Human Rights Commission

Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Print

To file a discrimination complaint for the Human Rights Commission to review, click the button below.

Or you can download one of the complaint intake forms (formulario de presentación de quejas) below and email the completed form(s) to HRC@okc.gov.

For more information about the entire complaint process, please see this detailed description.

Apply to serve on the HRC

Are you interested in serving on the Human Rights Commission? Apply for Commission consideration with this online form.

Graphic hands holding thought bubbles with text apply to serve on the human rights commission

FAQs

  • What is the Oklahoma City Human Rights Commission (HRC)?
  • When was the HRC formed?
  • What is the purpose of the HRC?
  • Where and how often does the HRC meet?
  • Can anyone come to the HRC meetings?
  • What if I need an ASL translator or other accommodation to participate in an HRC meeting?
  • Can the HRC help with discrimination complaints?
  • What happens once a complaint is received?
  • What remedies can the HRC provide to a person who has been discriminated against?
  • Can the HRC force someone to participate in the complaint and conciliation process?
  • Who currently serves on the HRC?
  • How can I be considered for an appointment as Commissioner of the HRC?
  • Can I translate this webpage into another language?
More >

Background

On July 19, 2022, the Oklahoma City Council approved an ordinance re-establishing the City’s Human Rights Commission after being repealed in 1996.

The Human Rights Commission is made up of nine members. Each of the eight City Council members recommended to the Mayor one person to represent their ward. The Mayor appointed one person at large, who serves as the commission chair. One member must be a lawyer.

Initially, members representing even-numbered wards will serve for two years and members representing odd-numbered wards will serve for three years. Following the initial service, terms will be for three years.

Responsibilities

Some of the Commission’s responsibilities include:

  • Coordinating with the community, including public and private agencies, to promote human rights.
  • Working with law enforcement agencies by referring violations or apparent violations of anti-discrimination laws to them.
  • Mediating complaints alleging violations of the anti-discrimination law.
  • Recommending studies or surveys that promote anti-discrimination policies.
  • Producing an annual report of the commission’s activities.
  • Establishing advisory committees to help the commission, as needed.
  • Participating in at least one educational event annually that promotes human rights.

Meeting Schedule

The Commission meets every other month. Time and locations vary. See the Commission's agendas and schedule on the City Clerk's page.

Commissioners

Valerie Couch, At-Large Member/Chair
Ralph Crawford, Ward 1
Cindy Nguyen, Ward 2
Councilwoman Barbara Peck, Ward 3
Dr. Leslie Shaw VanBuskirk, Ward 4
Brian Wall, Ward 5
Ana “Deisy” Escalera, Ward 6
Dr. Marsha Herron, Ward 7
Rhonda Hooper, Ward 8

The Commission is staffed by a Compliance Officer, who reports to the Chief Equity Officer. An attorney from the Municipal Counselor’s Office serves as legal counsel for the Compliance Officer and the Commission.

Past presentations

January 2024 HRC meeting

Watch the presentation titled "Rights Protection in Indian Country" by Professor Emeritus Lindsay Robertson of the University of Oklahoma College of Law during the HRC's November 2023 meeting.

Watch a Q&A with human rights pioneer Dr. George Henderson during the HRC’s May 2023 meeting.

See a presentation about the history of human rights in Oklahoma by Dr. Bob Blackburn during the HRC's July 2023 meeting.

Contact

For questions regarding the HRC, contact the HRC Compliance Officer Emma Winiski at HRC@okc.gov.