AGENDA #3a(1)

The Human Relations Commission (HRC) shall be composed of twenty-three (23) members who shall normally serve for three-year terms.  The towns of Hillsborough, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro will each be allocated two (2) seats, with the remaining seventeen (17) considered “at large” seats with representation sought from the townships of Cheeks, Eno, Bingham, Little River, and Cedar Grove.  The governing bodies of Hillsborough, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro shall nominate persons to fill their seats, and the Orange County Board of Commissioners shall accept these nominations.  Any resident of Orange County is eligible for appointment by the Orange County Board of Commissioners.  Should the governing bodies choose not to make nomination, the Orange County Board of Commissioners may fill the seats from applications submitted to the County.  It is the intention of the Orange County Board of Commissioners to appoint Commission members known to favor the principles of equal opportunity, non-discrimination and the objectives of this title.

1. Seek to prevent and eliminate bias and discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, affectional preference, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance, by means of education, persuasion, conciliation and enforcement, and utilize all of the powers at its disposal to execute the provisions of this title.
2. Advise the Orange County Board of Commissioners with respect to matters relating to the Commission’s purpose.
3. Cooperate with and seek to advise and coordinate the activities of persons or groups interested in the objectives of this title.
4. Receive, or on the basis of its own information, initiate complaints alleging discrimination and conduct such investigations and inquiries as may reasonably appear necessary to find the facts with respect thereto.
5. Conduct public meetings and hearings, and gather and disseminate information to governmental agencies and to the public.