Madison Reporter

The Department of Civil Rights would like to thank everyone who came to the 60th Anniversary of the City of Madison Equal Opportunities Ordinance Celebration. DCR would also like to express appreciation to everyone who supports the civil rights work of the City of Madison to make our community a more equal and just place to work, play and live.

Celebration

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, several alders and former Department of Civil Rights staff, Dane County staff, community partners and the general public celebrated at The Atrium at 2300 South Park Street in Madison, Wis., this past fall for an informal celebration in person. The 60th Anniversary Celebration included meeting the current Equal Opportunities Commission, music, food and books to share with families.

Civil Rights Work

The City of Madison Equal Opportunities Ordinance was signed in December 1963. The MGO 39.03 shows, DCR:

1. Enables individuals to live and work free of discrimination
2. Provides remedies of discrimination complaints brought forth by the public
3. Provides Community Education and Technical Assistance (Training)

DCR also investigates complaints for the areas of Employment, Housing and Public accommodations Citywide. DCR provides technical assistance/training to anyone that requests it statewide.

Historically, groups like the National Association for the Advancement of Color People, (NAACP) and the League of Women Voters have been at the forefront of civil and human rights. In 1963 in the City of Madison, members of these two groups helped form the Madison Citizens for Fair Housing and were instrumental in addressing discrimination in the City of Madison by helping to draft and secure legal protection for residents of color. The Equal Opportunities Ordinance predates the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and is now one of the most comprehensive ordinances in the nation, offering protection from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations for thirty protected classes.

The City of Madison Department of Civil Rights is responsible for management, development and implementation of Chapter 39 of the Madison General Ordinances. The Department of Civil Rights is responsible for ensuring that the rights of all people are respected and that all persons are given the equal opportunities to succeed based upon their personal merits. The Department of Civil Rights is a resource for the community, not just City employees. Learn more about Civil Rights, its programs and services it can connect you with in the community on the City of Madison Department of Civil Rights website.

• View the video slideshow of event

Original source can be found here.