Riverside Municipal Code Ch. 2.16 Human Relations Commission

Pursuant to Sections 800 through 805 of the City Charter, there is created a Human Relations Commission consisting of at least 15 members selected by the City Council.

(Ord. 7757, § 19, 2026; Ord. 6393 § 5, 1997; Ord. 5979 § 1, 1992; Ord. 5833 § 1, 1990; Ord. 3737 § 1, 1970; Ord. 3389 § 1, 1966)

The Human Relations Commission shall consist of 15 members in accordance with the City Charter. So far as is reasonably possible, the Commission members shall include representation from the following fields: education, medicine, health and welfare, law, real estate, industry, business, finance, law enforcement, and labor. The remaining members may be appointed from other fields of endeavor. Further, the diversity of the Commission is important to achieving its stated objectives. In that regard, there should be focused outreach activities to expand the pool of applications for appointment to the Commission.

(Ord. 7037 § 1, 2009; Ord. 6848 § 2, 2006; Ord. 6824 § 4, 2005; Ord. 6786 § 4, 2005; Ord. 6704 § 1, 2003 (part); Ord. 5979 § 1, 1992; Ord. 5833 § 2, 1990; Ord. 4115 § 1, 1974; Ord. 3899 § 1, 1972; Ord. 3389 § 2, 1966)

A. The objectives of the Human Relations Commission shall include, but not be limited to the following:

1. Equal justice and access before the law.

2. Equal socio-economic and political opportunity.

3. A caring, trust, and non-biased community with individual dignity and integrity to all.

4. Protection of the dignity and integrity of every individual.

5. Responsible citizenship.

6. Effective consideration of complaints and redress of grievances.

7. Equitable opportunities in health, housing, education and employment.

8. Education of all in the community relating to basic human rights and responsibilities.

9. Protection for all in the City of Riverside from the discrimination and injustice caused by discrimination based on race, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, and national origin.

(Ord. 6704 § 1, 2003 (part))

A. The powers, duties and functions of the Human Relations Commission shall include, but not be limited to the following:

1. To advise the City Council on all problems of local inter-group relations;

2. To study the problems of prejudice and discrimination in the community and the causes thereof;

3. To work with other agencies, public and private, in developing programs to eliminate prejudice and discrimination;

4. To sponsor and encourage educational activities which tend to promote interracial, interfaith, and interethnic harmony, progress, and integration;

5. To foster mutual understanding and respect among all racial, religious, and national groups;

6. To prepare and submit an annual report to the City Council concerning human relations by the end of the fiscal year;

7. To recommend and coordinate effective systems to ensure equal justice and access for the City of Riverside.

(Ord. 6704 § 1, 2003 (part); Ord. 5979 § 1, 1992; Ord. 5833 § 3, 1990; Ord. 3389 § 3, 1966)