Civil Rights Commission discusses accessibility in September meeting
CRC members comment on the federal mandate Title VI, as well as discuss other local and regional resources which could be helpful to the public.
On Sept. 11, Oxford’s Civil Rights Commission (CRC) met to discuss Title VI as well as increasing the commission’s accessibility to the public.
The CRC reviewed Title VI, a federal mandate established in 1964 for Oxford to receive federal funds. The purpose ensures that public funds provided by taxpayers do not support discriminatory activities in any form. As a recipient of the funds, the city must conform to all of Title VI’s regulations and requirements.
According to Jessica Greene, assistant city manager, “Title VI asks us to do a little more proactively making sure our community assessments are not past discrimination practices.”
“This involves making sure that when we do any activities receiving federal funds, we avoid and minimize adverse high human health or environmental effects,” she said.
The city of Oxford has expanded protected civil rights classes beyond the federal and state requirements, including gender identity.
The commission reviewed their ordinance, which upholds that CRC is responsible for investigating and conducting public hearings and meetings that pertain to the possibility of discrimination that may deprive anyone in Oxford of their civil rights.
Oxford city manager Doug Elliot believes the commission should make small edits to the ordinance’s wording to clarify the commissions’ role in the government.
A proposed change would include the phrase “may study and investigate other issues of discriminatory practices and make recommendations to City Council for policy changes.”
The commission is still clarifying these changes. With these proposed suggestions, individuals will still be able to submit complaints for the commission to review.
Greene suggested that instead of acting as a direct resource, the commission can connect citizens to external organizations like the Housing Opportunities Made Equal Cincy (HOME) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
“One of our thoughts is that they would be so much faster and more efficient to help someone,” said Greene. “Let’s get people connected to the organizations that have real authority to assist and take action.”
Additionally, the commission wants to invite representatives from their organizations to speak so the CRC can get a greater understanding of all their resources.
The CRC also wants to work with a Miami University disabilities studies class in the near future. In the class, students will conduct an American Disabilities Act (ADA) evaluation of Oxford and report their findings to their client, the CRC.
The commission additionally discussed the process of filing a complaint. The CRC stated that it is finding a way to online file complaint forms, instead of utilizing just a printed form.
The next meeting is set for Dec. 11, 2025.
