Manchester's Human Relations Commission Already Hard At Work

MANCHESTER, CT — The Board of Directors of the Town of Manchester has established a stand-alone Commission on Human Relations to "focus on building understanding, tolerance, and harmony among the many religious and ethnic communities that are a part of the town’s diverse population."

The commission is tasked with "assuring equal rights and protections of all citizens with regard to law, economy, education, employment, politics, and culture." Its members will work with others to identify principles and practices and develop appropriate educational programs and activities to bring people together and mitigate interpersonal problems, municipal officials said.

The commission will also receive complaints about "unlawful discrimination and unequal treatment" and refer them to "the proper agency having jurisdiction," officials said.

As its first official act, the commission is exploring ways to provide municipal ID cards to residents who lack other forms of personal identification.

It is also developing a reference calendar to more fully inform those who plan events about days when a segment of the population may be restricted from participation due to religious or ethnic celebrations, officials said.

In November, the Board of Directors appointed Dr. Maria W. Cruz, Manchester’s town clerk, to chair the commission. The commission has elected Nev Coleman vice chair and Lizbeth D'Auria secretary.

"Manchester is blessed with a truly diverse community consisting of people from around the world who bring the benefits of their unique ethnic and religious backgrounds to our community,"Cruz said. "It’s a special part of what makes Manchester a welcoming, vibrant, and fulfilling community in which to live, work and raise a family. The work of the Human Relations Commission will help us build on the benefits of our diversity."

The commissioners include:

• Nev Coleman
• Dr. Maria Cruz
• Lizbeth D’Auria
• Ethan Espinal
• Jerome Grant
• Linda Harris
• Rachel Hiskes
• Khalilur Rahman
• Susan Stoppelman

They will serve staggered terms initially and then three-year terms with staggered end dates.

There is also a seat for a member of the Manchester Youth Commission to be filled annually.

The commission meets monthly on the third Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Weiss Center, 479 Main Street, with dedicated time for public comment each month and with virtual access by Zoom for preregistered participants.
Anyone with related concerns should contact a commissioner or the Commission Chair, Dr. Cruz, at 860-986-0105 or by email at COHR@manchesterct.gov.