Human Rights Commission

The Human Rights Commission works to promote fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all residents. It studies issues related to discrimination and bias, advises city leaders on policies and solutions, and advocates for civil and human rights.

The Commission collaborates with community partners, gathers and analyzes information, supports education and prevention efforts, and addresses concerns such as bias crimes and unequal treatment. It also provides recommendations and guidance to improve human relations and strengthen equity across the city.

Membership

The Human Rights Commission is a seven-member board appointed by the mayor. The commission is comprised of the following members:

Name	Role /Task Force
Jane McQueeny	Chair (Business/Labor)
Nicole Price	Youth and Education
Candace Ladd	—
Courtney Sommer	—
Cynthia J. Johnson	—
Darius Diamond	—

Meetings

Regular Meetings

When: Third Wednesday of each month
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

The Commission may also hold:

Task Force meetings
Administrative hearings
Special meetings as needed

All meetings and agendas are publicly posted by the City Clerk’s Office.

👉 View upcoming meetings

Location

Civil Rights & Equal Opportunities (CREO) Department
Alvin Brooks Board Room
City Hall, 4th Floor
414 E. 12th St., Suite 404
Kansas City, MO 64106

Administrative Hearings

Under the City’s civil rights ordinance, cases may be referred to the Commission for administrative hearings when:

The CREO Department finds probable cause of discrimination, and
Mediation between parties is unsuccessful

Hearing Process

A hearing examiner conducts the proceeding
The examiner may subpoena witnesses and manage discovery similar to a circuit court judge
The City Attorney represents the City
The responding party may have legal representation

Outcomes

The hearing examiner may issue:

Findings of fact
Legal conclusions
Remedies, including compensatory or punitive damages

History

1940s: Kansas City established its first Mayor’s Human Relations Commission to address segregation
1950s–1960s: The Commission worked alongside civil rights organizations such as NAACP and CORE
1968: Following civil unrest after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, the City created the Human Relations Department and codified the Commission
1981:
- The Civil Rights Board was created to handle discrimination complaints
- The Commission was restructured as a seven-member advisory body
1989: Missouri authorized charter cities to enforce state anti-discrimination laws locally
1994: The current Human Rights Commission structure was established under the City’s Civil Rights Ordinance

Today, the Commission has both advisory and adjudicatory authority, as defined by Missouri state law, to hear and decide discrimination cases, while city law gives it the ability to study issues and recommend solutions.

Powers & Responsibilities

Under City Code (Chapter 38), the Commission is authorized to:

Establish rules and procedures
Publish an annual report on discrimination, bias, and human relations
Form and oversee task forces
Investigate hate crimes and bias incidents
Collaborate with law enforcement, schools, and community organizations
Conduct research and public education initiatives
Advocate for policies that promote equity and inclusion
Hold hearings and review discrimination cases
Recommend legislation and policy improvements

Task Forces

Task Forces focus on key areas of community concern. Meeting times vary and are publicly posted.

Business & Labor Task Force

Focuses on workforce equity, reducing discrimination, and supporting the transition to self-sufficiency through training and employer engagement.

Gender Equity Task Force

Works to eliminate discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations, with a focus on LGBTQ+ rights and community awareness.

Law Enforcement Task Force

Promotes effective community-oriented policing by strengthening trust and collaboration between law enforcement and residents.

Communications & Media Relations Task Force

Addresses media bias, stereotyping, and representation. Provides a forum to evaluate reporting practices and recommend equitable coverage.

Religion Task Force

Focuses on protecting religious expression and engaging faith communities in promoting tolerance and inclusion.

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