Greenfield, Mass., Code of Bylaws ch 136 § 136-5
Functions (Greenfield Human Rights Commission)
Operative Text
[Amended 4-17-2019 by Order No. FY 19-125 ; 10-16-2019 by Order No. FY 20-047 ] The Human Rights Commission is established: A. To improve the quality of life of the City by enlisting community-based groups in educational programs and campaigns to increase mutual self-respect, harmonious intergroup relations and the peaceful enjoyment of life in our diverse community. B. To respond to complaints by persons who believe that their human or civil rights, as defined by existing local, state and federal law, have been violated in Greenfield. C. To initiate investigations into circumstances for which a formal complaint is received or where cases of alleged discrimination are brought to the Commission by other City boards, commissions or officials. D. To work with municipal government departments, the School Department, commissions and boards, to increase compliance with appropriate local, state and federal laws and to raise the level of awareness and sensitivity to human rights issues in municipal business with the public through workforce-wide required training programs.
Greenfield, Mass., Code of Bylaws CH. 136 § 136-5 establishes the Greenfield Human Rights Commission and defines its core functions. The Commission is charged with promoting community education around civil rights, responding to complaints about potential human or civil rights violations under local, state, or federal law, and investigating alleged discrimination brought to its attention. It also works alongside city departments and the School Department to improve compliance with applicable laws and to foster awareness of human rights issues through required workforce training.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under CH. 136 § 136-5, property owners and managers operating in Greenfield should be aware that the Human Rights Commission is empowered to receive and investigate complaints alleging discrimination or civil rights violations, including those arising in housing contexts. Compliant operators generally maintain practices consistent with local, state, and federal anti-discrimination laws, and may be subject to Commission outreach or inquiry if a complaint is filed. Participating in any Commission-initiated educational programs or training efforts is part of the broader compliance landscape this provision creates.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
CH. 136 § 136-5 gives Greenfield residents a local avenue for addressing potential human or civil rights violations: the Human Rights Commission is authorized to receive complaints from individuals who believe their rights have been violated under local, state, or federal law. Tenants who believe they have experienced discrimination may bring a complaint directly to the Commission, which can then initiate an investigation. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid resources can help individuals understand how the Commission's process interacts with other available remedies at the state or federal level.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 11, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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