If you live in Indiana and have dealt with discrimination, you have someone on your side.
For more than 40 years, the Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) has helped lead the way in making sure Hoosiers are protected by state laws that guarantee equality.
“If anyone feels they have been the victim of discrimination they may contact us,” said Jamal Smith, executive director of the ICRC. “We are always here to help.”
Formed in 1961, the ICRC enforces Indiana’s civil rights laws, including the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1963, which prohibits discrimination in public accommodations.
In addition, the commission investigates complaints of discrimination and educates organizations, companies, landlords, associations and individuals on their rights and responsibilities under Indiana’s civil rights laws.
Civil rights leaders and progressive city and state government leaders encouraged the formation of the ICRC at a time when racial injustices still permeated Hoosier society.
Although largely more subtle than those in Southern states, these racial injustices denied equal opportunity to minorities and women in virtually every arena of life, from racial segregation in education and public places such as movie theaters, public transportation and restaurants, to discrimination in employment, business and health care.
Fighting for justice
Smith noted that the commission was able to successfully challenge injustices once the Indiana Legislature granted it strong enforcement powers in the late 1960s. However, many challenges remain today, especially those related to unfair hiring and termination practices, gender discrimination, sexual harassment and housing discrimination.
Last month, for example, the ICRC found that a Tyson Foods Inc. facility in Logansport violated the civil rights of a Hispanic supervisor when it fired him for illegal drug use while keeping another supervisor who violated the same policy.
“It’s clear he suffered an adverse employment action when the company terminated his employment,” said Akia Haynes, deputy director of the ICRC. “The determination we must make given the evidence provided by both parties is whether his termination had to do with his national origin.”
According to the ICRC’s November report, its most recent report made available to the public, the commission received nearly 3,500 inquires, 1,042 drafted complaints and dealt with 866 formalized complaints.
In order, the majority of complaints involved discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and education.
Looking toward
the future
In addition to seeking justice, the ICRC is committed to preventing future acts of discrimination by promoting cultural education and unity. One of the most recognized ways it has done this is by hosting efforts to celebrate the life of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
On Jan. 16 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., the ICRC and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Indiana Holiday Commission will host the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Indiana Holiday Celebration at the Indiana Statehouse.
Included in this year’s program are the presentation of four awards, including the Spirit of Justice Award to athlete and entreprenueur Jerry Harkness, who was a collegiate and professional basketball star best known for winning the 1963 NCAA Division I Basketball Championship with Loyola University Chicago. His handshake with Mississippi State basketball players prior to their NCAA tournament game is considered a crucial turning point in the fight for equality in college basketball.
Also included will be the recognition of the seven schools and the more than 300 students who participated in the MLK Educational Youth Summit at the Indiana State Museum in the morning.
Participants will also witness the unveiling of two busts honoring James Sidney Hinton, Indiana’s first African-American to serve in the Statehouse, and Julia Carson, the first African-American from Indianapolis elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
On Jan. 17, the ICRC will lead Indianapolis residents, and more than half a dozen local organizations in the Third Annual Dr. King Day at the Watkins Park Family Center in Indianapolis. The event looks to honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy by increasing economic opportunities through service and volunteer activities.
It also part of the ICRC’s efforts to help revitalize the area near Martin Luther King Jr. Street on the city’s Westside.
“As the need for service continues to grow, we take time to honor Dr. King by giving back and making an impact on our local community,” Smith said.
The day will include indoor and outdoor projects along Dr. Martin Luther King Street and Edgemont Avenue. There will also be work done at the Naval Armory in preparation for the Northwest Area Quality of Life Plan Visionary Summit on Jan. 18. The Quality of Life Plan is developed by citizens that live, work, worship and play in a specific area or community.
“Through the efforts of our volunteers and partnering organizations we are working to revitalize Dr. King Street one project at a time,” Smith said. “Our work with a local business incubator is especially exciting as we have the opportunity to make an economic impact on the local economy in addition to improving the appearance of the neighborhood.”
Anyone who feels they have been the victim of discrimination call the Indiana Civil Rights Commission at (317) 232-2600 or visit in.gov. Organizations that would like training on the state’s civil rights laws can also contact the commission.
Keep the dream alive
This year, the birthday of legendary civil and human rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. will be Jan. 20. Check the Jan. 17 issue of the Recorder for a listing of events to celebrate the holiday.
Civil Rights Challenges
2014
– Sentencing disparities/discrimination in criminal justice system
– Predatory lending and debt enslavement
– Equal access to quality education and health care
– Workplace discrimination (based on various factors)
– Stand your ground laws
1914
– Discrimination/segregation in public places against minorities/immigrants
– Lynching
– Peonism (abuse of this practice through the prison system, often called “the new slavery”)
– Tactics to disenfranchise Black voters
– Lack of women’s rights/suffrage
1814
– Slavery of African-Americans
– Genocide of American Indians
– Lynching
– Discrimination/segregation in public places against minorities/immigrants
– Lack of women’s rights/suffrage
Dishonorable mention:
other current challenges
– Discriminatory pay based on gender (fair pay)
– High unemployment among African-Americans
– Challenges for disabled Americans
– Tactics to disenfranchise minority/low income voters
– Discrimination against immigrants
– Forced labor and human trafficking
