By Kim Miller, Secretary of the MHRC—
MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has announced Dountonia S. Batts as the City of Muncie’s new Executive Director of Human Rights.
Batts is a former Director of Advising and adjunct professor at Martin University, and previously served as Chief Program Officer & Associate Director of the Peace Learning Center of Indianapolis. Batts holds a Juris Doctor degree from Indiana Tech Law School, a Masters degree in Business Administration in Human Resource Management from Indiana Wesleyan University, and a certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership from Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.
“I believe every person, regardless of their background, beliefs, or circumstances, deserves to be heard, valued, and treated with dignity and respect,” said Batts. “My commitment is to serve all members of the Muncie community with fairness, integrity, and compassion. I look forward to meaningful conversations, building relationships, strengthening trust, and fostering greater understanding. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and excited about what we can accomplish together to ensure every voice is heard.”
Batts has also worked as a consultant for Scriptura Strategies, Registrar and Adjunct Professor at Crossroads Bible College, Executive Director of the IPS Community Coalition, and as a Certified Intern with the Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC).
The MHRC’s Job Search Committee formed in July and consists of Commissioners Daisy Dale, Linda Muckway, and Steve Sneed. “Our Committee initiated our job search before the start of August, and we’re very confident about the impact Batts will have for the Muncie community,” said Commissioner Daisy Dale. “Batts presents an outstanding set of experience, and we’re excited to have this opportunity to be working with her.”
The hard work and determination of many concerned citizens throughout the Muncie community led to the creation of the MHRC on February 12, 1964, with the passage of Ordinance 1627. Since then, and with increased powers and duties, MHRC has worked for ALL segments of the Muncie Community to ensure equal opportunity for all citizens.
To enforce the Muncie Human Rights Ordinance, which protects the civil rights of ALL Muncie citizens, MHRC has certain powers. These include:
● Investigate, conciliate, and hear complaints. Make findings and recommendations and issue cease-and-desist orders.
● Provide protection from retaliation for any person who has filed a complaint, testified in any hearing before the commission, or assisted in any other way in any matter under investigation.
The office protects your rights as a citizen and resident of Muncie, Indiana. The focus is to promote equal opportunity and equal rights for everyone regardless of race, religion, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, ancestry, national origin, or United States military/veteran status.
For more information, please visit the City of Muncie Human Rights page.
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