Office of Human Rights

Created in December 1963, the Office of Human Rights is Tompkins County's civil and human rights education and outreach agency. 

Our Mission

To work towards the elimination and prevention of unlawful discrimination and to develop and facilitate County-wide programs that increase awareness of human rights and social justice ideals.

We fulfill our mission through the following actions, programs, and strategies:

Civil and Human Rights

To support individuals who believe their civil and human rights have been violated, we facilitate the filing of their complaints with the New York State Division of Human Rights (NYSDHR). This facilitation occurs in the office. NYSDHR protects the public from unlawful discrimination in employment; housing; credit; places of public accommodation; volunteer fire departments; nonsectarian educational institutions; and based on age; creed; race; color; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; national origin; marital status; disability; military status; arrest record; conviction record; predisposing genetic characteristics; familial status (in housing only). Confidentiality is protected. Any individual who resides or works in Tompkins County may use these services without a fee.

Human Rights Outreach and Education

We develop and facilitate County-wide programs to increase awareness of human rights, social justice matters and civic engagement and responsibility.  Toward that end, TCOHR collaborates with County, local, regional and state partners and stakeholders to host panel discussions, community conversations, workshops, reading/discussion groups and other programs.

Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH)

Tompkins County has entered into a partnership with CNY Fair Housing, a regional organization based in Syracuse, to engage in education and outreach with select County departments and the public regarding fair housing. TCOHR is the designated department to work directly with CNY Fair Housing to organize and schedule these programs. Public events will be well publicized in advance of such meetings.

Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Committee (WDIC)

OHR provides administrative assistance and lends expertise to County efforts in implementing its Workforce Diversity and Inclusion policy. 

Office Hours

M-F 8:30 A.M.-4:30 P.M.
120 W. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
Phone: 607-277-4080              Fax: 607-277-4106

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