Human Relations Commission

MEMBERS

  • Melissa Schaffner
    • January 2022 - December 2024
  • Joe Shakeenab        
    • January 2022 - December 2024
  • Denise Smith-Martinez 
    • January 2022 - December 2024
  • Armi Rhodes       
    • June 2023 - June 2025
  • Catarino Guzman
    • January 2022 - December 2024
  • Ebony Parsons
    • April 2022 - March 2025
  • Jose Vazques       
    • July 2023 - June 2026

EX-OFFICIO

  • Joe Pitts        City Mayor 
  • Michelle Lowe    Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer

Members appointed in accordance with the provisions of City Code Sec. 1.5-1602
(ORDINANCE 15-2012-13, November 1, 2012). Seven (7) total voting members and two (2)non-voting ex-officio members. Six (6) voting members shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to City Council approval. In addition to the six (6) voting members appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council, the Mayor shall also appoint as a voting member one (1) member of the City Council. The Mayor of the City of Clarksville and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, shall serve as non-voting ex-officio members of the Human Relations Commission; three year terms; two term limit.

CONTACT

Michelle Lowe
hrc@cityofclarksville.com.

OUR PURPOSE

  • Organize educational programs for Clarksville residents and City employees on subjects

    dedicated to the enhancement of human relations, such as discrimination; diversity; cultural sensitivity; bullying; mediation; problem solving; City employment; City bidding; or anti- discrimination, employment, housing, or police conduct laws. 

  • Organize an educational program dedicated to the enhancement of human relations for a City governmental unit once the head of the unit consents to the educational program.

  • Identify and meet with leaders of social, economic, racial, ethnic, gender, and religious groups within the City.

  • Make recommendations to, and consult with, educational institutions, local and national civil rights organizations, and community groups to foster better human relations.

  • Consult with state and federal agencies regarding laws and policies addressing discrimination and other human relations issues.

MEETING OBJECTIVES

  • Partnership- It is important that we view our relationship with the City as a positive

    partnership to help improve our city’s diversity. We will work to be inclusive of the city departments in regards to feedback, planning, and collaboration.

  • Marketing- develop marketing pieces that can be useful to city department heads and the

    general public with regards to diversity initiatives.

  • Community Involvement- Make use of events that help promote our work within the community. An annual calendar of events and participation should be set at the beginning of each year; Submit Calendar of Events form. Human Relations Commission (HRC) should look to partner with organizations that may be able to help us meet goals.

  • Continuing Education- HRC will network with other HRC’s in State, attend conferences, and become familiar with matters in the City of Clarksville that will assist in our work. Each member will commit to focusing on one area of diversity to contribute ideas to a strategic plan of the HRC.

CITY OF CLARKSVILLE TITLE VI POLICY

No person shall, on the grounds of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Any person who believes they have been discriminated against under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act should contact:
Debbie Smith Title VI Coordinator
1 Public Square
Clarksville, TN 37040
Phone: 931-221-0741