About the Paducah Human Rights Commission
The Paducah Human Rights Commission (PHRC) was formed May 26, 1964. This board helps ensure that Paducah residents and visitors maintain the right to live and work as equal partners in our community. Never should anyone discriminate - or be discriminated against - because of race, color, religion, age, familial status, handicap, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation in connection with employment, places of public accommodation, and housing. Sadly, unfortunate incidents do occur, even in a progressive city such as ours. If you experience discrimination or humiliation because someone has violated your human rights, the City of Paducah wants to know about it, and the Paducah Human Rights Commission wants to help.
The Paducah Human Rights Commission is sworn to protect the interest of all the people’s personal dignity and freedom from humiliation. The Commission will make their full productive capabilities available to the community in securing the area against strife and unrest which would menace its democratic processes in preserving the public safety, health, and general welfare in furthering the interests, rights, and privileges of all individuals.
- Advocate for human and civil rights.
- Investigate and mediate discrimination complaints. When appropriate, we provide referrals to other government agencies.
- Resolve community disputes and issues involving individual or systemic illegal discrimination.
- Advise the City of Paducah on human rights issues.
- Collaborate with public and private sectors to promote education on how to prevent and eliminate discrimination citywide.
If your complaint falls under any of the following categories, we recommend that you seek assistance from an attorney. We have no jurisdiction over complaints related to style of dress; rude behavior; personal disputes; or political affiliation.
Contact
Paducah Human Rights Commission
300 South 5th Street, City Hall, Suite 106 (office is wheelchair accessible)
Paducah, KY 42003
Phone: 270-444-8643
Fax: 270-443-8680
Hours: Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Office closes between noon and 12:30 p.m. for lunch. On the first Tuesday of each month, the hours are 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. with a break for lunch.
File a Complaint
Learn the process to File a Complaint if you feel you have been a victim of discrimination.
File a Complaint through Kentucky Commission on Human Rights
Board Members
The Paducah Human Rights Commission is a seven-member board governed by Paducah Code of Ordinances 58-31. Appointments are for a term of three years. The Board meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of City Hall.
Jana Dawson
Christa Dubrock
Robert Hernandez (Chairman)
Charles Gurley
Irhonda Lovelace
Anthony Walton
Kimberly Yates
2025 Fair Housing Luncheon
The Paducah Human Rights Commission is inviting the community to attend the Fair Housing Luncheon on Thursday, April 17 to celebrate April’s National Fair Housing Month. The luncheon will be held at the Robert Cherry Civic Center located at 2701 Park Avenue with lunch to be served starting at 11:30 a.m. The program begins at noon with a recorded message from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. Guest speakers are Paducah Cooperative Ministry Executive Director Lacy Boling and Interim Paducah Housing Authority Executive Director/Section 8 Program Director Lasica Allen McEwen. The event will conclude by 1 p.m. There is no charge to attend the luncheon. However, please register by the end of the business day on April 11.
April is National Fair Housing Month which commemorates the passage of the Fair Housing Act on April 11, 1968. This landmark civil rights law, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, prohibits discrimination in housing because of race, color national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, and familial status.
Full News Release Register for Fair Housing Luncheon
Meetings
Beginning in 2025, the Paducah Human Rights Commission (PHRC) will meet on the second Thursday of the month at 5 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at City Hall located at 300 South 5th Street.
Recent meeting agendas are below:
PHRC Agenda - March 13, 2025
PHRC Agenda - February 13, 2025
Pictured: Paducah Human Rights Commission meeting held August 31, 2023. (Irhonda Lovelace was unable to attend the meeting.)
