Human Relations Commission

HR logo - hands holding puzzle pieces

The City of Morganton’s Human Relations Commission (the HRC) strives to foster an open community by promoting understanding of human relations; investigating and studying problems, complaints, and specific situations, and make recommendations to the City to facilitate orderly change to solve issues of oppression, discrimination, and injustice.  Since its inception in 1993, the HRC has served as a conduit and an advisory board to the Mayor and City Council.  

While citizens can always reach out directly to their elected officials, they can also bring issues and concerns to the HRC by sending an email to HRC@Morgantonnc.gov  (please include your name, address, and contact information in all communications), mail to the HRC at P.O. Box 3448, Morganton, NC 28680-3448, or come by one of the monthly meetings.  

The Human Relations Commission shall consist of 12 to 16 members to be appointed by the mayor. The mayor shall seek the recommendation and advice of the council for appointments but shall not need the consent of the council to make appointments. Members serve three-year terms.

To the degree possible, appointments to the commission shall represent the racial, religious and ethnic makeup of the city. At least one member of the commission shall be a student at Freedom High School, at least one member shall be a student at Patton High School, and at least one member shall be a representative of the Morganton Public Safety Department.

If you are interested in serving on the HRC, submit an application to Renee Carswell at rccarswell@morgantonnc.gov or mail it to Renee Carswell at P.O. Box 3448, Morganton, NC 28680-3448. 

Meetings

The HRC typically meets the 4th Tuesday of every month with social time beginning at 5:15 PM and business beginning at 5:30 PM.  The meetings are usually in the Council Chambers at City Hall, but can vary throughout the City, so check the City website or call Dianne Stuart at (828) 438-5253 for more information. 

Members

The Human Relations Commission shall consist of 12 to 16 members to be appointed by the mayor. The mayor shall seek the recommendation and advice of the council for appointments but shall not need the consent of the council to make appointments. members serve three-year terms.
To the degree possible, appointments to the commission shall represent the racial, religious and ethnic makeup of the city. At least one member of the commission shall be a student at Freedom High School, at least one member shall be a student at Patton High School, and at least one member shall be a representative of the public safety department.

Term expires - Member

  • 5/3/2025 - Tianna Sims
  • 5/3/2025 - Charlita Lytle
  • 5/3/2025 - Tricia Evans-Hunt
  • 5/3/2025 - Gloria Chambers
  • 5/3/2026 - Jennifer K. Moua
  • 5/3/2026 - Juan H. Monroy
  • 5/3/2025 - Judy Brown
  • 5/3/2026 - Sharley Mendoza
  • 5/3/2026 - Lt. Tayler Alexander
  • 5/3/2024 - Rev. Wayne A. Johnson, Sr.
  • 5/3/2024 - Eric Hunsley
  • 2023/2024 - Freedom High School Representative - Malik Harris
  • 2023/2024 - Patton High School Representative - Nicholas Parlier
  • 2023/2024 - NCSSM - Christopher Pedro
  • Rus Scherer, Human Resources Director, City Staff / Ex-Officio
  • Dianne Stuart, Human Resources Specialist, City Staff