[Ord. 15-1979, eff. 5-29-1979; Ord. 13-1980, eff. 8-8-1980; Am. Ord. 2-1990, eff. 4-3-1990; Ord. 22-1992, eff. 5-28-1992; Am. Ord. 3-1997, eff. 2-7-1997; Ord. No. 33-2025, eff. 11-12-2025]
The Human Relations Commission shall have the power and duty to:
(a) Initiate, receive, investigate and seek the satisfactory adjustment of complaints charging unlawful practices as set forth in this Article. In accordance with this subsection the Commission may issue subpoenas and order discovery in aid of investigations and hearings under this Title.
(b) Initiate or receive and investigate other complaints of discrimination against any person because of actual or perceived Protected Class or retaliation for engaging in a Protected Activity and seek the satisfactory adjustment of such complaints. Any complaint filed under this subsection which the Commission believes may constitute a violation of a law of the United States or the Commonwealth may be certified to its Solicitor for such actions as it deems proper.
(c) Hold public hearings, subpoena witnesses and compel their attendance, administer oaths, take the testimony of any person under oath, and in connection therewith require the productions of evidence relating to any matter under investigation or any question before the Commission, make findings of fact, issue orders and publish such findings of fact and orders and do all other things necessary and proper for the enforcement of this Article.
(d) Certify upon the request of any person that a particular occupation or position is exempt from the provisions of this Article relating to unlawful employment practices if the Commission finds that the occupation or position reasonably requires the employment of persons of a particular Protected Class as defined under Section
659.03 of this Article and that such certification is not sought as a means of circumventing the spirit and purpose of this Article. The burden of proving the facts required for such a finding shall be in each instance upon the person requesting the certification of exemption from the provisions of this Article.
(e) Study and investigate by means of public hearings or otherwise any conditions having an adverse effect on intergroup relations in the City, and study the problems of prejudice, intolerance, bigotry and discrimination as it affects the public safety and general welfare of the city.
(f) Institute and conduct educational and other programs to promote the equal rights and opportunities of all persons, regardless of actual or perceived Protected Class and promote understanding among persons and groups of different Protected Classes. In the performance of its duties, the Commission may cooperate with interested residents, private agencies and agencies of the Federal, Commonwealth and local governments.
(g) Issue publications and reports of investigations and research in the field of human relations and cooperate with and accept grants from public and private agencies, including foundations, colleges and universities, engaged in similar research.
(h) Request other departments, boards and commissions of the City government to assist in the performance of its duties, and such other departments, boards and commissions shall cooperate fully with the Commission.
(i) Assist in the enforcement of fair practices in City contracts.
(j) Render written reports of its activities and recommendations to the Mayor and Council.
(k) Recommend legislation to promote and ensure equal rights and opportunities for all persons regardless of actual or perceived Protected Class.
(l) Adopt such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of this Article.