The Cuyahoga County Human Rights Commission is dedicated to upholding the principles of fairness, equity, and respect for all residents of Cuyahoga County. The Commission enforces and promotes the County’s anti-discrimination laws, ensuring that every individual has equal access to opportunities in employment, housing, and public accommodations without fear of bias or unequal treatment.

Through ordinances such as the CROWN Act, the County reaffirms its commitment to protecting individuals from discrimination based on traits historically associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locs, twists, and afros. These protections recognize that cultural and racial identity are integral to personal dignity and self-expression.

What is an adverse action that could lead to a Complaint of Discrimination?

Housing issues, including but not limited to:

• Renting, leasing, or subleasing
• Negotiating for sale or rental
• Terms, conditions, or privileges for sale or rental
• Printing and publishing of advertisements

Employment

• An employer’s job advertisement
• Hiring processes
• Terms and conditions of work
• Workplace harassment
• Adverse employment actions such as the following:
  • Discipline
  • Layoff/recall
  • Promotion/demotion
  • Termination

Places of public accommodation, including but not limited to:

• Denial/refusal of services
• Difference in service
• Denial of access