JEFFERSON CITY — Senator Shalonn “Kiki” Curls, D-Kansas City, this week testified in support of Ms. Donna L. Birks before members of the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee to serve as a member of the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.  The governor appointed Birks to serve on the commission in December 2012. 

“I was honored to sit before my colleagues who serve on this committee and speak on behalf of Ms. Birks, a hard-working and dedicated Kansas Citian,” said Sen. Curls.  “I know she will bring her experience and knowledge gained while working at the General Motors Fairfax Assembly Division, performing as financial secretary for United Auto Workers (Local 31) and serving as president of the Tri-County Labor Council to this valuable panel, whose mission is to develop, recommend and implement ways to prevent and eliminate discrimination in our state.”

The Missouri Commission on Human Rights is responsible for investigating complaints of discrimination in housing, employment and places of public accommodations.  The panel also provides training to inform Missourians of their rights and responsibilities under the Missouri Human Rights Act. 

Birks’ appointment was later confirmed by the Missouri Senate and her term is set to end April 1, 2018.

State Sen. Shalonn “Kiki” Curls (left) and Ms. Donna L. Birks, who has been appointed to serve on the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, sit before the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee on March 27, 2013.