03-28-2016 Council Work Session Packet

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MEMORANDUM TO: ORONO CITY COUNCIL FROM: CORREY FARNIOK, ORONO POLICE CHIEF SUBJECT: Sensitivity and Bias Training DATE: MARCH 28, 2016 In October of 2015 Commissioner Lindsey spoke to the Orono Police Department related to sensitivity and bias training. During that presentation it was recommended that we continue this discussion with staff and City Council so the message comes to our leadership as well. Commissioner Lindsey will be attending the work session to provide training on the nationally elevated topic of bias. His biography for your information: Kevin Lindsey, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights Kevin Lindsey was appointed Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights in February 2011. He had previously served as a civil litigation attorney in the Office of the Ramsey County Attorney, and has 20 years of experience in resolving complex legal and public policy questions. As Commissioner, Lindsey is responsible for a department whose mission is to make Minnesota discrimination free. The Department of Human Rights enforces the Minnesota Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, religion, color, creed, nationality, age, disability, sexual orientation and other characteristics protected under the Act. Discrimination is prohibited in employment, housing, public accommodations, public services, business, credit and other areas. Commissioner Lindsey is also committed to calling upon government agencies to collaborate more closely to address racial and economic disparities. Governor Dayton has asked the department to play a prominent role in improving diversity in hiring and diverse contracting opportunities among state agencies. As part of that process, the department is conducting an evaluation of diversity across agencies and assessing affirmative action efforts and best practices.