The Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC) was established July 29, 1959 by the Ohio Legislature. The powers, duties, jurisdiction, practices and procedures of the Commission are specified in the Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 4112. The primary function of The Ohio Civil Rights Commission is to enforce state laws against discrimination. OCRC receives and investigates charges of discrimination in employment, places of public accommodation, housing, credit, and disability in higher education on the bases of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, ancestry, military status or familial status. The Commission has statutory authority to initiate and carry out investigations of discriminatory practices; to formulate policies to effectuate the purposes of Chapter 4112 of the Ohio Revised Code; to make recommendations to agencies and offices of the state or local subdivisions of government to effectuate such policies; and to make periodic surveys of the existence and effect of discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, ancestry military status or familial status on the enjoyment of civil rights by persons within the state.