Human Rights Commission

regular meetingsHuman Rights Commission

  • 5:30 PM
  • 4th Monday of each month
  • Fitchburg Legislative Building, 700 Main Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420

agendas & minutes

View most recent agendas and minutes

CURRENT COMMISSIONERS

  • Barbara Nealon - Chairperson
  • Hafsa Asfa 
  • Maryam Ashraf
  • Jamie Darcangelo
  • Adrian Ford
  • Dr. Maritza Knight
  • Cheryl Maguy-Stewart
  • April Maldonado
  • David Roth
  • Senovia Sandrelli
  • Alhana Wagner, Associate
  • Susan Davis, Director of Human Resources/City Liaison

Purpose & Responsibilities

The Human Rights Commission works to protect and preserve the constitutional, civil and human rights of all people in the City of Fitchburg. The Commission’s objectives are to eliminate unlawful discrimination, provide education about human rights issues in our city and to collaborate with diverse individuals and groups in order to promote tolerance and mutual respect. 

The Human Rights Commission is tasked with: 

  • Coordinating with community agencies representing various socioeconomic and ethnic groups in advocating for the human rights of their constituents
  • Coordinating with municipal departments to increase compliance with pertinent local, state, and federal laws
  • Investigating complaints of unlawful treatment, harassment or discrimination
  • Promoting public awareness of human rights issues through educational activities 
  • Providing information to the public about civil rights

The Commission's function shall be to further the goals, aims and purposes of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination as established by General Laws Chapter 6 section 56, and to enforce Chapters 151B and 151C and Chapter 272 section 92A and 98, subject to the provisions of Chapter 3 Article 28 of the City Code. 

ORGANIZATION

The Human Rights Commission is comprised of 9 volunteer residents and 2 associate volunteer residents. The associate volunteer shall have the authority to vote on matters before the Commission in the absence of a Commissioner or in the case of a conflict of interest by a Commissioner. Each volunteer’s term is three years. Volunteers are appointed by the Mayor and subject to approval by the City Council.