FARGO, N.D. – In a three to two vote, the Fargo City Commission approved pausing Fargo Human Rights Commission activities until after the June 9 election and to work with the new mayor and City Commission on a path forward.
Commissioners Dave Piepkorn and Michelle Turnberg voted against the motion.
Human Rights Commission Chair Sekou Sirleaf said he would like the HRC to meet once every quarter to lessen the staffing and financial burden on the city.
“The reason that human rights in the city are important is because it helps us to protect civil rights. Also, it helps to create accountability and prevents a step backwards,” Sirleaf said.
Piepkorn mentioned the commission has already given the HRC more time to come up with a plan that could include a community-based or non-profit model.
“They had more time. Now they want more time and basically they don’t intend to do anything. They plan to keep on going. That was the intention all along,” Piepkorn said.
