On Tuesday, March 26, Mayor LaToya Cantrell signed an executive order establishing an Office of Human Rights and Equity. The office will house the Human Relations Commission in addition to the city’s Equity Office and the LGBTQ+ Liason.
“The Mayor’s Office of Human Rights and Equity will ensure that underrepresented residents have a voice in City Hall,” Mayor Cantrell said. “I am charging them to deliver results and reduce the disparities that exist in our City, and to help provide positive outcomes in the lives of all of our residents.”
Vincenzo Pasquantonia, leader of the New Orleans Human Relations Commission will lead the new office. “This office underscores the Mayor’s deep commitment to human rights and equitable governance. Its establishment will help better coordinate our efforts to promote human rights and embed equitable practices that will achieve measurable results,” Pasquantonio said.
According to the Office of Human Rights and Equity website, its current initiatives include:
- Fighting discrimination
- Promoting equity within City Hall
- Mediation
- Outreach and training
- Monuments
- LGBTQ+ task force
- Welcoming cities
Jenn Bentley is a writer and editor originally from Cadiz, Kentucky. Her writing has been featured in publications such as The Examiner, The High Tech Society, FansShare, Yahoo News, and others. When she’s not writing or editing, Jenn spends her time raising money for Extra Life and advocating for autism awareness.
