At the Jan. 13 meeting of the City of Urbana Human Rights Commission, Office of Human Rights and Equity staff (Carla) reported two open formal complaints alleging employment discrimination with a basis of race.

Carla said the commission had received an initial response in one case and that the complainant will submit rebuttal documentation. In the second case, the respondent requested a 30‑day extension to submit requested documents; OHRE staff said the complainant had been informed. Carla also described several informal inquiries: a potential housing complaint involving the Champaign Urbana tenant union (the inquirer is gathering documents and deciding whether to file), a public‑accommodation inquiry that the person ultimately decided not to pursue, and an employment inquiry where the employer was outside Urbana’s jurisdiction and staff provided referral guidance.

Carla summarized office activity and outreach: staff attended the Urbana Police Department promotional ceremony on Dec. 10; she and Chair Anne Panthen will speak to the DEI committee at Clark-Lindsey on Jan. 16 to highlight OHRE and HRC work and promote board and commission vacancies. Carla announced community events: the MLK celebration presented by the MLK Advocacy for Justice Committee and county partners on Sunday, Jan. 18 at 5 p.m. at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (Foellinger Hall) and a Unity Breakfast on Monday, Jan. 19 at 8 a.m. at the Vineyard Church (Lincoln & Bradley). Carla closed with a short recitation of moments in civil-rights history included in her report.

Next steps: OHRE will continue intake and investigation work on the two formal complaints and will notify the commission of material developments.