Staff: Dianne Stuart | 828-438-5253 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Human Relations Commission serves as as an advisory board to the City Council and studies problems in the city relating to relationships among individuals and groups of all kinds, and to make recommendations to the city council and city manager for the betterment of such relationships within the community. The Commission also works to promote mutual understanding and foster equality and respect among all racial, religious, national and ethnic groups in the community and among persons of all economic and educational status, and generally throughout the entire community so as to prevent discriminatory practices in every respect.
Sec. 2-7160 - ARTICLE O. - HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
The Commission was established in 1993. The city council declared that prejudice and the practice of discrimination against any individual or group because of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, or religious affiliation, both perceived and real, may menace the peace and public welfare. To eliminate such prejudice and discrimination, as well as perceptions that arise from a multi-racial society, a commission should be established through which the citizens of Morganton may be kept informed of developments in human relations, the officers and departments of the city may obtain advice and assistance concerning practices to keep peace and good order and private persons and groups may be officially encouraged to promote tolerance and goodwill to all people.
The public is welcome to attend regular Commission meetings as well. The Commission meets the fourth Tuesday of every month with business beginning at 5:30 PM. Locations may vary, so visit the City’s website and Facebook pages for locations and agendas.
Members
The Human Relations Commission shall consist of 12 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
5/2021 - Rev. Wayne Johnson, Chairperson
5/2021 - Capt. Jason Whisnant, Public Safety Rep.
5/2022 - Gale Jones, Vice-Chairperson
5/2021 - Francisco Risso
5/2021 – Stefonia Vaught
5/2023 – Pat Erwin
5/2023 – Jane Gantt
5/2023 – Sharley Mendoza
5/2023 - Juan Monroy
5/2023 – Jennifer Moua
5/2022 - Seth P. Hunt
5/2022 - Tricia Evans-Hunt
5/2022 - Alice Horton / Rosemary Ohnesorge
2020/2021 - Freedom High School Representative - Daniela Rodriguez
2020/2021 - Patton High School Representative - Jared Maksoud
Rus Scherer, Human Resources Director, City Staff / Ex-Officio
Dianne Stuart, Human Resources Specialist, City Staff
