BY CINDY SCHROEDER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COVINGTON -- A Covington human rights commission, dormant since the 1970s, could be reactivated by year's end, supporters say.
Covington City Commission this week gave its initial approval to an ordinance establishing a five-member human rights commission, and set a final vote for July 21.
While Covington established a human rights commission in 1966, it has been inactive since the 1970s, Ms. Mullins said.
The panel would hear complaints of local discrimination involving housing, employment and public accommodations based on race, religion, gender, age and physical or mental disabilities. The human rights commission also would teach the community about discrimination.
"We're not asking for special rights," said Kenton County Surveyor Jimmy Williams, who described himself as mildly retarded. "We just want our rights. This is a first step. We need to do something to stop discrimination."
Covington Commissioner Pamela Mullins said residents interested in serving on the human rights commission should contact the office of City Manager Greg Jarvis.
"Since it is a human rights commission, it should be representative of the community we serve," Ms. Mullins said. "We're looking for a variety of candidates."
Ms. Mullins said she would like to see the five-member commission named within 30 days of final approval of the ordinance establishing the panel.
"My ultimate goal is to have the (human rights) commission up and running and trained by Jan. 1," said Sheldon Rox, the Northern Kentucky field office supervisor for the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights.
Mr. Rox, who spends much of his time in training and education, said he sees the Covington human rights commission as tackling issues that fall outside of the regional group's jurisdiction.
"The (commission) could hear a broad range of issues -- things like neighborhood disputes of a racial nature, or discrimination complaints involving the police or fire department or other city employees," Mr. Rox said.
While the human rights commission will have no enforcement powers, it can investigate complaints and make recommendations to the city manager. It also can serve as a mediator, especially in cases involving neighborhood disputes.
"Once (the Covington human rights commission) is up and running, we're looking for Kenton County to come on board," Mr. Rox said. "Our ultimate goal is to have a three-county commission to make sure people have some resource they can turn to, if (the regional office) doesn't have jurisdiction over their dispute."
