The Sioux Falls Human Relations Commission (SFHRC) will hold a press conference on Wednesday, February 7, 2007, at 3 p.m., at the Empire Mall, in front of FYE, announcing the SFHRC’s participation in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) national “Youth @ Work” initiative.

This initiative is aimed at providing teenage workers with information about their employment rights. Every year, hundreds of students in our area go to work for the first time. These youth are often ill informed about their employment rights, and about what to do if they find themselves being harassed or denied equal opportunities. The Human Relations Commission, along with several other state and local organizations, including public and private high schools, have partnered to inform these young workers about their protected right to a work place free from harassment and discrimination.

One of the main components of the “Youth @ Work” initiative is an updated website at: www.siouxfalls.org/relations. The website is designed as a portal to youth based informational websites, including the EEOC’s “Youth @ Work” Website. It introduces young workers to their rights and responsibilities as employees. It informs them about the laws protecting them against employment discrimination, and provides guidance on ways to redress problems at the earliest stages they may perceive as illegal discrimination. During the press conference, Human Relations Commission Chair, Karla Abbott, will present the planned 2007 “Youth @ Work” activities, including high school presentations, the third annual Diversity Fair, and available training.