Office of Human Rights

Jayna L. Turchek, Esq., Director

About Us

The Office of Human Rights serves residents and visitors who live, work, and do business in Worcester. The Office of Human Rights strives to ensure that all city residents are treated fairly and equally by working to reduce bigotry, discrimination, intolerance and prejudice. There are times when members of our community face challenges to their most basic human rights: housing, employment, and access to public services, through outreach, educational programs, events and advocacy the office promotes ways to increase respect in our community and safeguards full and equal access and opportunity for all. The office receives and investigates complaints, resolves cases through mediation and advocates in support of human rights issues in partnership with local, state and federal organizations and agencies.

Top Services

Human Rights Calendar

• Human Rights Observances

Programs & Initiatives

Have a Question?

• How can I connect with the program and what is the process of bringing my consumer complaint to the Worcester Consumer Rights Program?

  The Worcester Consumer Rights Program is located within Worcester City Hall, in Room 101. You may directly connect with the program by visiting our office with your questions or by calling us on 508-799 8486. You may also visit us on the web and access an intake/ complaint form through the following link:

  Consumer Rights

  Alternatively, you may contact the Attorney General’s Office on 617-727 8400 or access the same complaint form through their website.

  We will immediately contact you once your complaint form is received and advise you on the process and details of your specific complaint.

• How can the Worcester Fair Housing Project combat housing discrimination?

  The Worcester Fair Housing Project combats housing discrimination in various ways. The first is by providing free informational workshops and trainings to the community. The second is by investigating complaints and listening to your story. The third is by giving legal advice and informing you of your housing rights. The fourth is by providing legal representation and advocacy. Give us a call!

• What do I do if I am being evicted?

  There are many resources available for persons facing evictions: educational websites, funding sources, pro bono legal advice, and more! If you are facing eviction, feel free to call or visit the WFHP now at 508-799-8486 for information about those services and to discuss your eviction on an individualized basis.

• What groups are covered under Massachusetts civil rights laws?

  Massachusetts civil rights laws protect individuals from discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, mortgage lending, credit and education. Each of these areas offers specific protections to particular groups. Protected groups include:

  • Disability (defined according to the Americans with Disabilities Act - physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities)
  • Race
  • Color
  • National Origin
  • Family Status
  • Source of Income (includes Section 8 and Welfare)
  • Marital Status (includes married and non-married)
  • Sex (includes sexual harassment, male and female)
  • Sexual Orientation (heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual)
  • Age
  • Religion
  • Military Status
• What is discrimination?

  Discrimination is unfair treatment because of an individual's perceived or actual membership in a particular group.

• What is the best way to get into contact with the Worcester Fair Housing Project to learn more about my rights?

  The WFHP readily accepts walk-ins to Room 101 of City Hall. The Housing Discrimination Intake Worker is also available by telephone at 508-799-8486, or email at humanrights@worcesterma.gov. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have about housing discrimination, tenants’ rights, evictions, or anything housing related. The Intake Worker is always available to have a confidential conversation about any housing issue you may be having. 

• What is the Worcester Consumer Rights Program and what does it do?

  The Worcester Consumer Rights Program works in cooperation with Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and it helps with various kinds of consumer complaints and grievances against any business. This is accomplished through mediation effort and outcome. The program The program engages the consumer and business in a productive dialogue and propose ideas and solutions to facilitate amicable resolution to a disagreement.