Authority: SRC Chapter 8, SRC Chapter 97

Number of members: 15

Type of appointment: City Council appointment

Length of term: 3 years

Human Rights Commission Overview

The Human Rights Commission advises the City Council on issues related to human rights and community relations. This Board helps residents by listening to and resolving complaints about discrimination. It also promotes harmony among all community members. The Commission has a special group called the LGBTQIA+ Intersectional Committee, which focuses on the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals in our community.

Importance of the Commission

The work of the Human Rights Commission is important because it helps create a fair and welcoming environment for everyone in Salem. By addressing discrimination and promoting understanding, the Commission ensures that all residents feel safe and valued. This leads to a stronger and more united community.

Membership

Members of the Commission apply and are appointed by the mayor. They serve for three years. It is important that members represent the residents of Salem. All members are volunteers and do not receive payment. The Commission elects a chair and a vice chair to lead their meetings.

Time Commitment

Members usually spend about four hours each month on Commission activities. This includes attending monthly meetings, participating in subcommittee and task force meetings, joining community events, and working on special projects.

Community Surveys

In 2023, more than 500 community members took part in the Community Belonging Survey, which was conducted with help from Western Oregon University. This is the fifth year the survey has been done. In the past, it was called the Discrimination Survey. The Community Engagement Task Force of the Human Rights Commission, led by Commissioner Lara Midkiff, works closely with Western Oregon University to create the survey. Read the Executive Summary here.

Surveys and Other Commission Materials

• Equity Asks and Lens
• June 2020 Statement by Human Rights Commission
• 2022 Discrimination Survey Research Report
• 2022 Discrimination Survey Results
• 2022 Discrimination Survey Presentation
• 2023 Community Belonging Survey
• 2024 Community Belonging Survey
• 2025 Community Belonging Survey

Other Details

Meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Special meetings, complaint hearings, and forums may be held as needed.

The Salem Police Department LGBTQIA+ Liaison is Debra Aguilar, Lieutenant. She can be reached at 503-588-6425.

The Mayor/City Manager’s Office LGBTQIA+ Liaison is Gretchen Bennett, Human Rights and Relations/Federal Compliance Manager. She can be reached at 503-540-2371 or 711 for relay.

The Salem Human Rights Commission joined the Mano a Mano Family Center, League of Women Voters, and the American Association of University of Women in holding an event titled Salem Speaks Up! to commemorate the anniversary of the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

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The Salem Human Rights Commission offers updates including the meeting agenda, events or relevant topics. Sign up to receive commission updates

Cultural Competency Noncredit Certificate

People and organizations can increase diversity, equity and inclusion skills through the Chemeketa Community College Cultural Competency Noncredit Certificate.

“As the Chair for the LGBTQIA+ Intersectional Task Force (now committee), a sub-committee of the Salem Human Rights Commission, I know the importance of learning about systems of oppression, how we unintentionally hold up those systems, and evaluating our own biases," said Kelsey Murray. "Chemeketa Community College's Cultural Competency Certificate gives students the opportunity to learn and explore the various cultures that make up our great communities.”

“As a commissioner on the City of Salem Human Rights Commission and a member of the LGBTQIA+ Intersectional Rights Taskforce (now committee), I uphold the desire of the City of Salem 'that every individual shall have an equal opportunity to participate fully in the life of the City,'" said Laura Fouts. "To achieve this, discriminatory barriers must be broken down and removed. An important step that individuals can take to partner in this work is to build their own cultural competency. Cultural competence encourages acknowledgement and acceptance of differences in appearance, culture and behavior. Chemeketa Community College’s Cultural Competency Certificate is a great place to start!”

Rules & Bylaws

Salem Human Rights Commission Bylaws

Commission Members

Agendas