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DC Commission on Human Rights
*NEW* GENERAL ORDER CONCERNING COMMISSION CASES IN LIGHT OF COVID19
Due to the public health emergency and pursuant to the Coronovirus Support Emergency Amendment Act of 2020, B23-0757, the next Commission on Human Rights Bi-Monthly public meeting will be held virtually on November 18, 2020 at 6:30 p.m using WebEx.
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The DC Commission on Human Rights (“Commission”) is an agency within the Office of Human Rights (“OHR”) that adjudicates private sector discrimination complaints brought under the D.C. Human Rights Act. 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 in order to adjudicate cases in an impartial manner.
- More information about the Commission staff members here.
The Commission is comprised of 11 Commissioners, who are nominated by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. Each Commissioner is appointed to a three-year term without compensation.
- More information about the Human Right Commissioners here.
We're looking for talents!
Interested in volunteering as a Commissioner on the DC Commission on Human Rights? The Mayor’s Office of Talent and Appointments (MOTA) recruits talented and interested individuals to serve on Boards and Commissions which have key roles in advising District agencies and programs. The DC. Commission on Human Rights currently has vacancies for three-year terms. More information on the Commissioner role can be found HERE.
Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Apply at motaboards.applytojob.com/apply/nYo2do/Commission-On-Human-Rights.
The Adjudication Process
If OHR finds “probable cause” that discrimination occurred, the case is then certified to the Commission. After certification, the Commission conducts a secondary, independent review of the case. The secondary review includes an evidentiary hearing in a “trial-type” setting either before an administrative law judge or a panel of three Commissioners.
The Commission’s hearing process operates under the District of Columbia Administrative Procedure Act as well as the Commission’s Rules of Procedure for Contested Cases, 4 DCMR § 400 et seq. (1995). Hearings are de novo, or “from the beginning,” and parties have access to full discovery and motion practice, have the opportunity to submit documentary evidence, and may present testimony by witnesses who are subject to cross-examination. All hearings are public and transcribed by a court reporter.
Once an administrative law judge within the Commission completes the hearing, he or she reviews the record and issues a proposed decision with findings of fact and conclusions of law. The proposed decision is then given to the parties who have the opportunity to submit written exceptions to the proposed opinion. After the written exceptions filed by the parties are addressed, the administrative law judge submits the entire record to the three Commissioners assigned to the case. The Commissioner then issue a final decision that either affirms, modifies or rejects the administrative law judge’s proposed decision.
What happens if discrimination is found by the Commission?
When discrimination is found, the Commission may award a successful complainant injunctive relief, back and front pay, compensatory damages, and/or attorney’s fees. The Commission is also authorized to furnish a civil penalty on a discriminating respondent which is paid to the District government. Final decisions of the Commission may be appealed to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. In addition to its adjudicative responsibilities, the Commission may undertake public investigations or hearings concerning various patterns of discrimination and make recommendations to the Mayor and/or the City Council. The Commission also has authority to promulgate rules, regulations, and procedures that implement various portions of the DC Human Rights Act.
Select from the following for more information:
- Guidelines for Payment of Damages, Civil Penalties, and Attorney's Fees
- Past Decisions and Orders
- Procedure for Contested Cases
- Litigation Forms
Commission on Human Rights Bi-Monthly Meetings (open to public)
The Commission Bi-Monthly meetings are currently held virtually from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. via WebEx, unless otherwise noted. The current meeting schedule is as follows and corresponding agendas are attached via hyperlink:
Wednesday, May 13, 2020 (cancelled)
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Commission on Human Rights Bi-Monthly Meeting Minutes
- November 2020
- September 2020
- July 2020
- March 2020
- January 2020
- November 2019
- September 2019
- July 2019
- May 2019
- March 2019
- January 2019
- November 2018
- September 2018
- July 2018
- May 2018
- March 2018
- January 2018
- November 2017
- September 2017
- July 2017
- May 2017
- March 2017
- January 2017
- November 2016
- September 2016
- July 2016
- May 2016
- March 2016
- January 2016
Contact Information
Commission on Human Rights
Government of the District of Columbia
One Judiciary Square
441 4th Street NW
Suite 290N
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 727-0656
Email: [email protected]
