This office works to ensure that Jacksonville is a community free of discriminatory practices. The commission is an enforcement agency and exists to safeguard equal opportunity for all citizens regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or familial status.  Further, it works to promote understanding and respect among members of all economic, social, racial, religious and ethnic groups and acts on behalf of those who may be subjected to unfair or discriminatory practices in the areas of employment, housing or public accommodations. The commission has 17 employees.

Last year, the commission investigated an increased number of workplace and housing violations. In an effort to proactively foster equality, division staff is undertaking an initiative to promote greater workplace diversity at organizations throughout Jacksonville and to partner with the Duval County Health Department to reduce/eliminate health disparities.      

Budget:

In 2010, the budget for the Human Rights Commission is $1,301,632.

Click here to view a detailed breakdown of the Human Rights Commission budget.

Did You Know?

The commission obtained over $245,000 in restitutions for complainants in addition to non-monetary remedies such as assigned disabled parking spaces, waiver of non-pet policies to accommodate need for comfort/service animals and neutral employment references.