The Iowa Department of Human Rights (DHR) was established in 1986 as an umbrella agency to coordinate services relating to African American persons, Asian and Pacific Islander persons, Community Action Agencies, Criminal and Juvenile Justices Planning, Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons, Latino persons, Native American persons, Persons with Disabilities, and women and girls.
DHR works with all local, state, federal, and private partners to encourage cooperation and communication toward building a vibrant inclusive state where all Iowans can work, play, learn, and raise their families.
DHR encourages citizen participation to define problems, formulate plans, and take action to improve race relations, to appreciate diversity, to fight discrimination, and to prevent hate crimes in Iowa. Action oriented programs and activities focus on subtopics such as business and economics, education, energy efficiency, healthcare, immigration, safe and inclusive communities, workforce development, and youth development.
Note: The DHR website is going through transition, and new content will be coming soon. We appreciate your patience.