About OHR The DC Office of Human Rights is an agency of the District of Columbia government that seeks to eradicate discrimination, increase equal opportunity, and protect human rights in the city. The Office enforces the DC Human Rights Act of 1977 and other laws and policies on nondiscrimination. The Office is also the advocate for the practice of good human relations and mutual understanding among the various racial ethnic and religious groups in the District of Columbia. Select the links below to view a video about OHR and to view and print our brochure: About OHR Video OHR Brochure (en español)* What We Do Investigate and process complaints of unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and educational institutions. Places of public accommodation include restaurants, hospitals, financial institutions, and insurance companies. For a detailed list of discrimination bias, please click here. Protect the equal employment opportunity rights of District government employees. Review, approve, and monitor the affirmative action plans of all District government departments and agencies. This includes review of special departmental emphasis programs for the disabled. Investigate complaints and conditions causing community tension and conflict which could lead to breaches of the peace and public disorder. Conduct hearings on major issues affecting the protection and promotion of human rights. Assess local and federal laws and policies with respect to discrimination. Provide information on human rights laws and policies to the community at large. Make recommendations to the Mayor and the City Council of the District of Columbia based on reports, studies, and hearings conducted by the office. * This document is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF) and a PDF reader is required for viewing. Download a PDF reader or learn more about PDFs.