Every third Monday of January, the United States observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday to honor the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In Boulder, the city provides funding through the Human Relations Fund and Office of Arts and Culture to support organizations that honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and explore his work in the context of the Boulder community.
Human Rights in Boulder
Our beloved city is not exempt from Human Rights violations. Fortunately, in 1972, Boulder City Council enacted the Human Rights Ordinance to create prompt, local protection and for classes not protected at the state or federal levels, such as sexual orientation, gender variance and genetic characteristics.
The purpose of the Human Rights Ordinance is to protect against discrimination in Boulder and assist people who experienced discriminated in three areas:
Within these areas, the ordinance prohibits discrimination based on ancestry, color, creed, gender variance, genetic characteristics, immigration status, marital status, mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and source of income. In housing, it also prohibits discrimination based on custody of a minor child, parenthood and pregnancy. In employment, it also prohibits discrimination based on age, specifically 40 and older.
If you or someone you know has been the target of discrimination within city limits, you can file a claim through the City of Boulder’s Human Rights Ordinance. These services are available in any language. Learn more on the city’s website.
Bias and Hate Hotline: 303-441-1595
The Boulder District Attorney’s Office has created a hotline designed for members of our community to report hate or bias-motivated crimes.
This hotline is for non-emergencies only. Call 911 for crimes in progress.
Definition of a Bias-Motivated Crime: A person commits a bias-motivated crime if, with the intent to intimidate or harass another person because of that person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation, he or she:
Knowingly causes bodily injury to another person; or
By words or conduct, knowingly places another person in fear of imminent lawless action directed at that person or that person’s property and such words or conduct are likely to produce bodily injury to that person or damage to that person’s property; or
Knowingly causes damage to or destruction of the property of another person.
View the DA’s flyer on the county’s website.