The ordinance was originally proposed back in April, but after receiving feedback from the community on how the ordinance would be enforced -- the community relations commission went back to make necessary adjustments and these changes were presented to the commission on Tuesday. Here is Stacy Stout from the City of Grand Rapids, explaining the changes to the ordinance.
“We expanded definitions sections for clarity and transparency, we refined prohibitions on discrimination and identified four primary areas, we added the bias crime reporting prohibition and made it a civil infraction.”
During the presentation, Grand Rapids Chief of Police, Eric Payne, said the changes to the ordinance proposed would include providing training to police officers and dispatch staff.
“This is, will hopefully impact those that have hate in their hearts for whatever group that is out there that they solely call us to intervene in something that’s not criminal in nature.”
The ordinance outlines what discriminatory employment and housing practices entail; and provides a process for residents to file a complaint. If someone is found to have violated the ordinance they could face a civil infraction of up to $500.
The ordinance will be considered for adoption later this month, and if approved the ordinance would be effective as of December 1.
Michelle Jokisch Polo, WGVU news.
