Human Rights Commission

The purpose of the South Bend Human Rights Commission is to study and act upon problems which involve relationships between members of different ethnic groups, sexes, sexual orientation or gender identity, nationalities, the disabled, and families with children. The South Bend Human Rights Commission's duties lie in enforcing equal employment, fair housing, public accommodations, and education.

COVID-19 RESPONSE: Following recommendations from the Indiana State Department of Health, the South Bend Human Rights Commission will not be accepting walk-ins beginning Friday, March 20, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. The Commission will continue business operations and will continue to take calls and other correspondence. Please call the Commission with any questions.

Free Human Rights Webinar Series

The Human Rights Commission will be hosting weekly live webinars on topics relating to COVID-19 and Human Rights. Please check the list of dates below for the link to join the webinars. All webinars will begin at 10:00 AM. Topics and speakers are subject to change and are listed below.

Please call the Human Rights Commission with questions about the webinar series.

05/05/2020: https://tinyurl.com/hrc05052020

Topic: Introduction to South Bend Human Rights Commission and COVID-19 in Housing and Employment

Overview: This webinar will cover the Commission’s location, office hours, Commissioners, Commission Staff, mission, purpose, jurisdiction and timeliness of charges, and the Commission’s enforcement in relation to the City ordinance, EEOC, and HUD. The webinar will also cover topics relating to COVID-19 in Housing such as COVID based foreclosures, how to pay rent, mortgages relating to the federal moratorium, and HUD resources. The webinar will also cover topics relating to COVID-19 in Employment such as paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and risk exposure to employees relating to OSHA.

Speakers: HRC Directors M. Diana Moya and Crystal F. McCain

05/12/2020: https://tinyurl.com/05122020HRC or call in at 574-367-5480 and enter meeting ID 450 500 781

Topic: COVID-19: Federal Moratorium

Overview: This webinar will cover the Federal Moratorium, what to expect when it ends, and legal resources available.

Speakers: Judith Fox, Clinical Professor of Law, Notre Dame Law School

05/19/2020: https://tinyurl.com/5192020HRC or call in at 574-367-5480 and enter meeting ID 762 909 650

Topic: EEOC COVID-19 Update

Overview: This webinar will cover the current guidelines related to Title VII with specifics on National Origin. The webinar will also cover guidelines on the Americans with Disabilities Act and COVID-19.

Speaker: Brien Shoemaker, Outreach and Education Coordinator, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Indianapolis District Office

05/26/2020: https://tinyurl.com/05262020HRC or call in at 574-367-5480 and enter meeting ID 144 040 348

Topic: COVID-19 HUD

Overview: This webinar will cover a brief summary of the protections under the Fair Housing Act, discuss sexual harassment in detail, and discuss other issues HUD is seeing as a result of COVID-19.

Speaker: Lon D. Meltesen, Regional Director, Region V, Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Human Rights Events

Call the South Bend Human Rights Commission for more information about our events!

04/28/2020: Fair Housing Workshop – CANCELLED

04/28/2020: Human Rights Awareness Day Awards Luncheon – CANCELLED

Mission Statement

To provide service to the citizens of South Bend through impartial, unbiased decisions regarding discrimination charges filed with the South Bend Human Rights Commission under the ordinance in areas of employment, housing, public accommodation and education, based on race, religion, color, sex, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation or gender identity, disability and in housing familial status. To stimulate community awareness of equal protection of the law in protected areas through education, collaboration, and coordination with other community agencies.

Duties and Powers of the Commission

In addition to receiving and or initiating investigations of discriminatory practices and recommending for appointment to the Mayor such personnel as may be necessary, the Commission can act as conciliator in matters involving race, religion, color, sex, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation or gender identity, disability and in housing familial status. It can create advisory committees and sub-committees to effectuate its purposes. It can recommend to the Mayor and Common Council legislation to further purposes of the ordinance. It can take testimony of any person under oath relating to any matter in question before it. Upon the approval of the Department of Law, it can subpoena witnesses, documents, and records pertinent to matters under investigation.

Ordinance

View the South Bend Human Rights Ordinance

General Inquiry

General Inquiry Form
By filling out this form, you are only submitting a general inquiry and not filing a charge. If you need immediate assistance, please call the Commission at 574-235-9355.

For Kids

Check out the Adventures of Liberty and Justice!

Download The Adventures of Liberty and Justice comic book.

Helpful Links

	574.235.9355
	319 N. Niles Ave South Bend, Indiana 46617
	Modified Office Hours Due to COVID-19: Monday: 8:00AM to 1:00PM Tuesday: 12:00PM to 5:00PM Wednesday: 8:00AM to 1:00PM Thursday: 12:00PM to 5:00PM Friday: 8:00AM to 1:00PM walk-ins not accepted at this time