Michael “Kip” Browne continues to lead the Minneapolis Commission on Civil Rights (CCR) as its interim director beyond the original three-month term of his appointment this spring. As to why his term has been extended, no clear answer has been provided.

The fact that there are also three other City departments currently in interim status may be cause for maintaining stability at CCR, but getting to know Browne may offer an even better explanation for his retention. He may be young, but Browne’s passion for human rights and his legal expertise have shaped the reputation of a man with a vision to bring the department up to its full potential.

University of Minnesota officials have big plans for the corner of Penn and Plymouth in North Minneapolis, where they envision a national model of university involvement in a community with multiple needs. Some community members and organizations support the proposal, while others, including some black professionals, do not believe that a white institution like the U of M is best suited to lead such an effort.

University of Minnesota officials have big plans for the corner of Penn and Plymouth in North Minneapolis, where they envision a national model of university involvement in a community with multiple needs. Some community members, however, view the proposed facility as an unwelcome intrusion that could do more harm than good.

“The University has been ridiculed for not coming to the community first,” said Robert Jones, senior vice president of system academic administration at the University of Minnesota. “The fact is that we really had no plan, just ideas. We wanted to take the time to develop key partners who would have a vested interest and concern about that dialogue. We planned to have the conversations with the small groups first, then to seek out other ideas about what they would like to see.”