New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights – Concord, NH

Upholding Civil Rights for All in New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights is the state’s primary civil rights enforcement agency. 🏛️ Established in 1965, this impartial government body is tasked with enforcing New Hampshire’s ‘Law Against Discrimination’ (RSA 354-A) and eliminating discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The Commission is not a private law firm that represents individuals; rather, it acts as a neutral fact-finder, investigating complaints from individuals who believe they have been subjected to unlawful discrimination. Its mission is to protect the right of every person in the Granite State to be treated with fairness and dignity, free from prejudice and bias.

Investigating Workplace Discrimination

A core function of the Commission is to ensure equal opportunity in the workplace. The Commission’s investigators are experts in handling claims of employment discrimination. If you believe you have been treated unfairly by an employer based on a protected characteristic, the Commission is the place to file your complaint. 🛠️

• Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Lawyers: The Commission investigates allegations of discrimination based on age, sex, gender identity, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation. This includes unfair treatment in hiring, promotion, pay, termination, and cases of workplace harassment.
• Retaliation: It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for filing a discrimination complaint or participating in an investigation. The Commission investigates these claims to protect the rights of workers to speak out against injustice.

Ensuring Fair Housing and Public Access

The Commission’s mandate extends beyond the workplace to ensure that all residents have equal access to housing and public spaces. Discrimination can create barriers that prevent people from fully participating in society, and the Commission works to tear down those barriers. 🏘️

• Housing Discrimination: The Commission investigates complaints against landlords, sellers, and real estate agents who refuse to rent or sell, or otherwise discriminate against individuals in housing transactions based on their protected class.
• Public Accommodations: New Hampshire law guarantees equal access to public places like restaurants, stores, hotels, and parks. The Commission investigates cases where individuals have been denied service or treated differently due to discrimination.

The Path to Resolution

When a complaint is filed, the Commission conducts a thorough, objective investigation. This process may include gathering documents, interviewing witnesses, and offering mediation to resolve the dispute. If the investigation finds probable cause to believe discrimination occurred, the case may proceed to a public hearing. 🤝 The New Hampshire Commission for Human Rights is a vital resource, working every day to make the promise of equality a reality for everyone in the state.