On the eve of our last summer publication, we will once again discuss the Human Relations Commission. The message is a simple one.

The Carbondale City Council will decide in upcoming months whether the proposed commission charged with addressing discrimination should have legally binding powers or if it should serve only as a mediation body.

Change. Will the change be one with gums or teeth?

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A quick review of the commission’s status follows:The SIU/Carbondale Task Force on Race and Community Relations was formed after police officers used Mace on about 80 black students at a block party in April 2001.

Change. Black students cried for change.

In November, the task force recommended the formation of the Human Relations Commission with the legal authority to subpoena witnesses and levy sanctions against city employees, including Carbondale Police Officers.

Change. Too much, too fast for the city to change.

Early this summer, the city responded with a plan to form a Human Relations Commission without any legal authority. Instead, it would serve as a mediation body that brings people together for discussion. The issue was addressed at the June 18 council meeting, and the council members responded favorably to the plan drafted by City Manager Jeff Doherty.

Change. Will you change your mind?

Later during that same meeting, William Norwood, co-chair of the task force, silenced their support when he took the podium and said the city was merely adding “some window dressing” to what already exists. The city decided to let the issue simmer on low until students return in the fall.

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Change. Turn the change to high and let it boil from the pot.

This is our third editorial addressing this issue. We originally supported Doherty’s plan to have a commission without legal powers, which we believe was formed with good intentions.

Change. Change your understanding.

After learning, however, the legal authority the city can extend to a Human Relations Commission under the Illinois Human Rights Act, we decided that a commission without any legal authority is not enough to ease racial tensions in Carbondale. We believe that a commission should have legal authority over areas within the city where oversight is not currently exercised at the local level. This includes such things as investigations in regards to employment, real estate transactions, access to financial credit and public accommodations.

Change. Others have changed.

On Wednesday, the Daily Egyptian reported on the workings of Human Relations Commissions in six other cities in Illinois. The leaders of these commissions all said they served to address issues of racial unease and discrimination in a positive fashion. We believe Carbondale should have a commission similar to the one in Champaign where it has the power to subpoena witnesses and sanction those who violate the civil rights of a citizen. It should also audit police complaints annually and look for negative trends that need to be investigated.

Change. Change for a better Carbondale.

Doherty said the city’s proposal, lacking a legal arm, would be one that “works to bring people together to resolve differences real and perceived in a fashion that is going to have positive results.” He only repeated this statement when asked why a commission with power would NOT have a positive effect.

Change. Don’t be afraid of the change.

While there may be those who cry wolf when the sheep are safe, a commission of intelligent, reasonable people will be able to distinguish complaints with merit from those without.

Change. Change your consciousness.

Norwood said the city’s suggested commission was basically something with a lot of responsibility and no authority. He said most people believe the city’s suggested commission would not make any real difference.

“If that is the final thing, it is no big change and we on the task force came to the conclusion that change was needed.”

The Human Relations Commission should not be formed in haste, but rather with thoughtfulness and sensitivity.

Change. Don’t change for the sake of change.

It should not, however, be a dream deferred because yes, it will explode.

Can you hear it? Change.

Can you see it? Change.

Can you feel it? Change

Can you embrace it? Change.

Can you believe it? Change.

Change … change … change … change. CHANGE!