Our Mission and Values History Commission Members 1-888-278-7101	History Ohio, the 17th state to join the Union in 1803, a century and half later became the 16th State to enact Fair Employment Practices Legislation to prohibit unlawful racial discrimination. The law, Section 4112.01 of the Ohio Revised Code, was enacted by the state legislature and signed into law by Governor Michael V. DiSalle, on July 29, 1959. It created a Fair Employment Practices Commission for Ohio. In 1961 the Legislature changed the agency’s name to The Ohio Civil Rights Commission. While primarily concerned with discrimination in employment, the Legislature directed the Commission to carry out a number of other important duties, and in addition granted discretionary authority to study, advise and issue statements regarding all civil rights matters. The statute was later amended to protect equal opportunity in places of public accommodations (1961), housing (1965), credit (1976) and in institutions of higher education (1984) without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, ancestry, age or familial status (housing only). As a quasi-judicial, administrative agency of the state, the general powers and duties of the Commission are to receive, investigate, render formal determinations, and conciliate charges of unlawful discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, credit and institutions of higher education. The Commission is also mandated to “prepare a comprehensive educational program for the students of the public schools…and for other residents of this state, designed to eliminate prejudice, its harmful effects and its incompatibility with American principles of equality and fair play.” Highlights: 1978 the OCRC and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) entered into a Worksharing Agreement, which provides dual filing for employment charges. Ohio has continually ranked number one in the nation with the largest contract for successful case processing. 1988 OCRC and U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) entered into a Worksharing Agreement to eradicate housing discrimination. 1989-On July 28th marked the 30th Anniversary of the OCRC. Governor Richard F. Celeste and other state and local dignitaries recognized the OCRC for its continued commitment to protecting the rights of all Ohioans to enjoy the benefits of dignity and equality. 1992-Amended Substitute H.B. 321 brought Ohio’s fair housing statute into conformity with federal fair housing legislation by adding “familial status” to the protected classes and a one year filing period for housing discrimination charges. 1993- Creation of a comprehensive curriculum guide and teaching aid for Ohio’s schools entitled, “Valuing Diversity: Learning and Living Together.” Revised in 1999. 1998-Introduction of the Alternative Dispute Resolution pilot program. During the first year of inception, over 53% of all cases that participated in the process were successfully mediated. Recognized in 1999 by HUD with a “Best Practices” award. 1999-July 29th marked the 40th Anniversary of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. Federal and State partners recognized the dedicated work of OCRC employees at the first “All Hands Meeting.” 2000-Workforce Redesign Initiative funded by grant from Ohio Department of Administrative Services and the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association to examine and redesign every process and system used by the agency in fulfilling its legislative mandate. 2004-July 29th will mark the 45th anniversary of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. Home   |   About Us   |   Services   |   Charge Forms   |   Regional Offices Publications   |   Employment   |   Public Affairs   |   Case Archive ** Disclaimer ** Site Developed by Sophisticated Systems, Inc.