[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 179 (Tuesday, November 13, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6912-S6913]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONNECTICUT COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND 
                             OPPORTUNITIES

 Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 
Connecticut Commission on Human Rights

[[Page S6913]]

and Opportunities, CHRO, as they celebrate 75 years of dedication to 
eliminating discrimination and seeking equal opportunity for everyone 
throughout the State regardless of their gender, race, nationality, 
sexual orientation, disability, or other personal characteristics.
  Founded in 1943 as the Inter-racial Commission, the commission is the 
oldest State-sponsored civil rights agency in the United States. 
Originally, it researched ways to provide equal opportunities and 
employment to everyone in Connecticut. Thanks to the Fair Employment 
Practices Act, which the State implemented in 1947, the commission was 
provided the legal authority to investigate employment discrimination 
complaints, conduct hearings, and enforce the law.
  Throughout the years, CHRO jurisdiction has expanded, including 
research, public education, and working with other groups in order to 
enact positive change. The commission's research division helped lay 
the groundwork for greater civil rights laws in Connecticut. The agency 
changed its name during the peak of the American civil rights movement 
after Governor John Dempsey responded in 1967 to Martin Luther King, 
Jr.'s ``I Have a Dream'' speech by calling a Governor's conference on 
human rights and opportunities to put words into action.
  Now able to help with individual complaints, CHRO works to ensure 
compliance with Connecticut human rights laws, including those 
requiring affirmative action in State agency personnel practices and 
State contract compliance laws. The agency further assists the people 
of Connecticut by bringing civil enforcement efforts against illegal 
discrimination in public accommodations, housing, employment, and 
credit transactions. Over the past three-quarters of a century, the 
commission has unfailingly sought to achieve its goals for the benefit 
of every person in the State.
  Tirelessly devoted to eradicating discrimination and creating justice 
and equal opportunity for all Connecticut residents, CHRO is a catalyst 
for positive change. I applaud the commission's accomplishments and 
hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating the Connecticut 
Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities on their 75 years of 
advocacy, education, research, and assistance.

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