Overview
The Idaho Human Rights Commission (IHRC) is an independent agency established by the Idaho legislature to help protect persons within the state from illegal discrimination. The IHRC also handles complaints under federal law deferred to them by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
If you believe you have experienced discrimination, the first thing you should do is contact the Commission.
Initial inquiries are treated confidentially. Tell us what happened, when, and why you feel you were treated differently. We may be able to suggest ways you can resolve the situation yourself, we may make an informal contact or you may decide to file a charge of discrimination.
Guidance/Interpretation of State Law
The purposes section of the Idaho Human Rights Act (IHRA), I.C. § 67-5901(1), states that the IHRA is intended to provide “for execution within the state of the policies embodied in the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, and Titles I and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act.” In accordance with these IHRA purposes and as directed by Idaho Supreme Court precedent, the Commission will look to federal law for guidance in the interpretation of the IHRA. Accordingly, the Commission relies upon the same documents as state and federal courts, including statutes, court decisions, and federal agency guidance by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) related to the enumerated statutes in the Idaho Human Rights Act. None of the federal agency guidance produced by the EEOC (which is available publicly at https://eeoc.gov) is created by the Commission. The Commission does not produce or maintain any official written agency guidance or interpretation of state law other than such guidance or interpretations that may exist in its IDAPA administrative rules.
For any questions, contact: Benjamin Earwicker | Administrator & Custodian of Records for the Idaho Commission on Human Rights: 208-334-2873 ext. 4055 Benjamin.Earwicker@labor.idaho.gov
Have questions on the filing process?