Human Rights

What does the Office of Human Rights Do?

The Charlottesville Office of Human Rights receives individual complaints of discrimination, conducts community outreach, and provides staff support to the Human Rights Commission.

Contact us

If you require language interpretation, American Sign Language, or document translation to access Office of Human Rights services, please stop by the office at 507 East Main Street for an in-person visit. During your visit, intake staff will help you set up an appointment with the appropriate interpreter or arrange for any of our Office of Human Rights documents to be translated into an accessible format.

• If you believe you have been subjected to an unlawful discriminatory practice, you may do any of the following:
  • Call the Office of Human Rights at 434-970-3023 (Se habla Español)
  • Send an email to the Office of Human Rights.
  • Print and submit an Intake Questionnaire Form.
    • English Intake Questionnaire Form
    • Arabic Intake Questionnaire Form
    • Dari Intake Questionnaire Form
    • Nepali Intake Questionnaire Form
    • Pashto Intake Questionnaire Form
    • Spanish Intake Questionnaire Form
    • Swahili Intake Questionnaire Form
• If you would like to contact the Office or Commission about community outreach or a matter of public concern, you may do any of the following:
  • Call the Office of Human Rights at 434-970-3023.
  • Send an email to the Office of Human Rights.
  • Attend a public meeting of the Human Rights Commission.

All inquiries by phone or email to the Office of Human Rights are protected by law from disclosure to outside parties without your express permission.

Frequently Asked Questions

• I think I have experienced discrimination. What can I do? 
  • You may be able to file a complaint through the Office of Human Rights. Visit the Filing a Complaint subpage for more information.
• I noticed a policy or practice that I think is discriminatory. What can I do?
  • You may reach out to the Office of Human Rights or attend a meeting of the Human Rights Commission and share your concern. Visit the Human Rights Commission subpage for more information about Human Rights Commission meetings.
• How can I participate in public comment at an HRC meeting?
  • Human Rights Commission meetings usually have an opportunity for attendees to provide public comment in person and sometimes virtually. As the focus and content of Human Rights Commission meetings varies, so does the opportunity for public comment. Participants should check the agenda for the meeting they would like to attend for specific information about providing public comment during that meeting. Agendas are accessible by viewing the event on the City's calendar available here   .
• How can I apply to be on the Human Rights Commission?
  • If you are interested in serving on the Human Rights Commission, you can check for vacancies on the City's Boards and Commissions webpage. If there is a current vacancy, you may apply by the listed deadline. City Council will review applications and announce appointments.