Governor Crist Reappoints Billy Whitefox Stall to the Florida Commission on Human Relations

Governor Charlie Crist has reappointed Billy Whitefox Stall of Panama City as a Commissioner of the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR). Upon Senate approval, Whitefox Stall will serve a term expiring September 30, 2012.

“We are pleased to continue working with Commissioner Whitefox Stall to ensure that civil rights remains a top priority in Florida,” said Derick Daniel, Executive Director of the Commission.

The Commission consists of 12 commissioners of various racial, religious, ethnic, social, economic, political and professional groups within the state, all appointed to four-year terms by the Governor subject to Senate approval.

The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education, outreach and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination through teaching best practices and fostering cultural understanding in communities statewide.

For more information, please visit http://fchr.state.fl.us .

Governor Crist Reappoints Gayle Cannon to the Florida Commission on Human Relations

Governor Charlie Crist has reappointed Gayle Cannon of Lake City as a Commissioner of the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR). Upon Senate approval, Cannon will serve a term expiring September 30, 2012.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to continue our work with Commissioner Cannon,” said Derick Daniel, Executive Director of the Commission. “Her proven dedication and commitment to human relations and civil rights will continue to provide us with a valuable perspective to integrate into our agency. I look forward to working with her to improve the quality of life for the people of Florida.”

Commissioner Cannon has worked for the Brevard County Commission on the Status of Women and the National Association of Commissions of Women League of Women Voters. She is also an advocate for children and is involved with the Guardian Ad Litem program.

The Commission consists of 12 commissioners of various racial, religious, ethnic, social, economic, political and professional groups within the state, all appointed to four-year terms by the Governor subject to Senate approval.

The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education, outreach and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination through teaching best practices and fostering cultural understanding in communities statewide.

For more information, please visit http://fchr.state.fl.us .

Governor Crist Reappoints Dr. Donna Elam to the Florida Commission on Human Relations

Governor Charlie Crist has reappointed Dr. Donna Elam of Orlando as a Commissioner of the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR). Upon Senate approval, Dr. Elam will serve a three-year term expiring September 30, 2012.

“This year, the Commission is celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the agency’s creation,” said Derick Daniel, Executive Director of the Commission. “It is people like Commissioner Elam who have made the Commission such a successful organization over the past four decades through hard work and dedication to the people of Florida. Her passion and accomplishments are exemplary, and we are very pleased to continue to work with her for the next three years.”

Dr. Elam is the Associate Director of Program Development and External Affairs for the College of Education at the University of South Florida. She has served on the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Diversity Task Force, on the Board of Directors for the Florida Institute for Policing and on the Executive Board for Peace Institute in Broward County. Dr. Elam has educated thousands of professionals nationally and across the globe on integrating cultural competency into educational curriculums. She is the author of “Why They Marched: The Struggle for the Right to Vote” and “New Directions for Culturally Competent Leadership; Implications for Policy and Practice.”

The Commission consists of 12 commissioners of various racial, religious, ethnic, social, economic, political and professional groups within the state, all appointed to four-year terms by the Governor subject to Senate approval.

The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education, outreach and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination through teaching best practices and fostering cultural understanding in communities statewide.

For more information, please visit http://fchr.state.fl.us .

Governor Crist Appoints Lizzette Gamero to the Florida Commission on Human Relations

Governor Charlie Crist has appointed Lizzette Gamero of Palm Beach as a Commissioner of the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR). Upon Senate approval, Ms. Gamero will serve a term expiring September 30, 2010.

We are so pleased to welcome Lizzette Gamero to the Commission,” said Derick Daniel, Executive Director of the Commission. “Her experience and passion will play an instrumental role in our efforts to improve the state of Florida for all who live and work here.”

Lizzette Gamero is currently on the board of the Palm Beach County Disaster Recovery Coalition. She has dedicated the last fifteen years to the people of Florida through community outreach and education, including providing disaster recovery assistance to survivors of hurricanes Rita, Wilma, Katrina and delivering presentations on environmental education, sexual education and disaster preparedness. Currently, Gamero works as the Planning and Preparedness Coordinator for the Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter of the American Red Cross.

The Commission consists of 12 commissioners of various racial, religious, ethnic, social, economic, political and professional groups within the state, all appointed to four-year terms by the Governor subject to Senate approval.

The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education, outreach and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination through teaching best practices and fostering cultural understanding in communities statewide.

For more information, please visit http://fchr.state.fl.us .

High School Students Express Their Views on Discrimination

The Florida Commission on Human Relations is pleased to announce the winners of the “Discrimination Through the Eyes of Our Youth” video public service announcement (PSA) contest. The contest invited high school students around the state to create 25 second PSAs on the topic of discrimination.

