The Human Relations Forum was created by ordinance in July of 1997 in recognition of the Village's strong public policy against discrimination, bigotry and bias in any form. The ordinance provides that the purpose of the Forum will be to promote and encourage mutual respect, cooperation and understanding between all people who live or desire to live, work, visit or do business in the Village and to promote the lawful preservation of human rights of all citizens as guaranteed by ordinance, statutes and laws so as to maintain and foster a positive atmosphere that provides all individuals with an equal opportunity to grow, participate and share to the best of their ability in our economic educational, political, social and judicial system.
The Forum will encourage understanding and respect, acknowledge the value of diversity in the community and encourage openness in the Village to all persons, regardless of race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, natural origin, sexual orientation, marital status, personal status, military discharge status, source of income or housing status. The function and duties of the forum shall be to engage in the following activities when so directed by the Village Board or as the Forum otherwise believes such activities are appropriate:
- Act in an advisory capacity to Village President and Board of Trustees on human relations issues within the Village and upon specific matters as may be requested by the Village President or Board of Trustees;
- Provide a public forum for the community relations issues;
- Enlist aid of and consult with schools, religious institutions, service organizations, civic groups and public agencies to promote good will and understanding among people of the Village and to further human relations;
- Provide educational programs on human relations issues or practices of unlawful discrimination, conduct public meeting to aid in alleviating discrimination and bias and as a means of fostering positive human relations within the Village and issuing such publications that may assist in the performance of its functions.
Members of the Forum include:
- Deborah Cogan, Chairperson
- Keki Bhote, Village Board Representative
- Paula Alexander
- Margot Flanagin
- Joel Heifetz
- Peggy Wagner Kimble
- Pam Louik
- Rabbi Steven Lowenstein
- Karen Parker
- Hilary Price