Commission on Civil Rights

Civil Rights, Commission on, independent U.S. government agency whose role is to advance the cause of equal opportunity, established 1957. Public hearings are conducted to assure legal protection of citizens of all races, religions, gender, and national origins. Issues for which the commission seeks equality are voting rights and opportunities in education, housing, and employment. Through investigations initiated by charges of civil rights denials and independent studies, the commission makes recommendations to the President and Congress.