Our Mission

Everyone deserves to feel respected, valued, and welcome in Kirkwood. The Kirkwood Human Rights Commission (KHRC) works to promote understanding, dignity, and respect among all people in our community. We believe that by celebrating what makes each of us unique, we can build a stronger, more connected Kirkwood.

The commission’s mission is to encourage a sense of belonging for everyone who lives, works, and visits our City—no matter their race, religion, gender identity, age, ability, or background. We are here to listen, learn, and lead conversations that help Kirkwood grow as a place where human rights matter.

How It Started

In 2010, Kirkwood took an important step forward. The City Council adopted a Human Rights Ordinance to protect people from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. Soon after, the Kirkwood Human Rights Commission was established. The goal? To ensure that everyone in our City is treated fairly and respectfully—and to help Kirkwood continue to be a place where everyone feels at home.

How We Serve the Community

The KHRC is your partner in creating a welcoming and inclusive Kirkwood. We work to:

✔️ Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our City
✔️ Advise the City Council on human rights issues
✔️ Organize educational events and discussions
✔️ Celebrate community members who make a difference
✔️ Encourage respectful dialogue and understanding among all people

Whether you’re looking for ways to get involved, want to learn more about human rights, or need support, we’re here for you. Together, we can make Kirkwood an even better place to live.

The Kirkwood Human Rights Commission (KHRC) is here to listen, learn, and lead—and you’re invited to be part of the conversation. Our meetings are open to everyone in the community because your voice matters.

When & Where We Meet

🗓️ Second Tuesday of each month
🕡 6:30 p.m.
📍 City Hall, Main Level Conference Room

Whether you’re passionate about inclusion or curious about the commission’s work, you’re welcome to attend. Every meeting is open to the public.

👉 Want to know what’s on the agenda? Visit the City’s Meetings Calendar for upcoming topics.

Need a copy of past agendas? Contact the City Clerk at aschelb@kirkwoodmo.org.

Public Participation

Your perspective makes a difference. Residents are encouraged to attend KHRC meetings, ask questions, and share ideas during the public comment period.

If you can’t make it to a meeting but still want to be heard, feel free to reach out:

📧 info@kirkwoodmo.org
📞 314-822-5894

Or contact our Chairperson, David Hartung, directly at dhartun1@gmail.com.

Meet Our Members

The KHRC is made up of dedicated volunteers from across our community. These are your neighbors—people who care about building a more welcoming Kirkwood.

👉 View the Full Membership Roster

Join the Commission—We Need Your Voice!

Have you ever wanted to help shape the future of our community? This is your chance! The City of Kirkwood is looking for passionate volunteers to serve on boards, commissions, and committees—including the Human Rights Commission.

As a KHRC member, you’ll provide valuable insight and recommendations that guide our Mayor and City Council in making important decisions for Kirkwood’s future.

✔️ Share your perspective
✔️ Make a positive impact
✔️ Be part of Kirkwood’s commitment to inclusion and fairness

✨ Ready to take the next step?
Complete the Volunteer Profile Form online at www.kirkwoodmo.org/joinus.

Need assistance? Contact the City Clerk’s Office at 314-822-5802.

Together, we can create a Kirkwood where everyone feels they belong.

If you’re looking for information on Kirkwood’s human rights policies or want to stay up to date on what the Human Rights Commission is working on, you’re in the right place. Below, you’ll find important documents and resources that help explain our mission and guide our work in the community.

Meeting Minutes, Annual Reports, and Strategic Plans

Curious about what we’re discussing or the decisions we’ve made? KHRC meeting agendas and minutes are available for public review. Meetings are open to everyone, and these documents offer a helpful way to stay informed if you can’t attend in person.

👉 View KHRC Meeting Minutes
👉 View KHRC Annual Reports
👉 View KHRC Strategic Plans

Human Rights Ordinance

In 2013, the City of Kirkwood passed an important Human Rights Ordinance to ensure equal protection and fair treatment for all. This ordinance prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and more.

👉 Read the Human Rights Ordinance (PDF)
👉 Read the KHRC Mediation Agreement and Supporting Documents (PDF)

Anti-Discrimination Policy

Kirkwood is committed to fostering a welcoming environment for everyone. Our Anti-Discrimination Policy lays out the City’s pledge to protect individuals from unfair treatment in public spaces, housing, and employment opportunities. It’s an important step in ensuring equity and inclusion in our community.

