About us

 

CHRO’s role in the state of Connecticut

The Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) is one of the oldest civil rights enforcement agencies in the United States. The agency works to make sure civil and human rights laws are followed in Connecticut. CHRO helps prevent discrimination and supports equal opportunity and fair treatment for everyone in Connecticut.

CHRO’s responsibilities include:

  • Stop discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and credit transactions
  • Review state agency affirmative actions plans
  • Review practices of contractors on state funded public works contracts
  • Promote fairness and justice through education and outreach
Learn more about our history  

Our mission, leadership, and work

Learn about CHRO’s purpose, leadership, and public meetings. These resources explain how we work to protect civil rights across Connecticut.
 

Our purpose

CHRO enforces civil rights laws in Connecticut. It works to stop discriminatory treatment. The agency handles complaints, shares basic information, and helps make fair rules for everyone.
 

Monthly commission meetings

CHRO holds monthly public meetings with its Commissioners. The Commission reviews reopening requests, approves affirmative action plans, and provides legislative and outreach updates.
 

Our Commissioners

CHRO is overseen by a panel of Commissioners appointed by the Governor and State Legislature. Learn more about our Commissioners here.

Our executive team


 

Executive Director Tanya Hughes

CHRO Executive Director Tanya Hughes has proudly overseen CHRO’s operations since 2013 and has been instrumental to the success of its mission. Learn more about Dir. Hughes by reading her bio.
Read the bio of CHRO Executive Director Tanya Hughes  

 

Deputy Director Cheryl Sharp

CHRO Deputy Director Cheryl Sharp has dedicated her career to the advancement of civil rights and to educating the public, including youth, about those rights. Learn more about Dep. Dir. Sharp by reading her bio.
Read the bio of CHRO Deputy Director Cheryl Sharp  

 

State Program Manager Johnette Tolliver

CHRO State Program Manager Johnette Tolliver has a 30 year career in public service. At CHRO, she oversees affirmative action and contract compliance. Learn more about Program Manager Tolliver by reading her bio.
Read the bio of CHRO State Program Manager Johnette Tolliver  

Our offices

CHRO is headquartered at a central office located at 450 Columbus Blvd., Hartford, CT. CHRO has multiple specialized units located at the central office - our Executive Office, Affirmative Action and Contract Compliance Unit, Housing Discrimination Unit, Capitol Region Office, and Legal Division. To help us provide our services statewide, we also have regional offices in Bridgeport, Waterbury, and Norwich. Learn more about our central and regional offices below.


CHRO’s regional offices and specialized units

CHRO has a number of specialized units in Hartford and regional offices across the state. Find contact information for our offices at the link below.

Find contact information and learn more about CHRO Offices 

Do you want to file a complaint? Find the right office for you

Complaints filed with CHRO are processed in different offices depending on the type of complaint and where the discrimination occurred.

Find your office by claim type and town 
 

Policies, publications, and resources

Explore CHRO documents, policies, reports, guides, and educational materials.

Use these resources to:

  • Learn about workplace policies and employee information
  • Understand civil rights and discrimination laws
  • Find fair housing and equal opportunity resources
  • Access CHRO publications and reports
  • Review information for employees, employers, and the public

Onboarding documents and policies 

Find onboarding documents to help you get started at CHRO. Learn about your rights, job duties, and workplace rules. Get clear information on anti-discrimination laws and the standards everyone must follow.

All CHRO publications and reports 

Find reports, guides, fact sheets, and educational materials. These resources explain discrimination laws, fair housing, workplace rights, and related topics. They help support awareness, understanding, and compliance.

Related state and federal agencies

Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission 

CHRO serves as the secretariat for the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission. It provides staff support and helps organize events and public programs.

State and federal civil rights 

CHRO investigates cases referred by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).