Health & Human Services backs outreach-and-education approach for Office of Human Rights, sends recommendation to full legislature

The Health & Human Services Committee reviewed multiple staffing and mission options for the Office of Human Rights after the previous director retired and the vacancy posting was paused. Committee members selected "option B," which would prioritize hiring an outreach-and-education coordinator, contract with local agencies for outreach and education, support the Human Rights Commission's activities, and evaluate outcomes over a one-year period before deciding whether a chartered director post is needed.

Pei (Payi) Soyinka Arole, chair of the Human Rights Commission, urged the legislature to reverse a committee decision she said "gutted" the office and to preserve a staffed, accessible presence for people seeking assistance. Committee chair Travis Brooks said the committee chose option B to allow a phased, accountable approach: "We felt putting that on pause and trying outreach first gives us a way to evaluate the need without committing to a director immediately," he said. The committee asked administration to draft a resolution for full-legislature consideration and stressed public notice and a full-body vote before any hiring or posting resumes.

Members also discussed the county’s rented office space for the OHR and recommended more predictable, accessible front-door hours if the office remains staffed. The legislature is expected to take up a formal resolution on staffing and location in January.