The Human Rights Commission is a seven-member board appointed by the mayor. The commission is comprised of the following members:

• Jane McQueeny, Chairman / Business and Labor Task Force
• Jasmin Abou-Kassem, Religion Task Force
• To be announced, Bias Crimes Task Force
• Alice Kitchen, Gender Equity Task Force
• Elliott Scott, Communications and Media Task Force
• Dr. Nicole Price, Youth and Education Task Force
• One vacancy 

Learn more about the task forces, powers, and history of the commission.

Learn more about Gay and Lesbian Resources.

Human Rights Commission Meetings

Public Human Rights Commission meetings are on the third Thursday of each month from noon to 1:00 PM. The Commission holds Taskforce, Administrative Hearings, and special meetings when necessary. The City Clerk’s Office publicizes all public Human Rights Commission meetings and the proposed meeting agenda. The Human Rights Commission holds its meetings at:

City of Kansas City, MO
Civil Rights & Equal Opportunities (CREO) Department 
City Hall, Alvin Brooks Board Room, 4th floor
414 E. 12th St.
Kansas City, MO 64106

Human Rights Commission Administrative Hearings

The City’s civil rights ordinance permits the director of the Human Relations Department to refer cases to the Human Rights Commission to be set for administrative hearings. Cases are set for hearings, after the departments determine that there is allegedly probable cause that discrimination occurred, and were unable to facilitate an agreement between the parties.

A hearing examiner then conducts an administrative hearing. The hearing examiner may subpoena witnesses and has the same responsibilities and authority concerning discovery as circuit court judges. An attorney, at the hearing, may represent the defending party while the City Attorney represents the City’s interest. After the proceedings, the hearing examiner will make findings of fact and conclusions of law and may grant relief in the form of compensatory or punitive damages as is deemed necessary.