About The Commission

(Spanish translation here | En Espanol aqui)

The Providence Human Relations (PHRC) Commission was established by Ordinance in 1963 to enforce laws of equal opportunity for the City of Providence. PHRC was created to investigate complaints of alleged discrimination and to promote understanding and respect among the City's diverse populations.

The Commission protects those who believe that they have been discriminated against in one or more of the areas listed below:

• Race/Ethnicity
• Color
• Religion
• Country of origin
• Physical or Mental Disability
• Marital Status
• Age
• Sexual Orientation
• Sex

The Commission investigates and attempts to address complaints and concerns of possible discrimination in the following areas:

• Housing
• Employment
• Public Accommodation
• Education
• Credit Status

Mission Statement
The mission of the PHRC is to foster mutual understanding and respect among all racial, religious and ethnic groups in Providence. PHRC investigates and attempts to conciliate complaints of alleged discrimination in employment, housing, education, credit, public accommodations, and promotes understanding among the City's diverse populations.

About the Providence Human Relations Commission
Committed to Justice, Equality and Respect.

The practice or policy of discrimination against individuals because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability, age or country of ancestral origin, is a serious concern for the City of Providence. Such discrimination threatens the welfare of our citizens as it lessens their standard of living, reduces their ability to provide for their families, and undermines our ability to thrive as a diverse city. The PHRC strives to safeguard the rights of Providence residents to be free from discrimination, and works to foster a climate of respect for the many diverse communities that make our city strong.

The mission of the PHRC is twofold:

1. To seek, investigate, mediate and/or adjudicate complaints of discrimination filed with the Commission and promote compliance with civil rights law;
   
2. To promote, facilitate, and foster positive relationships among and between the diverse groups and communities within the city of Providence through outreach, education, training and community building activities.

If you feel that you have been discriminated against as the result of your race/ethnicity, immigration status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, age, sexual orientation, sex, or gender identity, please call us at 351-0475. We want to help you!