The Human Relations Commission was created in 1957 as an agency of the city of Ann Arbor. Established originally to deal with issues of racial discrimination (in housing and in employment), this city agency gradually expanded into areas of discrimination against women, gays, and the disabled. When established the Commission consisted of twelve members appointed by the mayor with the approval of the city council. The aims of the agency were primarily informational and investigative. According to the city code, the commission was "To disseminate information and educational materials; to investigate problems and situations of discrimination; to aid in the coordination of private organizations concerned with human relations; to advise and recommend to the Council the appropriate steps to deal with conditions which strain human relations."
In 1970, Ann Arbor passed a human rights ordinance which provided guarantees against discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations. Charged with the enforcement of the human rights ordinance was a Human Rights Department. This city department should not be confused with the Human Rights Commission (renamed in 1970 from Human Relations Commission). Primarily because of lack of funding, the Human Rights Department was divested of its department status in 1976. Early in 1978, the department was revived within the office of the city administrator. Currently the department is positioned administratively within the Human Resources Department of the City of Ann Arbor. The Human Rights Commission also continues to perform its investigative and informational responsibilities.
From the guide to the Ann Arbor Human Rights Commission Records, 1957-1993, (Bentley Historical Library University of Michigan)
