Council approves three Human Rights Commission appointments; vote 8-1

The Columbus City Council approved three appointments to the Human Rights Commission at its March 18 meeting: the reappointment of Graciela Spencer for a three-year term through March 31, 2028; and new appointments of Janae Garner Kelly (to fill the remainder of an open term through March 31, 2026) and Cheryl Hernandez for a three-year term through March 31, 2028.

A council member moved to advance the three candidates; the motion received a second and passed on roll call. Recorded votes show eight council members voting aye and one voting no (Jay Boyce). The clerk read the appointments into the record before the vote.

After the vote, Cheryl Hernandez, who was present, introduced herself and said she is an attorney, described herself as a mother and crafter and said she dislikes injustice and looks forward to helping address discrimination in the local community. Staff said Human Rights Commission (HRC) staff will issue a full press release announcing the appointments in the coming days.

Why it matters: The Human Rights Commission handles local civil-rights and discrimination concerns; appointments shape the commission’s membership and capacity to accept cases and carry out outreach. One council member voted no; no explanation was recorded in the meeting minutes or transcript excerpt provided.

Council members recorded voting aye included Frank Miller, Kent Anderson, Jerome Wood, Elaine Hilber, Chris Bartels, Grace Kessler, Tom Dowell and Josh Burnett. Jay Boyce recorded a no vote.