Governor's Executive Order EO/006/2013:Reauthorizing the State of Utah Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Rights Commission

This document was published in the September 15, 2013, issue (Vol. 2013, No. 18) of the Utah State Bulletin.

---

Governor, Administration: Governor's Executive Order EO/006/2013: Reauthorizing the State of Utah Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Rights Commission

Issued: August 28, 2013

---

EXECUTIVE ORDER

Reauthorizing the State of Utah Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Rights Commission

WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. summoned the best qualities that guide and sustain the American spirit and our nation's commitment of equality, justice, freedom, and peace; and

WHEREAS, he awakened the necessary goodness of our people and led a nonviolent movement that enriched our moral purpose as a nation; and

WHEREAS, this human rights movement advocated nonviolent methods of social change in the struggle for justice, equality, and freedom; and

WHEREAS, he raised the consciousness of our country through his personal dream of a nation where all people are judged, not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was recognized on November 2, 1983, by the United States Congress and the President in the enactment of legislation establishing the third Monday in January as a national holiday in celebration of Dr. King's birthday, beginning in 1986; and

WHEREAS, the State of Utah recognizes the significance of Dr. King's life and accomplishments, and the State Legislature passed S.B. 17 in 1986, which set aside the third Monday in January to observe as the anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and,

WHEREAS, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Rights Commission was created by executive order on July 1, 1991;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gary R. Herbert, Governor of the State of Utah, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Utah, do hereby reauthorize the Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Rights Commission as follows.

1. There is created the Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Rights Commission.

2. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Rights Commission shall promote Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by:

a. Encouraging appropriate ceremonies and activities commemorating the federal and state holiday which occurs on the third Monday of January each year.

b. Seeking to involve all sectors, private and public, in a conscious effort to promote diversity, equity, and human rights.

c. Providing advice and assistance to governments and private organizations on the observance of the holiday.

d. Coordinating efforts with Americans of diverse backgrounds and with private organizations on the observance of the holiday.

e. Partnering with public education to assist schools in promoting appropriate events to honor human rights and the holiday.

3. The Commission shall be organized as follows:

a. The Commission shall consist of thirteen (13) members appointed by the Governor to two-year terms, but at all times members shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor and may be removed by the Governor at any time. The Governor may adjust the length of terms to ensure that the terms of members are staggered.

b. The members of the Commission may not serve more than two consecutive two-year terms. Second terms will be appointed by the Governor.

c. When a vacancy occurs in the membership for any reason, the replacement shall be appointed by the Governor for the unexpired term.

d. The Governor shall appoint one of the members as chair.

e. The Commission shall meet at least quarterly or more often if necessary as determined by the Commission Chair or at the request of the Governor.

f. Seven (7) members of the Commission constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

g. Members of the Commission shall receive no compensation or benefits for their services, but may receive, subject to budget availability, per diem and expenses incurred in the performance of official Commission duties at the rates established by the Division of Finance under Utah Code Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107. Members may decline to receive per diem and expenses for their service.

4. The Commission shall develop and present a report to the Governor annually.

5. The Commission shall coordinate its efforts with the Utah Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Utah Multicultural Commission.

6. This supersedes all previous Executive Orders directly referencing this Commission.

IN WITNESS, WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Utah. Done at the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City, Utah, on this 28th day of August 2013.

(State Seal)

Gary R. Herbert
Governor

Attest:

Greg Bell
Lieutenant Governor

EO/006/2013