Indiana Civil Rights Commission

The Indiana Cultural Commission officially convened for our first meeting today!

Commissioners came together to begin the important work of advancing the Commission’s mission, strengthening collaboration across Indiana’s communities, and identifying opportunities to address the needs and concerns of Hoosiers across the state.

We look forward to the work ahead and the impact this Commission will make throughout Indiana!

There are many misconceptions about discrimination in public accommodations.

Businesses that serve the public such as restaurants, hotels, retail stores, and other service providers, must comply with civil rights laws. When someone is denied access to goods or services because of a protected characteristic, it may violate Indiana civil rights law.

Understanding your rights helps ensure equal access and fair treatment for all Hoosiers.

Learn more at www.in.gov/icrc

Time limits matter.

Under Indiana civil rights law, complaints must be filed within specific timeframes:

💠Housing complaints must be filed within one year of the alleged act.

💠Employment, education, public accommodations, and credit complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged act.

If you wait too long, ICRC may not have jurisdiction to investigate your inquiry.

Have questions? Visit www.in.gov/icrc or call 317-232-2600.

Second-year Indiana University Maurer School of Law student Fouad Hamami has been appointed by Governor Mike Braun to the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, becoming the seven-member body’s youngest commissioner and its only law student.

The commission is the final decision-making authority for Indiana’s civil rights enforcement agency. It reviews discrimination cases, considers appeals and rules on certain case-related motions. The agency investigates complaints involving employment, housing, education, public accommodations and credit.

“Fouad’s appointment to the Indiana Civil Rights Commission is a remarkable achievement and a testament to his professionalism and commitment to public service,” Dean Christiana Ochoa said.
Hamami attended his first monthly commission meeting Aug. 25 in Indianapolis, where he listened to oral arguments and participated in case work.

“It’s an immense responsibility that I’m very, very grateful to be able to even sit in that room, much less be on the opposite side of the table actually adjudicating it,” Hamami said.

The Evansville native already has experience in public governance. Hamami earned his undergraduate degree and MBA from the University of Southern Indiana, where then-Gov. Eric Holcomb appointed him in 2023 to a two-year term as the voting student member of the university’s Board of Trustees. At USI, Hamami also founded the university’s mock trial team and participated in student government.

The opportunity to join the Civil Rights Commission emerged while Hamami was interviewing for a student position on the Indiana University Board of Trustees. During the process, he met former Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter ’83, one of the interviewers. Their conversations increasingly turned to civil rights, Hamami said, and he was later offered the commission appointment.

“I did a lot of deep research on the commission and its role and responsibilities before I felt comfortable to accept,” he said.
Although Hamami had completed only his first year of law school when he was appointed, he said his legal education has already taught him to follow the reasoning behind decisions, identify gaps in the record, and recognize when additional information or research is needed.

“My first year taught me how to research and how to understand the cases I’m reading,” he said.

Those skills apply directly to the commission’s work. After a discrimination complaint is filed, agency staff determine whether it falls within the commission’s jurisdiction and, when appropriate, investigate the allegations. Cases may proceed through mediation, administrative hearings, or other proceedings. Commissioners review findings and appeals and, in some matters, hear oral arguments before reaching decisions.

Hamami said the appointment also complements his interest in the intersection of law and business. Understanding civil rights laws and regulations, he said, is important both to protecting individuals and helping businesses operate responsibly.

Civil Rights 101: What is employment discrimination?

Employment discrimination occurs when an employer makes decisions about hiring, firing, pay, promotion, discipline, or other terms of employment based on a protected characteristic under Indiana law.

This can include unequal treatment, harassment, or retaliation.

Swipe to learn what the law covers and how it applies.

If you believe you have experienced illegal discrimination, you can file online, by mail, or in person at www.in.gov/icrc or by calling 317-232-2600.

Home is where dreams begin. Discrimination shouldn't stand in the way.

Indiana law protects individuals from unlawful housing discrimination based on specific protected characteristics.

Whether renting, buying, or seeking financing, your housing opportunities should not be limited by discrimination.

If you suspect housing discrimination, contact the Indiana Civil Rights Commission at 317-232-2600 or visit www.in.gov/icrc.

Civil Rights 101: What is housing discrimination?

Housing discrimination occurs when someone is treated unfairly in renting, buying, financing, or living in housing because of a protected characteristic under Indiana law.
This can include refusing to rent, setting different terms, steering applicants, or denying reasonable accommodations.

Swipe to learn more about your rights in housing.

If you believe you have experienced illegal discrimination, you can file online, by mail, or in person at www.in.gov/icrc or by calling 317-232-2600.

Yesterday, we had the privilege of celebrating extraordinary Hoosiers whose leadership, service, and dedication continue to strengthen communities across Indiana.

Thank you to Governor Mike Braun , our award recipients, Indiana Black Expo, Inc. , and everyone who joined us for the Governor’s Reception. Your commitment to creating a stronger, more inclusive Indiana inspires us all.

Congratulations again to each of this year’s honorees. Your contributions are making a lasting impact, and we are proud to celebrate your achievements.

Together, we continue building an Indiana where every Hoosier has the opportunity to thrive.

Unable to attend the 2026 Governor’s Reception in person?

You can still be part of the celebration by watching the event live.

Join Governor Mike Braun , the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, and attendees as we recognize outstanding Black Hoosiers whose leadership, service, and dedication are making a meaningful impact across Indiana.

Watch live at: https://markeys.net/events/gov-awards/ or scan the QR code provided.

Password: icrc

July 14, 2026
2:45 PM – 4 PM
Official Programming Begins at 3PM
Indiana Convention Center | Ballroom 500