Commission on Human Rights
Duane Bonifer reappointed as Human Rights Commissioner

Governor Steven Beshear has appointed for a second term Duane Bonifer of Greensburg, Ky., to the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights. The commissioner will continue to represent the 3^rd Supreme Court District. Former Governor Ernie Fletcher first appointed him in 2008. Bonifer’s new term will expire Sept. 12, 2012.

Commissioner Bonifer is director of public relations for Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Ky. He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science from the University of Kentucky.  He is married to Kelli Bonifer.

“Commissioner Bonifer makes an excellent contribution to the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights,” said John J. Johnson, executive director of the commission. “The work of ruling on discrimination complaints for the people of Kentucky is very serious, and we need dedicated public servants like Commission Bonifer in order to carry out this responsibility.”  

Commissioner Bonifer will also assist the commission as it gears up for the 50^th anniversary commemoration in 2010. The commission plans to celebrate with a variety of civil rights public awareness initiatives throughout the year including a special anniversary Civil Rights Conference for October 13 – 16 in Louisville.

The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights is the state government agency that enforces the Kentucky Civil Rights Act and federal civil rights laws. These laws protect people from discrimination regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, familial status, and tobacco smoking status. The protections apply with various requirements to the areas of employment, public accommodations, housing, and financial transactions.

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