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Human Relations

The Human Relations Commission was established by ordinance in 1976 as a municipal department with staff.  In 1995, the Human Relations Ordinance was revised to strengthen the ordinance’s enforcement power regarding unlawful discrimination.

The seven member Commission, who is appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council, is composed of citizens from the community.  The purpose of the Commission is to advise the Department on community related issues; promote and conduct programs that foster human relations among all citizens regardless of race, religion, ethnicity and economic background; and to encourage a community free of discrimination.  The Commission’s primary responsibilities consist of hearing and deciding cases of unlawful discrimination and complaints against City employees such as police complaints.

The Department’s primary responsibilities consist of receiving and investigating complaints regarding unlawful discrimination, complaints against City employees and planning community related programs.

Unlawful Discrimination

Pursuant to Chapter 95, Section 95.01, of the City of Danville Code of Ordinances, it is the policy of the City to secure for all of its citizens within the City freedom from unlawful discrimination in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations because of: Race, Color, Religion, Age, Sex,  National Origin, Marital Status, Physical or Mental Disability and Familial Status (Housing Only).

Filing a Discrimination Complaint

  1. If you believe that you have been discriminated against you should file a complaint with the City of Danville Human Relations Department as soon as the act of discrimination occurs.  A complaint must be filed within 180 days of the date of the alleged discrimination in areas of employment and public accommodation complaints. Housing complaints have a one-year filing deadline.
  2. The Director will interview the Complainant to determine if there is a basis to file a discrimination charge.  If there is not a basis, the complainant is informed   of   this finding   during   the interview.  If there is a basis to file a discrimination charge, the Department will file a charge of discrimination against the Respondent.
  3. The Respondent has 30 days to respond to the charge of discrimination.
  4. During the investigation of the complaint, the Department will initiate informal conciliation between the Complainant and the Respondent.
  5. After the completion of the investigation, the Department will determine whether there is enough evidence to support the allegation(s) of discrimination.
  6. If there is not enough evidence to support the allegation(s), the Department will dismiss the charge of discrimination.  The Complainant can appeal the Department’s dismissal of the complaint to the Human Relations Commission.  The appeal must be filed within 14 days of the dismissal.
  7. If there is enough evidence to support the allegation(s) of discrimination, and the parties do not reach an agreement to settle the complaint, the Department will file a complaint for hearing with the Commission on behalf of the Complainant.
  8. Based on the evidence presented during the hearing, the Commission will either issue a final order to dismiss the case, or the Commission will issue a final order that the Respondent has engaged in an unlawful practice of discrimination.  Any imposed penalties against the Respondent by the Commission will be in accordance with Chapter 95, the Human Relations Ordinance.
  9. To file a discrimination complaint,, please call the Department at (217) 431-2280 or (217) 431-2876.

Filing a Citizen’s Complaint or Police Complaint

  1. A citizen can file a complaint against any City employee for Unprofessional Behavior, Inappropriate Language, Use of Excessive Force, etc.
  2. The complaint must be filed within 30 days of the alleged incident.
  3. To file a complaint against a City employee, please call the Department at (217) 431-2280 or (217) 431-2876.