-This annual award, given by the Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission, honors the late Tom Oye and other members of the Edina community whose good works promote human relations and advance human rights.
History
Edina's Human Rights Award was established in recognition of the late Tom Oye, a Nisei (second-generation Japanese American) who served as a soldier in World War II in the 100th Infantry Battalion of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and who was a founding member of the City's Human Rights & Relations Commission. In 2003, Oye received the Prize for Humanity by the Immortal Chaplains Foundation.
Eligibility
Individuals or groups who live, study or work in Edina, or who make significant contributions to Edina, are eligible for the Tom Oye Human Rights Award.
Evaluation
Nominees are evaluated based on their efforts to foster respect and dignity for others, model courage and / or compassion in the advancement of human rights, and demonstrate leadership by example for improving human relations and / or advancing human rights. The definition of human rights has evolved to include: freedom from discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, familial status or national origin.
Nominations
Nominations are accepted each fall. The nomination form appears below during the open period.