TOPEKA, Kansas - The City of Topeka Human Relations Commission (HRC) voted at its regular meeting, held March 1 to publicly support the efforts to bring Google Fiber Optic Experiment to Topeka, KS.

“This could be a local experiment that would have global impact,” said HRC Commissioner Anthony Fadale.

According to the HRC Ordinance, “…[i]t is the policy of the city to assure equal opportunity and encouragement for every person, regardless of race, religion, creed, color, sex, national origin or ancestry or age, to secure and hold, without discrimination, employment in any field of work or labor for which the person is otherwise properly qualified; to assure equal opportunity for all persons within this city to full and equal public accommodations…”

“By encouraging growth in the technology field we increase job opportunities through various skill sectors as well as access to new technologies that will benefit all Topekans and our industries, whether it is through an increase in educational and academic opportunities, improvements in the healthcare field, faster communications within emergency services and in outreach to our citizens and more. All of this can help in our efforts to level the playing ground for all our citizens, and assure equal access to the tools necessary for navigating in an increasingly high-tech world,” said HRC Executive Director, Rio Cervantes-Reed.

The Commissioners agree it would be an economic boon to Topeka, providing jobs and increasing the diverse workforce of the city, and encourages all its citizens to visit www.ThinkBigTopeka.com and nominate Topeka before the deadline of March 26, 2010.

On February 23, 2010 the City of Topeka issued a statement of support for the Google Fiber Optic Experiment.

Mayor William W. Bunten has also proclaimed the city of Topeka to be known as, “Google, Kansas, The Capital City of Fiber Optics,” for the month of March.