Mission Statement:
The West Virginia Human Rights Commission will encourage and endeavor to bring about respect, tolerance, and mutual understanding among all citizens of West Virginia regardless of their race, gender, religious persuasion, ethnicity, or disability. The Commission will administer and ensure adherence to, through education, investigation, mediation, and adjudication, the Human Rights Act which prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation.
The West Virginia Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in employment and in places of public accommodations based on race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age (40 or above), blindness, or disability. In addition, discrimination in housing because of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, blindness, disability, or familial status is forbidden.
Please submit the below forms to OIGHRC@wv.gov
Employment Pre-Complaint Background Form
Housing Pre-Complaint Background Form
Public Accommodations Pre-Complaint Background Form
How to file a complaint with the WV Human Rights Commission:
Step One
You must act quickly! A person may call, write or visit the office of the West Virginia Human Rights Commission to report an incident of discrimination. The complaint must be filed within 365 days of the date of the most recent date of discrimination.
Step Two
After all the facts have been examined, an investigator makes a recommendation as to a finding. The finding will either be that there is not enough evidence to support the allegation(s) of discrimination (no probable cause) or that there is reason to believe that discrimination did occur (probable cause).
Step Three
Following a probable cause determination, conciliation is attempted. In this stage, the Commission or the complainant may agree to a settlement with the parties against whom the complaint is filed (the respondent). If a settlement cannot be reached, a public hearing will be held.
Step Four
An Administrative law judge will conduct a public hearing, which is similar to a trial. After the judge hears all the evidence, the judge on behalf of the West Virginia Human Rights Commission issues a decision.
Step Five
The judge's decision may be appealed to the West Virginia Human Rights Commission. The nine commissioners who are appointed by the governor review the appeal. The party aggrieved by the commissioners' decision may then seek judicial review on the courts.
Relevant State Law & Regulations:
West Virginia Human Rights Act - W. Va. Code §§16B-17-1, et seq.
West Virginia Fair Housing Act - W. Va. Code §§16B-18-1, et seq.
West Virginia Pregnant Workers' Fairness Act - W. Va. Code §§16B-19-1, et seq.
Rules Regarding Discrimination Against Individuals With Disabilities Legislative Rule - W. Va. Code R. §§71-1-1, et seq.
Rules of Practice and Procedure Before the West Virginia Human Rights Commission Procedural Rule - W. Va. Code R. §§71-2-1, et seq.
Rules Regarding Religious Discrimination Legislative Rule - W. Va. Code R. §§71-3-1, et seq.
Rules Regarding Sexual Harassment Legislative Rule - W. Va. Code R. §§71-4-1, et seq.
Rules Regarding Exemption of Private Clubs Legislative Rule - W. Va. Code R. §§71-5-1, et seq.
Rules Regarding Waiver of Rights Under the West Virginia Human Rights Act Legislative Rule - W. Va. Code R. §§71-6-1, et seq.
The Definition of Employer Under the West Virginia Human Rights Act Legislative Rule - W. Va. Code R. §§71-7-1, et seq.
Rules for the Processing of Complaints and for Administrative Proceedings Under the West Virginia Fair Housing Act Procedural Rule - W. Va. Code R. §§71-8-1, et seq.
Rules Regarding Housing Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Who Utilize Assistance Animals Legislative Rule - W. Va. Code R. §§71-9-1, et seq.
Rules Regarding the Pregnant Workers' Fairness Act Legislative Rule - W. Va. Code R. §§71-10-1, et seq.
Learn more about the history of the WV Human Rights Commission and our Chairman
Contact Us
Phone: 304-558-2616
Fax: 304-558-0085
Email: OIGHRC@wv.gov
Mail:
Human Rights Commission
1321 Plaza East
Charleston, WV 25301