The DC Commission on Human Rights (“Commission”) is an agency within the Office of Human Rights (“OHR”) that serves as an impartial forum for the hearing and deciding of cases of unlawful discrimination in employment, real estate transactions, public accommodations, or educational institutions under the D.C. Human Rights Act and the Fair Criminal Records Screening Act (“FCRSA”). The Commission also provides an appeals process to applicants who were found ineligible for employment under the Criminal Background Checks for the Protection of Children Act. Although the Commission is within OHR, the Commission acts independent of OHR to adjudicate cases in an impartial manner. The rules for private sector hearings can be found at 4 DCMR § 400 and § 200.
The Commission is comprised of up to 15 Commissioners, who are nominated by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. Each Commissioner is appointed to a three-year term without compensation. The Commission holds Bi-Monthly meetings on second Wednesdays of January, March, May, July, September and November, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Information about the meetings are posted and located on the OHR website, in the DC Register, and in the Open Meetings website’s calendar.