Human Relations Commission of the City of Allentown

In the News, Announcements, and Important Links

• Annual Awards Celebration - October 18, 2011 at Allentown Symphony Hall - 23 N. 6th St. Allentown, PA 18101

About the Commission and Filing a Complaint

In the 1960s, Allentown City Government passed Allentown’s anti-discrimination ordinance to promote mutual understanding and to prohibit discrimination; the legislation created the Allentown Human Relations Commission empowering it to implement the ordinance.

Under this ordinance all persons in Allentown, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry or place of birth, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, age (over 40), family status in housing, handicap or disability, or use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability enjoy the full benefits of citizenship and are afforded equal opportunities for employment, housing, and use of public accommodation facilities.

The ordinance establishes this list of characteristics to define who is protected from discrimination; these are called protected classes. If you live or work in the City of Allentown and feel you have been discriminated against based on any protected class, you can contact Allentown’s Human Relations Officer to file a complaint.

Your first step is to call the Human Relations Office and speak to the Human Relations Officer at: 610-437-7743. The Officer will discuss your concern with you. If you want to file a formal complaint, the Human Relations Officer will set up an appointment for you to come into the office in Allentown City Hall at 435 Hamilton Street.

You should bring to your appointment with the Human Relations Officer information about when the discrimination took place, who was involved, what happened, and the basis on which the complaint will be filed. If this is an employment complaint, bring the full name and address of the employer and the approximate number of people employed at the business. If it is a public accommodation complaint -- which means denial or unfair treatment in a business, agency or service provider – you will need to have the address and name of the business or agency. For a housing complaint, have the name and address of your landlord and a copy of your lease. If you aren’t sure what to bring, ask when you call.

The Human Relations Commission investi-gator will be nonjudgmental. Investigators who speak both English and Spanish are available. Be sure to give all the facts and details to the Investigator. Answer all questions fully. Provide any witnesses or documents, such as a payroll slip or rent receipts, and be sure to keep your investigator advised of any change in your address or phone number. The investigator will determine if more information is needed and will help you to prepare a statement you can sign. The officer is compelled to deal with housing complaints within 100 days. Complaints regarding employment and public accommodation can take longer.

Current Members of the Human Relations Commission