Bloomington Human Rights Commission Seeks Human Rights Award Nominations

Bloomington, Ind. - The Bloomington Human Rights Commission is seeking nominations for its 2019 Human Rights Award.  Nominations of individuals or groups who have made specific, significant contributions to improving civil rights, human relations or civility in our community are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, December 7, 2018.

The BHRC especially welcomes nominations demonstrating success in ensuring rights to equal access to housing, employment or education, in ensuring equal access to community life for people with disabilities and nominations of people or organizations who have done exemplary work and advocacy in increasing civility and tolerance in our community.

“Social justice is pursued and maintained in Bloomington thanks to the tireless efforts of everyone from high schoolers to senior citizens, from those in faith communities, non-profits and the media,” said Mayor John Hamilton.  “In a year when we have been heartbroken by the persistence of hate crimes around the nation and the world, folks in Bloomington continue to practice compassion and put it into action. The City relishes the opportunity to commend these individuals and groups for the effort they make to keep our community welcoming and inclusive.”

Some past recipients include PRIDE, the Downtown Resource Officers, Bloomington High School North, Bloomington United, New Leaf/New Life, Charlie Dupree and Virginia Hall for their work on behalf of Trinity Episcopal Church, Clarence and Frances Gilliam, the Council for Community Accessibility, Congressman Frank McCloskey, WFHB Radio, Doug Bauder, Lillian Casillas, Helen Harrell and the Rev. Bill Breeden.

Bloomington’s human rights record has received national recognition.  For the last four years, Bloomington has been awarded a perfect score by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) on the Municipal Equality Index (MEI).  The index evaluates how well a city supports the LGBTQ+ people who live and work there through its laws, policies, and services.

The recipient(s) of the BHRC’s Human Rights Award  will be honored at a public ceremony. Nomination forms are available online, or through the Bloomington Human Rights Commission, at human.rights@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3429.

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