​History

The Commission was established by the City of Owensboro Board of Directors on September 22, 1972. It was restructured in 2001.

There are 6 purposes:

1. To administer a responsible human relations program.
2. To promote and secure mutual understanding a respect among social economic, religious, ethnic, racial, gender, handicapped and age groups.
3. To conciliate the groups listed above.
4. To enlist the support of civic, religious, labor, commercial and civil leaders dedicated to the improvement of intergroup relations and the elimination of discriminatory practices.
5. To receive complaints, conduct investigations, hold hearings and make studies.
6. To carry out such objectives as contained in the ordinance creating the Commission.

Why do we have a human relations commission?

• Because any practice of discrimination against an individual or group because of race, creed, color, sex, age,or national origin is deemed by the Board of Commissioners of the City of Owensboro to be detrimental to the peace, progress, and future of the City of Owensboro and the citizens thereof
• The progress of this city and the general well-being of all of its citizens can be greatly enhanced by participation in community efforts by all citizens
• To implement a constructive approach to the elimination of any discriminatory practices in the City of Owensboro
• Each individual has a right under the law to Equal Employment, education and housing opportunity