West Hartford Town Council Expands Jurisdiction of Human Rights Commission

In a meeting marked with a light agenda, the West Hartford Town Council on Tuesday unanimously expanded the jurisdiction of the town’s Human Rights Commission.

The commission, which has been dormant for the last several years, has had an infusion of activity recently, including a request by member David Knishkowy to update its charge to reflect the protections offered by state law, according to Corporation Counsel Joe O’Brien.

O’Brien said that the commission was formed in the 1970s and, since then, state law has now expanded to prevent discrimination against other protected classes, including sexual orientation and marital status.

In an interview after the vote, Human Rights Commission members Fiona Mohring and Margaret Liu said that they looked forward to reinvigorating the commission.

Mohring said that she hoped to have the commission work with town agencies to help residents who speak languages other than English.

Liu added that she hoped the commission would create “synergies” with town groups for events such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Day remembrance.

“We want to be the eyes and ears for the council,” Liu said.