Since the early 1970s, the city has had a human rights ordinance banning racial, gender and sexual orientation-based discrimination. In fact, Ann Arbor was the first city in the nation to enact such an ordinance. The problem with the present rule is that it lacks the ability to punish its violators adequately - the worst castigation under the current ordinance is a one-time $500 fine.
Beyond the fine, those who think they are victims of discrimination may sue on their own behalf. This option is not often pursued, however, because plaintiffs have no guarantee of winning and the cost of losing is prohibitive.
The proposal would allow the city to impose fines of up to $500 a day for human rights ordinance infractions. In addition, it authorizes other solutions for discrimination problems, such as ordering the reinstatement of jobs and allowing admission to places of public accommodation.
A lack of power behind the promise of equality led a city committee to recommend the proposal last year to stiffen the current penalties. The committee's suggestion led Democratic mayoral candidate Christopher Kolb and other council members to propose the amendments. The council unanimously approved the changes after the first read. The amendments must make it through a second reading before taking effect.
Toughening up the penalties would give the city the power it needs to fight discrimination. It is imperative that such laws exist - they defend the rights of minority groups to live life to the fullest and they help promote the promise of diversity on which America is based.
With the new legislation, the city's human rights staff has developed a procedure through which all complaints would pass. First, the city would investigate the complaints. Then, if necessary, the city would offer mediation before issuing a ticket to the offender. With this procedure, the city can prevent the power of the ordinance from being abused or overused.
"The question is not whether it's $500 or in some severe instance $50,000," Kolb told The Ann Arbor News. "It's still against the law in Ann Arbor, and if it's more than the $500, perhaps it'll be a stronger deterrent to discrimination." Adopting the revisions to the ordinance may help prevent bias because of the increased potential for retaliation.
Discrimination in any form is a problem for the whole community. Everyone must be free to be an active, contributing member to society - regardless of background. City Council should pass the amendments to the present human rights ordinance - and show a willingness to fight discrimination.