👉 Learn More About Kirkwood’s Anti-Discrimination Policy

Fair Housing Information

Everyone deserves a safe and welcoming place to live. Kirkwood’s Fair Housing resources help ensure residents know their rights and responsibilities when it comes to housing. If you have questions about housing discrimination or need assistance, these resources are a good place to start.

👉 Explore Fair Housing Information

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - Fair Housing Overview
• Missouri Commission on Human Rights - Housing Discrimination

Additional Resources & City Policies

Looking for more? Here are additional resources that support human rights efforts in Kirkwood:

✔️ City Code of Ordinances

✔️ Community Resources Guide | Explore the Community Resources Guide managed by the Kirkwood Public Library. It’s an evolving list of agencies and services in the area, organized alphabetically by category, making it easy to find support when you need it.

✔️ Accessibility Resources | The Missouri Disability Portal is a resource hub for people with disabilities in Missouri

👉 Visit Our Human Rights Commission Resource Page

At the heart of Kirkwood is a belief that every voice matters and every person belongs. The Human Rights Commission (KHRC) invites you to join us in celebrating, learning, and growing together. Whether you want to honor a community leader, enter a contest, or join an open dialogue, there’s a place for you here.

Annual Denis Hart Award for Excellence

Every year, the KHRC proudly recognizes individuals, organizations, and businesses that go above and beyond to promote human rights in Kirkwood. These are the people making our City kinder, stronger, and more inclusive.

If you know someone making a difference, nominate them!
✔️ Nominations typically open in August with deadline in November
✔️ Past recipients include educators, youth leaders, faith organizations, and local nonprofits working to create a more welcoming community.

👉 Learn More and Nominate Someone Amazing
👉 View Past Award Recipients

Annual Essay Contest

We believe young voices shape our future. KHRC’s Annual Essay Contest provides students with a platform to share their ideas on inclusion, equality, and justice.

✔️ Open to 11th grade Kirkwood students (see Contest Guidelines for full details)
✔️ Topics focus on human rights, diversity, and fairness
✔️ Cash prizes and public recognition for winners!
✔️ Winners may be honored at a City Council meeting and featured in local media

👉 Submission Deadline: Closed February 16, 2025 at midnight
👉 View Contest Guidelines and Enter
👉 View Past Winning Essays

Past essay winners have shared powerful ideas on respect, acceptance, and what it means to build a better Kirkwood for everyone.

Diverse Abilities Employment Recognition Program

At KHRC, we believe workplaces thrive when they are inclusive. Our Diverse Abilities Employment Recognition Program celebrates local businesses that hire individuals with physical and developmental challenges. These employers are helping to build a stronger, more inclusive Kirkwood.

✔️ Businesses that participate receive a Diverse Abilities Recognition Sticker to display on their door or window—letting everyone know they foster a diverse workforce.

Want to get involved?

👉 Download the Program Flyer to learn more
👉 Fill out the Sticker Application Form to apply today

For questions, contact Jessica Winter at winterja@kirkwoodmo.org.

Together, we can make a difference. Whether you participate in a contest, nominate a neighbor, or join an event, you’re helping build a Kirkwood where everyone belongs.

We’re here to listen, support, and help build a more welcoming Kirkwood—together. If you have questions about the Kirkwood Human Rights Commission (KHRC), want to get involved, or need more information, contact us anytime!

General Inquiries

📧 Email: info@kirkwoodmo.org
📞 Phone: 314-822-5894

Staff Liaison Contact

Jessica Winter, Staff Liaison
📧 winterja@kirkwoodmo.org
📞 314-822-5894

Ready to Get Involved?

If you’re passionate about human rights and inclusion, we’d love to have you on board! The City of Kirkwood is looking for volunteers to serve on advisory boards, commissions, and committees—including KHRC.

✔️ Share your perspective
✔️ Help shape Kirkwood’s future
✔️ Make a lasting difference

👉 Apply here: www.kirkwoodmo.org/joinus

Together, we can make Kirkwood a place where everyone feels they belong.