Research

The commission is responsible for gathering and disseminating information about civil rights and about denials of equal protection under the law based on race, color, sex, religion, or national origin. It investigates discriminatory denial of the right to vote, studies legal developments that may affect equal protection, appraises federal laws and policies that may deny equal protection, maintains a national clearinghouse for information that relates to denials of equal protection, and investigates patterns or practices of fraud or discrimination in the conduct of federal elections.

The commission does not ordinarily investigate or act on complaints or reports from individuals directly. However, it can refer people who believe their civil rights have been violated to agencies which can assist them. In addition the agency provides occasional educational seminars and conferences for the public or specific groups and also offers free printed materials and publications which focus on civil rights issues.