The mission of the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Human Relations Commission is to promote equality of opportunity primarily through the enforcement of civil rights laws on the local level.

The Human Relations Commission investigates discrimination complaints in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations and education.

The Human Relations Commission law states that it is the public policy of the City of Evansville and Vanderburgh County to provide all of its citizens equal opportunity on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, familial status (housing), sexual orientation, and gender identity.

The Human Relations Commission is also charged with assisting governmental and private agencies, groups, and individuals in reducing community tensions and preventing gender-based conflicts, or tensions between persons of different racial, ethnic, religious groups, persons with disabilities, or any other arbitrary differences.

Enforcement

Any person claiming to be aggrieved by a discriminatory practice or act contrary to the provisions of the city-county law may file a complaint with the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Human Relations Commission. 

A complaint must be filed within ninety (90) days from the date of occurrence of the discriminatory act (except in housing cases). 

A complaint alleging a discriminatory housing practice must be filed within one (1) year after the discriminatory act occurred. 

Complaints may be filed in-person, mail or fax.  If needed, the EVHRC staff will provide assistance in drafting and filing the complaint.  The complaint should be in writing and signed.

It is unlawful to discriminate in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations and education on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, familial status (housing), sexual orientation and gender identity.

For additional information on filing a complaint of discrimination, call (812) 436-4927 or email hrc@evansville.in.gov.

Prevention

The Human Relations Commission provides outreach and education to inform people about eradicating discrimination and bias. 

Prevention efforts include programs of public information and technical assistance to assist in eliminating discriminatory practices. Education and outreach efforts assists governmental and private agencies, groups and individuals in reducing community tensions and preventing conflict. 

Prevention/technical assistance can be scheduled by calling (812) 436-4927 or email hrc@evansville.in.gov.

Training

The Human Relations Commission provides training on employment and fair housing laws.  The goal of the trainings are to increase compliance with civil rights laws and promote respect for human rights.