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About the Commission

The South Bend Human Rights Commission was formed in 1956.

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.