Human Rights Commission Annual Essay Contest

Annual Essay Contest

Entry Deadline is Thursday, March 25, 2021

This contest is for 5th through 12th grade students to engage their critical thinking skills and for them to share their ideas, concerns and articulate the reality of discrimination and civil rights violations that have a negative impact in the United States and in other countries.

Minnesota Statutes states: “It is the public policy of this state to secure for persons in this state, freedom from discrimination: 

1. in employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, and age;
2.  in housing and real property because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, and familial status;
3.  in public accommodations because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, and disability;
4.  in public services because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, and status with regard to public assistance; and
5.  in education because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, and age.”

Essay Topic:

What does Human Rights mean to me, and what role does it play in my life?

Contest Rules: 

1. All 5^th through 12^th grade students are eligible to participate by submitting one entry each.
2. Essays may be from 1 – 3 pages in length, double-spaced.   Proper grammar and punctuation will earn extra points.
3. Complete and attach the official 2021 entry form as the last page of the essay.  Forms must be complete and legible.
4. Entry Deadline is Thursday, March 25, 2021.
5. Awards:                  
   • 1st Prize - $100           
   • 2nd Prize - $50            
   • 3^rd Prize - $25

 Submit Essays To:       

US Mail:  Winona Human Rights Commission, PO Box 378, Winona, MN 55987   OR  Email:  mhmohan@ci.winona.mn.us

 *If sending electronically, accepted formats are Word (.doc, .docx) or .pdf

2021 Human Rights Commission Essay Entry Form