Presenter
Presented by Ms. Carlilse
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WHEREAS, on November 30, 2005, the Commission on Human Relations will celebrate its 50th anniversary, by bringing together those persons who have volunteered thousands of hours in shared commitment to eliminate all forms of unlawful discrimination; and
WHEREAS, following World War II community leaders in the City of Pittsburgh recognized that our men and women of color who had served in the armed services were experiencing discrimination in their search for employment and housing. Discrimination prevents the gainful employment of large segments of the city's population, impairs the city's productive capacity, and imposes substantial financial burdens upon the public; and
WHEREAS, discrimination in housing often results in over-crowded, segregated areas lacking access to good schools, places of employment and diminished opportunities. In 1952 the City Council of Pittsburgh enacted an ordinance making it illegal to discriminate in employment. The Fair Employment Practices Commission established by City Council to administer this law, and the Civic Unity Council, established in 1946, were working toward many of the same goals, the two agencies were merged; and
WHEREAS, in 1955 the Commission on Human Relations was established and a long-standing policy of the City of Pittsburgh, in the exercise of its public safety powers, and for the maintenance of peace and good government, is the city's commitment to assure the right and opportunity of all persons to participate in the social, cultural, recreational and economic life of the city -- and that we must not take these rights for granted; and
WHEREAS, we recognize that discrimination is illegal, morally offensive and reprehensible. As duly elected representatives of the people, we must dedicate ourselves to work to insure that both our communities and our work places are open to all people; and
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NOW, THEREFORE, it is resolved that this Council does her...
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