Mission Statement
The mission of the Vermont Human Rights Commission is to promote full civil and human rights in Vermont. The Commission protects people from unlawful discrimination in housing, state government employment, and public accommodations.
Strategies to Achieve the Mision and Vision
The Commission pursues its mission by:
Enforcing laws through investigations and litigation
Complaints alleging violations of anti-discrimination laws are investigated impartially and decided by the Human Rights Commission.
Conciliating disputes pre and post investigative reports
Complainants and Respondents are offered timely and meaningful access to mediation services or informal means of conciliation that promote mutually satisfactory resolutions to their disputes.
Educating the public and providing information and referrals
HRC staff offer information, referrals, educational programs, and educational training to those who request these services. Additionally, HRC staff requests relief in the form of training in all post-investigative settlements and when appropriate, in pre[1]investigative settlements. HRC staff engage in coalition and community activities that address the needs of members of protected categories.
Advancing effective public policies on human rights
The HRC provides leadership in public policy development with respect to civil and human rights issues in Vermont and presents testimony to the Legislature on such issues as well as advice to the executive and judicial branches upon request.