Discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, handicap, unfavorable discharge from military service, or sexual orientation is prohibited by the City of Decatur. To ensure its commitment to the rights of all people, the City Council, in 1960, created the Human Relations Commission.

The Commission has the duty of making investigations in the field of human relations which shall be the subject matter of any ordinance of the City or statute of the State of Illinois or of the United States. In performing this function, the Commission cooperates with the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, departments and divisions of the City, or with any other appropriate governmental agencies.

In 1993, City Council adopted Chapter 28 of the City Code (view code hereopens PDF file ). This ordinance sets forth the policy of the City of Decatur in the exercise of its home rule powers to prohibit unfair public contract practices, unfair employment practices, unfair financial credit practices, unfair housing practices, unequal public places of accommodations practices, and noncompliance with the City’s affirmative action program.

The Commission has the responsibility of protecting the rights of Decatur citizens through city ordinances in the areas of civil rights; to include housing, age, disability, employment and public places of accommodations.

A form for filing a charge of unlawful discrimination may be obtained by clicking on the appropriate link above or by making a request in person from the Human Resources office located on the second floor of the Decatur Civic Center. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Current Commissioners

  • Richard Zaker, Chairperson
  • Vivian Goodman, Vice Chairperson
  • Joyce Keller, Commissioner
  • Jerry Pelz, Commissioner
  • Mark Schleeter, Commissioner
  • Minnie Walker, Commissioner
  • Vacant
  • Vacant
  • Vacant

Reports & Forms