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Human Rights Commission
A joint statement from the Town Manager, Police Chief, and School Superintendent
Pacific Islanders
A joint statement from the Town Manager, School Superintendent and Human Rights Chair
Join us Friday, December 10, 2021 as we celebrate International Human Rights Day! Reading of the 2021 Human Rights Day Proclamation read by Amherst Town Councilors and a Community candle light vigil reading of the Declaration of Human Rights at the Merry Maple Tree, North Common.
Join us Friday, December 10, 2021 as we celebrate International Human Rights Day! Reading of the 2021 Human Rights Day Proclamation read by Amherst Town Councilors and a Community candle light vigil reading of the Declaration of Human Rights at the Merry Maple Tree, North Common.
Our Mission
To ensure that no power goes unchecked, and that all citizens are afforded equal protection under the law.
The Human Rights Commission shall act to promote the Town of Amherst’s Human Rights Policy, to insure that no person, public or private, shall be denied any rights guaranteed pursuant to local, state, and/or federal law on the basis of race or color, gender, physical or mental ability, religion, socio-economic status, ethnic or national origin, affectional or sexual preference, lifestyle, or age for all persons coming within the Town of Amherst.
The Commission shall advise the Town and assist the Town Manager and Human Resources and Rights Director in the achievement of affirmative action/equal opportunity objectives, conduct and participate in educational activities related to its responsibilities, provide mediation, and review matters brought to its attention.
Meetings
Human Rights Commission meetings are open to the public and are generally scheduled from 5:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month, summer excluded. Please check the Town calendar for date and time of the next meeting.
Members
| Name | Appointed | Term Expires |
| Philip Avila | 2021 | 2024 |
| Sidonio Ferreira | 2013 | 2022 |
| Cedric Gonnett | 2020 | 2023 |
| Elizabeth Haygood | 2020 | 2023 |
| Benjamin Herrington, Chair | 2019 | 2024 |
| Erika Loper | 2020 | 2023 |
| Jennifer Moyston, Staff Liaison |
Appointed by the Town Manager: 9 members / 3 year term
How to Become a Commission Member
Commissioners are Amherst residents appointed to rotating 3 year term. If you are interested in becoming a Commissioner, please complete and submit the Community Activity Form. In addition to Commission meetings, membership involves networking with other social justice groups, planning and conducting public events, advocacy, and promotion of the mission. At full capacity, the Commission has nine members.