“We are very pleased with the contest entries we received and would like to thank all of the teachers and students who participated and worked so hard to make this contest a success,” said Dr. Donna Elam, Chairperson of the Commission. “It is so important to give young people a voice and empower them to speak out on the realities of discrimination. This contest gave our future leaders an outlet to help in eliminating this type of behavior while educating the public on these pressing issues.”

Congratulations to our contest winners!

Commission District One (northeast Florida)

• First Place – “Unity in the Community” by John Davis, Justin Cormier, and Micah Keiser of Godby High School (Tallahassee)
• Second Place – “Elimination of Discrimination” by Sunny Patel and Younis Naser of Godby High School (Tallahassee)
• Third Place – “Don’t Discriminate” by Chi-Valry Wu of Godby High School (Tallahassee)

 Commission District Two (northwest Florida)

• First Place – “Equal Rights” by Kasie Cheney, Crissi DeJiulio, Luiz Cruz, and Johnathan Tant of Belleview High School (Belleview)
• Second Place – “Duct Tape” by Chelsea Christy, Stephanie Polanco, Michael Rivera, and Justin Peacock of Dunnellon High School (Dunnellon)
• Third Place – “Don’t Discriminate” by Mercedes Abels and Debbie Crews of Cedar Creek Christian School (Jacksonville)

Commission District Three (central Florida)

• First Place – “We’re Not That Different” by Joseph White, Brianna Waggett, Cassi Finch, Chelsea Flanagan, and Ryan Fried of Dunedin High School (Dunedin)
• Second Place – “See the Similarities. Embrace the Differences.” by Élisse Jean-Pierre, Ashira Pelt, Sandra Massillon and Fernanda Pierre of Hillsborough High School (Tampa)
• Third Place – “My Great Movie” by Katie Mccoy, Nikki Brzozowski, Elizabeth Tolentio, and Siara Jones of Lake Brantley High School (Altamonte Springs)

Commission District Four (south Florida)

• First Place – “Equality” by Liliana Garcia, Nicole Mcinnis, Chrystal Llanusa, Nicole Glick, and Shanique Castro of Archbishop McCarthy High School (South West Ranches)
• Second Place – “Love in Black and White” by Vivian Chacon, Ingrid Torres, Estephany Avila, Karina Rico-Arango, Jean Hipolite, and Wanda Santillen of Miami Senior High School (Miami)
• Third Place – “Bullying” by Faby Moreau, Jessica Munoz, Liany Pacheao, Collette Conway, Rita Rubio, and Chris Short of Archbishop McCarthy High School (South West Ranches)

The Commission would also like to thank all of the contest media partners: Central Florida News 13 - Orlando, Miami Monthly Magazine – Miami, Ponte Vedra Recorder - Ponte Vedra, St. Petersburg Times Newspaper in Education - St. Petersburg, Tallahassee Democrat and Tallahassee.com – Tallahassee, WFTX - Ft. Myers, WTSP – Tampa, and WTWC – Tallahassee.

The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education, outreach and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination through teaching best practices and fostering mutual understanding in communities statewide.

Florida House and Senate Adopt Resolution Recognizing Fair Housing Month

On April 24, 2009, the Florida Senate adopted SR 944 (Senator Rudy Garcia-sponsor) and recently, the Florida House of Representatives adopted HR 9079 (Representative Luis Garcia-sponsor), which recognized April as Fair Housing Month and acknowledged that housing discrimination continues to plague Florida’s communities. The resolutions issue a call for action and encourage community leaders, public officials and citizens to come together to work to ensure fair housing for all.

“Unfortunately, there are many families in Florida being victimized by housing discrimination,” said Derick Daniel, Executive Director. “We are so pleased that the House and Senate have adopted these resolutions to shine a light on this important issue. Housing discrimination not only affects families, but it also affects communities and our state as a whole. During these tough times, any unnecessary and unjust hurdles to home buying or renting must be eliminated.”

The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act. The purpose of these laws is to protect the people of Florida from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status or familial status. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education, outreach and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination and foster mutual understanding in communities statewide.

For more information visit http://fchr.state.fl.us

Florida House and Senate Adopt Resolution Recognizing Commission’s Anniversary

Tallahassee – On March 5, the Florida Senate adopted SR 420 and the Florida House adopted HR 9017, which recognized the fortieth anniversary of the creation of the Florida Commission on Human Relations and commended the Commission on its many significant accomplishments. The resolution was sponsored by Senator Arthenia Joyner and Representative Geraldine Thompson.

“The Commission has spent the last forty years improving the lives of those who live and work in Florida. We are thrilled to be recognized for the hard work of the Commission over the past four decades,” said Derick Daniel, Executive Director. “We hope that the Commission’s anniversary will encourage people to learn about Florida’s civil rights laws, to get involved with their communities, and to create change for future generations.”

