Mediation and Conflict Resolution Committee

The primary role of the Melrose Human Rights Commission's Mediation and Conflict Resolution Committee is to carry out the Commission's authority to investigate complaints of unlawful discrimination or harassment made by Melrose citizens. The committee is available to process complaints, investigate the merits of such complaints, and whenever possible, attempt to resolve those complaints through mediation.

As part of its duties, the Mediation and Conflict Resolution Committee works with a staff investigator to administer the contractual relationship between the Commission and the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. In connection with that contract, the Commission is empowered to perform the initial reception and investigation of claims arising under Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B involving Melrose residents, employers, or property owners. At the conclusion of any such investigation, the committee makes a recommendation to MCAD as to whether probably cause exists to support a charge of discrimination. The committee is also available to assist the parties to any such dispute in voluntarily resolving their claims.

The committee also sponsors a no-cost mediation program to resolve neighborhood disputes involving Melrose residents. For example, the committee has assisted residents in resolving neighborhood disputes concerning noise and parking issues. The committee is also the designated mediator for disputes arising under the City of Melrose's Americans with Disability Act Grievance Program.

In addition, and beyond the level of mediation, the committee coordinates the Commission's response to reported hate incidents or hate crimes occurring in Melrose. The committee is available to assist victims of hate incidents or hate crimes in reporting such events to the Melrose Police Department's Civil Rights Officer. Under Massachusetts law, even non-criminal "hate incidents" are recorded for statistical purposes.