Human Rights Commission - General Information |
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| Brochure - Frequently Asked Questions |
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| What are the general duties of the Clinton County Human Rights Commission? |
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| Who is on the Clinton County Human Rights Commission? |
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| Who is protected? |
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| What activities are protected? |
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| What does the State Constitution say? |
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| How is a complaint filed? |
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| What action might be taken? |
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| What are the general duties of the Clinton County Human Rights Commission? |
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To foster mutual respect and understanding among all racial, religious and nationality groups in the County; |
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To inquire into the incidence of tension and conflict among or between various racial, religious and nationality groups; |
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To conduct and recommend such educational programs as, in the judgment of the Commission, will increase goodwill among the inhabitants of the community and open new opportunities into all phases of community life for all inhabitants; and |
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To report complaints to the New York State Division of Human Rights, alleging any lawful discriminatory practices under Article 15 and the Executive Law. |
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| Who is on the Clinton County Human Rights Commission? |
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The Clinton County Human Rights Commission is composed of 10 members who are appointed by the County Legislature. The members of the Commission are all volunteers who have demonstrated interest in the protection of human rights and the elimination of illegal discrimination. |
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| Who is protected? |
| Depending on various State and Federal Laws, certain classes are protected against discrimination. Areas of protection include: |
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Age (employment only) |
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Race or Color |
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Creed or Religion |
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National Origin |
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Sex or Gender |
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Marital Status and Familial Status |
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Physical or Mental Impairment |
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Ex-arrestees or Ex-misdemeanor Offenders (employment only) |
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Sexual Orientation |
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| What activities are protected? |
| Activities Protected by New York State Human Rights Law: |
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Employment |
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Housing |
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Public Accommodation |
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Credit |
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Membership in Volunteer Fire Companies |
| If you believe that you have been discriminated against within the County of Clinton you may file a complaint with the Clinton County Human Rights Commission. |
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| What does the State Constitution say? |
| The New York State Constitution, adopted and approved by the vote of the citizens of New York on November 8, 1938, provides that "No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this State or any subdivision thereof. No person shall, because of race, color, creed, or religion, be subjected to any discrimination in his civil rights by any other person or by any firm, corporation or institution, or by the State or any agency or subdivision of the State." If you feel that you have been the subject of an unlawful, discriminatory practice, protect your civil rights - contact the Clinton County Human Rights Commission. |
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| How is a complaint filed? |
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Put your complaint in writing. Your complaint does not have to be in great detail but it is necessary for the Commission to have enough information to contact you and discuss the complaint in detail. |
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Mail or leave your complaint at:
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Clinton County Human Rights Commission |
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Clinton County Government Center |
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c/o Legislative Offices- Box 21 |
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137 Margaret Street |
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Plattsburgh, NY 12901 |
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If for some reason you are unable to do the above, just call the Clinton County Government Center, 565-4600, and leave your name and contact information for the on-call commissioner of the Human Rights Commission. |
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Your complaint will be reviewed at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Commission and you will be contacted to discuss what steps can be taken regarding your complaint. |
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| What action might be taken? |
| The Human Rights Commission may do any of the following: |
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If the complaint is within the jurisdiction of the Commission, efforts to resolve the complaint at the local level will be made.
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You may be referred to the New York State Division of Human Rights for action. |
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The Commission may recommend another agency if the matter does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Clinton County Human Rights Commission. |
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