The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act. The purpose of these laws is to protect the people of Florida from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status or familial status. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education, outreach and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination and foster mutual understanding in communities statewide.

For more information visit http://fchr.state.fl.us

‘Discrimination Through the Eyes of Our Youth’

Tallahassee – As part of the Florida Commission on Human Relations’ 40th anniversary celebration, the Commission is inviting Florida’s high school students to create video public service announcements (PSAs) for the ‘ Discrimination Through the Eyes of Our Youth’ PSA Contest. This contest allows students to explore discrimination issues of the past and of today while allowing them to refine their artistic abilities.

“The Commission strongly believes in giving young people a voice and an opportunity to help change the discourse in Florida in terms of discrimination and intolerance. These issues continue to eat away at the quality of our lives,” said Derick Daniel, Executive Director of the Florida Commission on Human Relations. “Not only will this competition allow students to use their creative abilities, but the winning PSAs will be used to teach the public about the realities of discrimination in Florida.”

The ‘ Discrimination Through the Eyes of Our Youth’ PSA contest is open to all Florida students in grades 9-12. Complete contest information is available at http://fchr.state.fl.us/fchr/outreach/40th_anniversary_psa_contest . For more information, please contact Leah Barber-Heinz ( leah.barber@fchr.myflorida.com ) or Nakia Beasley ( nakia.beasley@fchr.myflorida.com ).

The Commission has partnered with local media outlets that will publicly recognize the contest winners and their PSAs. For a listing of our media partners, please visit our website (listed above).

The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education, outreach and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination through teaching best practices and fostering cultural understanding in communities statewide.

Commission on Human Relations celebrates 40 Years, Issues Call for Action (Press Release)

Tallahassee – The Florida Commission on Human Relations, Governor Charlie Crist, state and local public officials and community groups gathered today at the Capitol to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Florida Commission on Human Relations.

"My administration remains as committed as ever to ending discrimination and ensuring equality here in Florida," said Governor Crist. "The Commission on Human Relations is vital to these efforts, using education, outreach and partnerships to make Florida a place where people of all backgrounds can enjoy equal opportunities for happiness and success. Now more than ever, we must make equal opportunity for all a top priority so that our businesses can prosper and our communities can thrive."

The Florida Commission on Human Relations strives to eliminate discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and state employee whistleblower retaliation. During 2007-2008, the Commission received more employment complaints than in each of the past four years and more housing complaints than in each of the past eight years.

“Discrimination is on the rise nationally and in Florida. While we are so proud of the accomplishments of the Commission, we must continue to come together to stop the detrimental discrimination that continues to plague our state,” said Dr. Donna Elam, Chairperson of the Commission. “We look forward to working with Florida’s public officials, businesses and communities to ensure that equal access and fair treatment remain on the forefront.”

The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act. The purpose of these laws is to protect the people of Florida from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status or familial status. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education, outreach and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination and foster mutual understanding in communities statewide.

“The Commission has devoted the past forty years to the people of Florida,” said Derick Daniel, Executive Director of the Commission. “We are excited to celebrate this important anniversary with those who have worked with us in the past, and we look forward to forming new partnerships and creating awareness amongst Floridians.”

For more information, visit http://fchr.state.fl.us .

Celebrating Forty Years of Dedication and a Call for Action (Media Advisory)

Who: The Florida Commission on Human Relations (see below for a partial list of confirmed speakers/participants including public officials/VIPs)

What: 40th Anniversary Kick-off Press Conference:

Join FCHR Commissioners, Confirmed Speaker Governor Crist, state and local elected officials and community groups to kick off the Commission’s 40th anniversary celebration and to call for the participation of public officials, community leaders and the public in ensuring that fair treatment and equal opportunity remain on the forefront!

When: January 14, 2009

10:30 a.m.

Where: The Capitol Rotunda (plaza level-new Capitol)

400 South Monroe Street

Tallahassee, FL

The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act. The purpose of these laws is to protect the people of Florida from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status or familial status. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education, outreach and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination and foster mutual understanding in communities statewide.

For more information visit http://fchr.state.fl.us

Governor Crist (confirmed speaker)

Representative Thompson (confirmed speaker)

Senator Joyner (confirmed speaker)

Mayor Marks (confirmed speaker)

Representative Garcia (confirmed participant)

Representative Hukill (confirmed participant)

Representative Bullard (confirmed participant)

Mr. T .K. Wetherell – President of FSU (confirmed participant)

Leon County Commissioner Bob Rackleff (confirmed participant)

Leon County Commissioner Bryan Desloge (confirmed participant)

Secretary Linda South – Department of Management Services (DMS) (confirmed participant)

Chief Judge Robert Cohen – Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH) (confirmed participant)

Secretary Frank Peterman –Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (confirmed participant)

PERC –Chair Ms. Stephanie Williams Ray (confirmed participant)