Mission: "To eliminate discrimination through civil and human rights law enforcement and to establish equal opportunity for all persons within the county through advocacy and education."

History of the Human Rights Commission 

Background: Prince William County, located in Northern Virginia, is one of the fastest growing counties in the United States. Its proximity to the nation’s capital has, according to demographic data, attracted approximately 392,900 people (as of June 15, 2009) to its 348 square miles. Prince William County comprises 11% of the Washington region land and is 7% of the region’s population. The County is expected to grow by 98% between 2000 and 2030 according to an April 2006 article in the In Focus Council of Governments newsletter. The racial composition of the community as of 2006 was 59.7% white, 18.6% African American, 7.6% Asian, .3% American Indian/Alaskan Native, 10.9% other races, 2.8% reporting two or more races, and 19.1% Hispanic (of any race).

In 1991 the Prince William County Board of Supervisors authorized the creation of a Human Rights Study Committee to examine the need for a human rights commission based on growing diversity, population needs and resources. After several meetings and public hearings, the Study Committee determined that a need for a Human Rights Ordinance and an agency to enforce it existed. The Human Rights Ordinance would prohibit discriminatory practices based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, marital status or disability, in employment, housing, public accommodations, education and credit, in Prince William County. In Sept. 1992 the Board of County Supervisors established a Human Rights Ordinance, which created the Human Rights Commission to ensure that “each citizen is treated fairly, provided equal protection of the law and equal opportunity to participate in the benefits, rights, and privileges of community life.”

On Jan. 15, 1993, the Human Rights Ordinance became effective and the Commission Office opened to provide services. Residents are encouraged to use its services if they feel their rights are being violated in the areas of employment, fair housing, credit, education and public accommodation.

Contact the office at:

Prince William County

Human Rights Commission

Dr. A. J. Ferlazzo Building

15941 Donald Curtis Drive, Suite 125

Woodbridge, VA 22191

703-792-4680 (office)

703-792-6944 (FAX)

703-792-4677 (TDD)