INDIANAPOLIS - The State of Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) and the City of West Lafayette Human Relations Commission announced today a new partnership aimed at enhancing service for Hoosiers throughout the state.
The newly formalized agreement involves strategic collaborations that will enable the local agency to rely upon state resources to resolve discrimination claims in Lafayette while continuing to mediate local disputes. Jamal L. Smith, Executive Director of the ICRC, applauded the partnership as an opportunity to allow a thriving local agency to continue its mission of providing community-focused service while utilizing state resources.
“I have been so impressed with the work done by the City of West Lafayette Human Relations Commission, the way they know their community, and the passion they bring to this often difficult charge,” said Smith. “We’ve ironed out a partnership that makes the most of available resources and improves our collective ability to efficiently and effectively protect the civil rights of individuals in this area.”
This marks a significant step in ensuring West Lafayette residents receive timely resolution to their claims of discrimination and is similar to other such agreements being formalized by the ICRC throughout Indiana. Among stipulations as part of the partnership, the ICRC and LHRC will seek to:
-Provide education and training opportunities to individuals, businesses, local public agencies and elected officials, and private community organizations in Tippecanoe and surrounding counties-Partner to increase awareness about civil rights protections and recourse options for individuals facing discrimination
-Carry out public seminars and town hall meetings to obtain feedback from the public on important civil rights issues
-Collaborate to investigate and, if necessary, litigate cases of discrimination throughout the West Lafayette region
The Indiana Civil Rights Commission enforces the Indiana civil rights laws and provides education and services to the public in an effort to ensure equal opportunity for all Hoosiers and visitors to the State of Indiana. For more information, contact Brad Meadows, ICRC Communications Specialist, at (317) 232-2651.