CHRO protects civil rights

At the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO), we focus on enforcing civil and human rights laws in Connecticut. We work for equal opportunities and justice for everyone in the State. We achieve this through advocacy, education, and enforcement.

What we do:

  • Enforce antidiscrimination law in employment, housing, and public accommodations
  • Check contracts and look at hiring
  • Review state agency affirmative action plans
  • Promote equal opportunities across Connecticut
  • Use education and outreach to support equal access for all

This work is led by CHRO’s Executive Director, Tanya A. Hughes. She guides the agency’s work to promote fairness, equal opportunity, and justice for all.

Get to know Executive Director Tanya A. Hughes and her work  

How we serve the public

 

Kids Court Academy

Kids Court Academy (KCA) is a program for middle and high school students. It teaches them about civil rights, human rights, and social justice. Students will share ideas with peers from all over the State.
Learn about civil rights and social justice with KCA  
 

Outreach and Youth

We educate youth and the public about diversity and civil and human rights issues. We help young people build confidence to become leaders and make a difference in their communities.
Discover youth programs and civil rights education  
 

Contract compliance

We review the Good Faith Efforts of contractors on state-funded construction projects. Learn more about contract compliance and file your Good Faith Efforts Plan with CHRO.
File a Good Faith Efforts Plan and meet contract requirements  
 

Trainings and notices

Learn about the voluntary and mandatory trainings we offer to the public. Find live and on-demand sessions on Sexual Harassment, Fair Housing, Domestic Violence Victims, and more.
Find trainings, including sexual harassment prevention and more  
 

Office of Public Hearings

The Office of Public Hearings (OPH) holds public hearings on discrimination complaints after the CHRO investigation process, as well as whistleblower retaliation complaints. These hearings give people a chance to present information and participate in a fair, open process.

Find out how public hearings work and how to take part  

Get help with a complaint

We investigate complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, public spaces, and credit. The Office of Public Hearings handles whistleblower retaliation complaints. Find the complaint filing process that is right for you.


File a discrimination complaint 

We explain how to file a discrimination complaint. Learn what counts as discrimination, who can file, and when to contact us. Use this information to decide if you are ready to start the process.

Learn how to file a whistleblower complaint 

Find information about whistleblower retaliation complaints. Learn who can file, what retaliation means, and when to contact us. Find out what happens after a complaint is submitted. This information can help you decide if you are ready to move forward.

Are you looking to volunteer or intern with the CHRO?

 

Opportunities for law students
Law students can intern to gain civil rights experience. They help with discrimination cases and support attorneys with casework.
 

Opportunities for undergraduate students
Students help with education, outreach, and daily agency tasks. They also gain valuable experience in civil and human rights work.
 

Volunteer as a settlement referee
Attorneys can use their legal skills to help the public. As volunteers, they gain experience, serve the community, and help make sure cases are fair.
 

Need help with affirmative action?

We review affirmative action plans from state agencies. We also review hiring practices and workplace policies. Learn more about the program and its requirements.

View affirmative action requirements  

Contact CHRO through your regional office

 

Find contact information
CHRO has a main office in Hartford and regional offices across the State. Find office addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers, and email information.
 

Find your office by town
CHRO regional offices receive and resolve cases based on where the discriminatory act took place. Find the regional office to contact.

Find public records and learn more about your rights

Use these resources to request public records, understand your civil rights protections, and stay informed about our work across CT