NJ Division on Civil Rights - Newark, NJ

About NJ Division on Civil Rights

Agency Mission and Role

The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR), located at 31 Clinton Street in Newark, is the state agency responsible for enforcing New Jersey's civil rights laws. Operating under the Department of Law and Public Safety, the DCR is dedicated to preventing, eliminating, and remedying discrimination and bias-based harassment in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The agency derives its authority from the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD), one of the most comprehensive anti-discrimination statutes in the country, and the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA). The Newark Regional Office serves as a critical access point for residents of Northern New Jersey, providing a venue where individuals can file complaints, seek information about their rights, and engage with state investigators regarding alleged violations of the law.

Enforcement and Investigations

The core function of the DCR is to investigate complaints of discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and disability. The Newark office handles the intake and processing of these complaints. The investigation process is neutral; the DCR does not represent the complainant or the respondent but rather acts as a fact-finder to determine if there is probable cause to believe that discrimination has occurred. Services include conducting interviews, gathering evidence, and facilitating conciliation conferences to resolve disputes. If probable cause is found, the Division may prosecute the case in the Office of Administrative Law. The agency also enforces the Fair Chance in Housing Act, which limits the use of criminal records in housing decisions.

Mediation and Education

Beyond enforcement, the Division on Civil Rights emphasizes education and dispute resolution. The agency offers mediation services as an alternative to the traditional investigative process, allowing parties to reach a mutually agreeable solution more quickly. The Community Relations Unit works to prevent discrimination through outreach and training, ensuring that employers, housing providers, and the general public understand their rights and responsibilities. The Newark office is accessible to the public, but due to high demand and specific intake procedures, individuals are often encouraged to schedule appointments or initiate inquiries through the online portal or telephone hotline before visiting in person.

Security and Access

As a government office dealing with sensitive legal matters, the DCR maintains strict confidentiality and security protocols. Visitors to the 31 Clinton Street building should expect standard security screenings, including identification checks and bag inspections. The office is located in a busy commercial district of Newark, making it accessible via public transportation. It is committed to providing language access services for non-English speakers and accommodations for individuals with disabilities to ensure that all New Jerseyans have equal access to justice.

• Enforces: NJ Law Against Discrimination
• Service: Discrimination Investigations
• Region: Northern New Jersey