Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights

With an area of just 1,500 square miles, Rhode Island is the smallest of all the U.S. states. But the Ocean State is more diverse than the numbers might tell you. The gross state product is over $30 billion per year. RI supports thriving maritime, jewelry, tourism, textile, financial services, and machining industries. Major companies call Rhode Island home, including: Hasbro, Nortek, CVS, and Citizen Financial Group.

The Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights – often abbreviated as just “The Commission” – was established way back in 1949 to combat discriminatory practices in the workplace and elsewhere. The Rhode Island General Assembly created The Commission pursuant to RIGL Statute 28-5-2 to educate employers and employees about what constitutes discrimination; to collect and investigate discrimination charges; to mediate and settle charges when possible; to enforce corrective action; and to hold administrative hearings. Rhode Island prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, color, race, ancestral origin, disability, religion, and age.

The Commission is an impartial, (theoretically) unbiased agency. It provides mechanisms by which victims of employment discrimination in Rhode Ireland can seek redress (including compensation). It can also dismiss insubstantial claims or claims in which not enough evidence exists to pursue investigation. When an initial investigation fails to solve a problem, The Commission can send a Preliminary Investigating Commissioner (PIC) to conduct a more formal ruling.

While Rhode Ireland has a range of laws on the books to deter and staunch workplace discrimination, cultural biases persist, particularly in “blue color” industries. For instance, some industry bosses “play by their own rules” with respect to wage and hour issues, harassment, discrimination, and the like. But just because a discriminatory practice is “culturally normative” in a company or even in a whole industry doesn't mean it’s legal.

To pursue a claim, look to the attorneys of Joseph, Herzfeld, Hester & Kirschenbaum LLP. We can give you a free, completely confidential assessment of your options.