This office works to ensure that Jacksonville is a community free of discriminatory practices. The commission is an enforcement agency and exists to safeguard equal opportunity for all citizens regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or familial status. Further, it works to promote understanding and respect among members of all economic, social, racial, religious and ethnic groups and acts on behalf of those who may be subjected to unfair or discriminatory practices in the areas of employment, housing or public accommodations. The commission has 17 employees.
Last year, the commission continued to experience an increased number of workplace and housing discrimination complaints. In an effort to proactively foster equality, the commission has focused its attention on identifying best practices to promote greater workplace diversity and partnered with the Duval County Health Department to reduce/eliminate health disparities.
2011 Budget:
The budget for the Human Rights Commission is $982,048.
2010 Budget:
The budget for the Human Rights Commission was $1,301,632.
Did You Know?
The commission obtained more than $283,510 in restitutions for complainants in addition to non-monetary remedies such as assigned disabled parking spaces, waiver of non-pet policies to accommodate need for comfort/service animals and neutral employment references.