Office of Human Rights

Patricia M. LaFore, 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

This Human Rights Calendar provides religious observances for community reference and awareness (Description of Religions).

Religious Observances Calendar

Programs & Initiatives

Have a Question?

• How do I file a complaint about a police interaction?

  You can file a complaint with the Worcester Police Department's Bureau of Professional Standards. You can also file a police misconduct complaint with the Massachusetts POST Commission at https://policecomplaints.mass.gov/complaint.

• 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 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.