By the Topeka Capital-Journal, May 20, 2010
Topekans Against Discrimination will hold a "Rally to Save the Topeka Human Relations Commission" at 11:30 a.m. May 29 in front of the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, 1515 S.E. Monroe.
City leaders, people involved with the human relations commission, and other supporters of civil rights enforcement in and by the city of Topeka will call for the continuation and funding of the city's human relations department.
The rally is in response to city manager Norton Bonaparte's announcement Tuesday that as a cost-cutting measure, he would ask the city council to abolish the human relations department and terminate the jobs of its three employees.
Bonaparte said he proposes the city still maintain its nine-person, volunteer human relations commission, which would continue to offer such services as public forums, education and outreach opportunities.
Ensuring fair and equal rights for all Topekans in the areas of housing, employment and public accommodation is the mission of both the human relations commission and department. The city department employs a director, an office assistant and a civil rights investigator.
The public is invited to the rally and bring lawn chairs. If the weather is inclement, the rally will be at 2 p.m. May 29 at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th.