Community Outreach

The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties works to foster ongoing communications and build lasting relationships between the government and the American public.

Since its inception, the Office has worked to help the Department establish and cement positive relationships with the public, focusing on communities that are particularly affected by DHS activities, and the organizations that represent them. One of the Office's primary statutory missions – assisting the Department to develop policies and procedures that are mindful of civil rights and civil liberties – is best accomplished when it listens to the reactions and concerns of the American people.

Secretary Chertoff Discusses Security and Civil Liberties With Young Arab, Muslim, Sikh, South Asian, and Middle Eastern American Leaders

Secretary Chertoff met with 30 young Arab, Muslim, Sikh, South Asian and Middle Eastern American leaders on November 12, 2008 at the University of Southern California. The participants, ages 18-25, met with government officials for a full day as part of the "Roundtable on Security and Liberty: Perspectives of Young Leaders Post-9/11," organized by the Department's Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in collaboration with the University of Southern California's Office of Religious Life. Read more

Community Resources

	Federal Protections Against National Origin Discrimination Federal laws prohibit discrimination based on a person's national origin.
	www.WelcometoUSA.gov This US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Web site lists resources for new immigrants, including welcome guides in 13 different languages.
	How to File A Civil Rights Complaint If you believe that your civil rights or civil liberties have been violated, you may file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.
	Civil Service Career and internship opportunities in the Federal Government.
	Training Resources Online training resources from the Department of Homeland Security

Outreach Communication Materials

These materials may be downloaded for display and distribution.

• Terminology To Define The Terrorists: Recommendations From American Muslims
• The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Poster (PDF, 1 page - 154 KB)
• The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Brochure (PDF, 2 pages - 209 KB)