Commission on Disabilities & Human Relations


Commission On Disabilities And Human Relations

An ordinance adopting the Jacksonville Commission on Disabilities and Human Relations was adopted by City Council on October 19, 1964

Statement of Policy
The purposes of the commission shall include, but not be limited to:
   (1)   Promoting the American ideal of equality and justice;
   (2)   Furthering understanding between people;
   (3)   Encouraging and facilitating wise adjustments to social problems and opportunities;
   (4)   Studying the nature and causes for suspect bias and making recommendations to modify;
   (5)   Providing for mediation through conferences and conciliation; and
   (6)   Acting as liaison and providing education to the general public, business community and
          government regarding the needs of minorities, including people with
disabilities.

Duties and Functions

   (a)   The commission shall cooperate with the mayor, the city council, and city officials in        securing the furnishing of equal services to all residents; developing, by various publicity and training media, improved intergroup relations which, in turn, develop respect for equal rights without regard to race, ancestry, national origin, religion, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or unfavorable discharge from military service, or gender identity; encouraging and fostering fair and equal treatment under the law to all citizens; and maintaining equality of opportunity for employment and advancement in city government, commerce and industry.
   (b)   The commission shall advise and consult with the mayor and city council on matters involving prejudice or discrimination with regard to race, ancestry, national origin, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or unfavorable discharge from military service, and shall recommend such action as it may deem appropriate to effectuate the policy of this article.

Members
The members of the disabilities and human relations commission shall be appointed by the mayor, with the consent of the city council. The nine (9) members shall serve staggered terms of office as determined by the commission; their terms of office shall be for three (3) years. A commissioner having been duly appointed shall continue to serve after the expiration of his term until his successor has been appointed unless sooner removed for cause. Each commissioner's term will expire on October 30 of his final year. The mayor and one (1) other individual appointed by the mayor shall serve as ex-officio members of the commission.

Ruth Linear, Member                      Appt. 05.13.2019     Term Expires 10.30.2024
B
randie Belford, Member               Appt. 02.28.2022     Term Expires 10.30.2024
Peggy Davidsmeyer, Chairman     Appt. 07.12.2021     Term Expires 10.30.2024
S
arah Robinson, Member              Appt. 06.14.2021     Term Expires 10.30.2025
Mar
ry Watts, Member                     Appt. 03.13.2017     Term Expires 10.30.2025
Dan Thompson, Member                Appt. 07.12.2021     Term Expires 10.30.2025
Edd
ie Lowe, Secretary                   Appt. 07.09.2018     Term Expires 10.30.2026
G
uy Crumley, Member                   Appt. 10.10.2017     Term Expires 10.30.2026
Dav
id Bauer, Vice-Chairman          Appt. 06.14.2021     Term Expires 10.30.2026