History

In the 1960s, the City of Allentown passed an anti-discrimination ordinance, to promote mutual understanding and to prohibit discrimination. This legislation created the Allentown Human Relations Commission, empowering it to implement the ordinance.

Under this ordinance, all persons in Allentown, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, place of birth, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, age (over 40), family status in housing, handicap or disability, or use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability enjoy the full benefits of citizenship and are afforded equal opportunities for employment, housing, and use of public accommodation facilities. The ordinance establishes this list of characteristics to define who is protected from discrimination; these are called protected classes.

If you wish to become a member of the Allentown Human Relations Commission, please complete this application.