The Melrose Human Rights Commission was established in the early 1990s by the Office of the Mayor to provide a mechanism for resolving disputes among Melrose citizens that may involve an element of racial, religious, or ethnic prejudice, and to develop programs for promoting a spirit of diversity and respect for others regardless of their differences. The Commission exists to serve the citizens of Melrose and strongly encourages the participation of the city’s residents in programs supporting the Commission’s basic goals.