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Speakers urge Tompkins County to sustain Office of Human Rights
Summary
Public commenters, including volunteers with the Human Rights Commission, told the Tompkins County Legislature that the office’s recent reopening is serving high demand for discrimination complaints, housing and student crises and asked the legislature to preserve its hours and staff.
Public commenters at the April 15 Tompkins County Legislature meeting urged lawmakers to maintain and support the county’s Office of Human Rights. Peaches Gillette, who described volunteering there at least once or twice a week, said the reopened office has become “a real hub for people to come and sit face to face.”
Peaches Gillette said the office helps residents navigate discrimination and provides direct, face-to-face assistance that callers and visitors find comforting. “I love what I do,” she said, describing taking calls and guiding people through complaints about housing and job discrimination.
Pei Sayinka, who identified herself as a volunteer with the Human Rights Commission, told legislators the commission holds office hours twice weekly and is fielding a steady stream of requests, including assistance with school-based racism incidents and housing crises. She said commissioners train interns, provide legal-direction referrals and “we are backing them up with resources, support, accountability.”
Legislators thanked commenters and noted the county administration will present plans so the community can be assured the office’s services continue during a transition in leadership. Several legislators stressed the emotional as well as practical value of the office’s in-person services.
The public comment period preceded multiple committee reports and votes at the meeting. The speakers’ requests were referred to county administration for follow-up and potential budget or staffing proposals.
