[E-updates] City's Human Relations Director announces retirement

[Lisa Patterson]

NEWS RELEASE

City of Lawrence, Kansas

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

 

Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2006

 

CONTACT:  David Corliss, City Manager, (785) 832-3400

or 

Rehelio Samuel, Director of Human Relations, (785) 832-3313

 

City's Human Relations Director announces retirement

 

(Lawrence, Ks) - The City of Lawrence Human Relations Director will
leave his post after 34 years of service.  Rehelio Samuel will retire as
leader of the city's civil rights laws for housing, employment, and
public accommodations on February 1, 2007. An ally for civil and human
rights, he works as a community liaison to disadvantaged populations and
is also the current staff liaison to the Lawrence Alliance and Human
Relations Commission.  

 

"The citizens of Lawrence can credit Rehelio and his long public service
with helping create the diverse and tolerant community that we have
today," said David Corliss, city manager.  Corliss continued, "He and
his department have been strong proponents for human civil rights in our
community. We all need to thank Rehelio for his service."

 

The Human Relations Department investigates and resolves complaints from
those who allege unlawful discrimination within the City limits in
employment, public accommodations or housing because of their race, sex,
religion, color, national origin, age, ancestry, sexual orientation,
disability, or familial status.  The Department sponsors Fair Housing
and Equal Opportunity Law Update Seminars for the general public and
participates with several external organizations in providing outreach
services for the community.

 

Samuel was the recipient of the 2002 Buford Watson Award presented by
the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and the 2003 Kansas Human Relations
Association and League of Kansas Municipalities Member of the Year
Award.

 

Before joining the City of Lawrence, Samuel served in the United States
Military for more than 20 years.  In addition to his military primary
specialties, he served in various positions assigned to improving race
relations and equal opportunities.  During his career, Samuel has served
on the Board of Directors of Douglas County Legal Aid Society, Kansas
Council on Crime and Delinquency, I Can Be, USD 497 school/community
advisory committee, Youth at Risk, Douglas County Red Cross, Douglas
County United Way, Ballard Community Center, Pride Inc., Eastern Central
Kansas Community Action Agencies, CASA, Citizens School Issues Forum,
Summer Teen Employment Program and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King
Federal Commission.

 

Samuel is looking forward to spending more time with his family during
his retirement.

 

-END-

 

 

_____________________________

 

Lisa K. Patterson |Communications Manager

City of Lawrence

PO Box 708 | Lawrence, KS 66044

(785) 832-3406

fax (785) 832-3405

lpatterson at ci.lawrence.ks.us

www.lawrenceks.org

 

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