FAIRMONT – In the current political climate, Fairmont’s Human Rights Commission is committed to making Fairmont a welcoming and safe place for everyone.

To this effect, committee member Rin Porter spoke out at a recent City Council meeting during public comment. She gave a handout for each councilor to consider, emphasizing the struggles and rights the Hispanic community has and encouraging support.

The increased mention and discussion of ICE and immigration roundups in the news has also caused increased skepticism and fear, though no confirmed reports of any detainments in Fairmont have occurred.

This increase was a big piece of Porter’s City Council presentation. She said it is vitally important people know their rights, including the right to remain silent and to refuse searches and seizures without a judge-signed search warrant.

According to the 2020 Census, 9.1 percent of Fairmont is Hispanic, with 3.5 percent being a combination of two or more races. HRC member Tim Dahlin said immigrants, and Hispanic people in general, add considerable value to Fairmont.

“We are a better community [with them],” he said. “They’re adding vitality. They’re sending their children to our schools. We need them. They’re adding value to our community without question.”

HRC Chairman Peter Engstrom said Fairmont has many wonderful, open community members. He said the schools have also been great at ensuring everyone is treated fairly.

“We met with the superintendent last year,” Engstrom said. “He talked very much about the Latino community and the percentage of people from other countries in the schools. I think they’re working very hard to accommodate and welcome them.”

Considering the full experience from what HRC has seen and heard, HRC member Rin Porter said there have been positives and concerns regarding the Hispanic experience in Fairmont.

“Most people are employed,” she said. “Both the mother and father are often employed, so they’re making a good living, but they don’t feel welcome in most places.”

One of those places is city government buildings. Porter said it is common for Hispanic people to pay their bills in person rather than mail them in. While Fairmont schools and hospitals have interpreters, the city has no interpreters on staff. Porter said this disconnect has caused stressful situations.

“They’re citizens of the United States,” Porter said. “They live here. They’re paying taxes.”

Committee Secretary Jane Lintelman said having a city interpreter is one of their goals for improving conditions for Hispanics.

“Even if we could have one day a week Latinos could come in and pay their bill [with a translator],” she said.

While the Martin County website has translation options, currently the city’s official website has no way to translate its contents to Spanish. This presents a further hurdle for Hispanics to find vital information about city services and programs.

City Interim Administrator Jeff O’Neill said these concerns have been discussed and they are working to improve the experience for Fairmont Hispanics.

“There has been some recognition we need to do a better job,” he said. “We want to make sure all of the services and programs are available and understandable for anyone who comes into city hall. That’s the gold standard we are trying to achieve. It’s something ongoing we need to be cognizant of to ensure we are available to all citizens.”

O’Neill said the police use translation services. The city is training to use phone applications for translation services.

In addition to practical changes like these, the HRC is also looking to create community gatherings and spaces where people are encouraged to mingle and intertwine cultures. Lintelman said a Cinco De Mayo celebration is one example.

Engstrom said, “we as a group have an ability, if someone does come to us with a question, we can refer them to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. If they deem it worthwhile, they could investigate.”

Overall, Porter said ensuring people of all cultures feel welcome in Fairmont is their top priority.

“We want them to be treated fairly and with respect,” Engstrom said. “We would like to see people get to know each other better. Let’s build understanding.”

HRC is looking to work with any group or people who feel discriminated against. They encourage anyone to attend their upcoming meetings March 13 and April 10. For more information or to reach out, email Jane777.FAHRO@gmail.com or call Peter Engstrom at 507-848-4414. They also have P.O. Box 45, Fairmont, MN 56031.