a medical condition that the CDC says could make them vulnerable to influenza complications. Under no circumstances may an employer make decisions based on stereotypes or bias.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;If employees voluntarily disclose to their employer that they have a medical condition or a disability that places them at higher risk of COVID-19 complications, the employer must keep this information confidential.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;Employers may not assume that employees with known medical conditions or disabilities are at heightened risk of complications from COVID-19. For more information about pandemic preparedness in the workplace and relevant legal requirement for employers, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/newsroom/wysk/wysk_ada_rehabilitaion_act_coronavirus.cfm&quot;&gt;visit the EEOC&apos;s website here&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency and enforces the MHRA. If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact the Department at 651-539-1133, 1-800-657-3704, via email at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:info.mdhr@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;info.mdhr@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;, or report discrimination &lt;a href=&quot;https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform&quot;&gt;online here&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Download and Share&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/MN_worker_protections_related_to_COVID_19.pdf&quot;&gt;English&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/MN_worker_protections_related_to_COVID_19_version3.27.20updated_Spanish%204.3.20_tcm1061-426810.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Spanish MN Worker Protections&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Spanish MN Worker Protections&quot;&gt;Spanish&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/MN_worker_protections_related_to_COVID_19_version3.27.20updated_Somali%204.3.20_tcm1061-426809.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Somali MN Worker Protections&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Somali MN Worker Protections&quot;&gt;Somali&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/MN_worker_protections_related_to_COVID_19_version3.27.20updated_Hmong%204.3.20_tcm1061-426808.pdf&quot; title=&quot;Hmong MN Worker Protections&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot; xlink:title=&quot;Hmong MN Worker Protections&quot;&gt;Hmong&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>423226</id><Tag><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>423234</Id><Key/></Tag><pubdate>2020-05-06T14:32:22Z</pubdate></list><list><metadata><Type><Description/><Title>Press Release</Title><Id>213208</Id><Key/></Type><Type><Description/><Title>Civil Rights Updates</Title><Id>384599</Id><Key/></Type><DublinCore><Description/><Audience/><Title/><Publisher/><Source/><Rights/><Identifier/><Format/><Language>eng</Language><SubjectControlled/></DublinCore></metadata><Category><Description/><Title>Sexual Harassment</Title><Id>244489</Id><Key/></Category><Category><Description/><Title>Education</Title><Id>502813</Id><Key/></Category><Title>Minnesota Department of Human Rights Settlement Requires West Lutheran High School to Address Sexual Assault, Harassment, and Bullying of Students </Title><title>MDHR Settlelment Requires West Lutheran HS to Address Sexual Assault...</title><url>&lt;custom:Link urlOnly=&quot;true&quot; type=&quot;Component&quot; destination=&quot;tcm:1061-421230&quot; templateURI=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot; origin=&quot;tcm:0-0-0&quot;  /&gt;</url><Date>2020-02-27T17:15:00Z</Date><ShortDescription>A consent decree filed by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and approved today by the Hennepin County District Court orders West Lutheran High School to implement significant system changes that aim at ensuring students can live full lives, free from sexual assault, harassment, and bullying.</ShortDescription><Subtitle/><publication>1061</publication><BodyText>&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;[St. Paul, MN]&lt;/strong&gt; A consent decree filed by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and approved today by the Hennepin County District Court orders West Lutheran High School in Plymouth, Minnesota to implement significant system changes that aim at ensuring students can live full lives, free from sexual assault, harassment, and bullying.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The consent decree settles the Department’s pending lawsuit against the school. The Department filed suit in 2019 because it found the school violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act when school officials failed to act after a student reported she was sexually harassed and assaulted multiple times by other students.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;“Every school is obligated to actively protect students’ civil rights and no student should have to suffer from sexual assault, harassment, or bullying,”&lt;/strong&gt; said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. &lt;strong&gt;“Today’s court order and consent decree will create immediate, positive change for the students and families at West Lutheran High School. This case also sends a message to other schools across the state that they have an obligation to actively address and prevent bullying and sexual violence.”&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The consent decree requires West Lutheran High School to take immediate steps to:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;develop, adopt, and publicly distribute written policies, including a social media policy, that address and prevent bullying, harassment, and discrimination;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;implement a comprehensive protocol for investigating every complaint of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;require all students, faculty, staff, and members of its Board of Regents sign a Code of Conduct Pledge each school year that specifically addresses bullying, harassment, and discrimination;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;add bullying and harassment as topics to the curriculum for a required class;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;train all faculty, staff, students, and members of the Board of Regents annually on the school’s obligations to create a school environment that is free of discrimination, harassment, and bullying;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;train all staff and officials responsible for conducting investigations with trauma-informed investigation training; and&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;report to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights the number of complaints made related to bullying, harassment, and discrimination, the steps took to investigate the complaint, the outcomes of the investigation, and other information necessary.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights will monitor the consent decree for three years. If West Lutheran High School violates the decree, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights has the authority to seek civil penalties and other relief through the Court to ensure the terms are followed.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The consent decree involves the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and West Lutheran High School. It does not resolve any claims that the student or her family have against West Lutheran School.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency and enforces the Minnesota Human Rights Act. If you believe you have been discriminated against in violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act, please contact MDHR at 651.539.1133, 1.800.657.3704, or email &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:info.mdhr@state.mn.us&quot;&gt;info.mdhr@state.mn.us&lt;/a&gt;. For more information, please visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://mn.gov/mdhr&quot;&gt;mn.gov/mdhr&lt;/a&gt; or follow the conversation on Twitter at &lt;a href=&quot;http://twitter.com/mnhumanrights&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;@mnhumanrights&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Document:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a title=&quot;2/27/2020 Entered Consent Decree&quot; href=&quot;/mdhr/assets/2020.02.27%20Entered%20Consent%20Decree_tcm1061-421229.pdf&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; xlink:title=&quot;2/27/2020 Entered Consent Decree&quot; xmlns:xlink=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink&quot;&gt;West Lutheran High School Consent Decree&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p align=&quot;center&quot; xmlns=&quot;http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml&quot;&gt;###&lt;/p&gt;</BodyText><Author/><id>421230</id><pubdate>2021-10-14T21:01:49Z</pubdate></list></results>