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Human Rights Commission reports lower complaints, staffing gaps and outreach plans
Summary
The Duluth Human Rights Commission briefed the council on its role, recent activity and staffing. Commissioners reported fewer formal complaints this year, described outreach and listening sessions, and said they are recruiting members and working with the newly hired Human Rights Officer.
The Duluth Human Rights Commission presented an update to the City Council on its work, complaint volumes and community outreach. Naomi Ostrander, chair of the Human Rights Commission, and commissioner Luis Angel Islas Navarro reviewed the commission’s charge, staffing, complaint intake and community events.
Ostrander said the commission operates under a city ordinance that charges it with promoting cultural diversity and eliminating discrimination. She described the commission’s process for human-rights complaints: initial intake by the Human Rights and Equity Officer, review by a finance committee comprised of the officer and three commissioners, and follow-up by the officer when the committee decides action is needed. Ostrander said the commission has been active in community events and partnerships and that reporting materials and a complaint form are available on the city website.
Commissioners told the council the office experienced a staffing gap after the previous Human Rights Officer left in March 2024; Doctor Marcia Lu was hired in February 2025 and is now on staff. Ostrander thanked Laura Lekkonen for interim support during the vacancy. Ostrander said the commission ideally has nine members but currently has six and is recruiting for the remaining seats.
Ostrander cited comparative complaint counts: “Last year… we had 42 cases,” she said, and later noted this year’s intake figures: “We had 22 cases that were heard by the finance committee. We had 35 that didn't go to the finance committee for various reasons.” She described the most common complaint areas as employment, disability and mental-health resources and said the absence of a Human Rights Officer for a time likely contributed to lower formal filings this year.
The commission listed recent and upcoming initiatives: training and meetings with the State Human Rights Commission; outreach events such as a “color with commission” activity; and a recent session with Duluth Police Department about ICE enforcement and community responses. The commission said it will hear an annual report from ISD 709 at a future meeting on disproportionate student suspension rates and that it plans to organize listening sessions and more community engagement beginning in September.
Councilors asked for meeting times and application information: Ostrander said the commission meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 5:30–6:30 p.m., and that application materials are on the city website and were also shared via a QR code in the presentation. Council members thanked the commissioners for their work and encouraged recruitment to reach full membership.
No formal action was taken on this presentation.
