Human Relations Commission

Purpose

Build community and cultivate a respectful, cohesive environment for those who visit, live, and work in our community.

We aspire to...

• honor each person’s humanity and inherent right to be treated with dignity
• deter unlawful discrimination and harassment
• safeguard equal opportunities, greater inclusion, and justice

How we do it

• offer events and education that promote positive interpersonal connection
• provide access to resources for conflict resolution

Background of The Human Relations Commission

In 2024, Doylestown Township Board of Supervisors passed the ordinance that established the Doylestown Township Human Relations Commission. Ordinance NO. 426 establishes a list of protected classes (listed below). It works to help safeguard the rights of all people regardless of, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, and more.

The Ordinance holds effect in all areas of the Township and works to guarantee the fair and equal treatment of all persons under the law. Click here to read the full Ordinance 

Who are the Protected Classes?

All parties listed are afforded equal opportunities for employment, housing, and public accommodation regardless of a person’s

• Actual or perceived race
• Skin color
• Religious creed
• Ancestry
• Sex
• National origin
• Age
• Familial or marital status
• Genetic information
• Source of income
• Status as a returning citizen
• Veteran status
• Non-job-related disability
• Use of guide or support animals because of blindness, deafness, or mental or physical disability of the user or the user is a handler or trainer of support or guide animals and/or medical aids
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity or gender expression

Exemption

This Ordinance does have an exemption. A religious organization, not supported in whole or part by governmental appropriations, has the right to refuse employment to a person on the basis of religion. However, this is the sole exemption of the Ordinance.

How the Doylestown Township Human Relations Commission Can Help

If you live, work, worship, or have visited Doylestown Township and feel that you were discriminated against for being part of any of the protected classes, you can file a complaint and request that the Doylestown Township HRC function as a mediator for this dispute.

If you live, work, worship, study, or have visited Doylestown Township and feel that you were discriminated against for being part of any of the protected classes, you can file a complaint and request that the Doylestown Township HRC function as a mediator for this dispute.

If you have any questions or feel that you have been aggrieved by an unlawful discriminatory practice within the borders of Doylestown Township, please call Doylestown Township at 215-348-9915.

How to File a Complaint with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC)

If you feel you have experienced illegal discrimination, in general, you have 180 days from when the alleged discrimination happened, to file a complaint or report a bias incident to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC). Click here to learn more. 

About Us

The Human Relations Commission consists of four members who serve overlapping terms of four years each. A minimum of three members shall be residents of the Township, individuals who work full time within the Township, or business owners who operate in the Township.

The Board of Supervisors appoints members of the HRC. The Commission may elect three nonvoting, ex officio members to broaden the Commission’s perspective. A member of the Board of Supervisors will serve as a liaison between the Board and the Commission.

If you are interested in serving on one of our Boards or Commissions please send a letter of interest and resume to info@doylestownpa.org.

Members