Requests for Assistance and Investigative Services

The Commission serves the county's citizens in many ways.  One of those ways involves responding to requests for assistance. In listening to citizens' concerns, agency personnel will determine whether the issue falls within the purview of the Commission. If the issue is jurisdictional to the Commission, appointments are made with Equal Opportunity Specialists who will investigate allegations of illegal discrimination in housing or employment. Concerns that are outside of the Commission's jurisdiction are routed to the appropriate agencies at the federal, state, or local levels. Educational outreach is provided to the public free of charge. Staff receives professional development training to conduct inquiries of employment discrimination complaints based upon protected classes: race, religion, age, color, disability, national origin, and sex (sexual harassment). Equally, they are trained to investigate housing complaints based upon the following protected classes: race, religion, sex (includes sexual harassment), color, disability, national origin, and familial status. There is no charge for services to local residents who live and work within the boundaries of New Hanover County. The Commission also sponsors public forums that address human relations' issues as well as inform individuals of issues that impact upon the quality of life involving health, education, and human services.