State of Human Rights in
the City of Salem, Oregon
Report from the
Salem Human Rights &
Relations Advisory
Commission
June 9, 2003
Written Survey Results
Based on 1,508 Responses:
Area of
Discrimination
Experienced in
Salem?
No
Yes
Housing
93.5%
6.5%
Employment
84.2%
15.8%
Public
Accommodations
92.7%
7.3%
Other (e.g.,medical
treatment, police
action, affiliations)
86.6%
13.4%
Community Perception
Regarding Tolerance
As compared with 5 years ago,
respondents rated Salem as:
Much Better
15.9%
Same/Somewhat Better
69.5%
Worse
14.6%
Suggested Ways to
Increase Tolerance

Educate youth and adults

More celebrations to honor diversity

Ordinances/non-discrimination laws

More community dialogue events

More minorities as educators in public
schools and in City government

Help parents embrace tolerance and
emphasize non-discrimination to
children
Other Indicators
Since 1998, Salem Area residents filed:

168 complaints with the Human Rights
and Relations Commission (HRRAC)

170 bias crimes to the Salem Police
Department; 37 formal to Internal Affairs;
no complaints referred to CPRB

21 housing discrimination complaints
with the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD)

45 complaints with the Fair Housing
Council of Oregon (FHCO)

408 cases (for all of Marion County) with
the Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI).
So what is the state of human
rights in the City of Salem?
Some level of discrimination
exists in the community.

Over 85% perceive Salem as
either the same, somewhat more
or much more tolerant than 5 years
ago.

Additional recourses are now
available to field discrimination
complaints.

Salem is viewed nationally
among the most progressive
cities in providing protections
against discrimination.

The work ahead involves
us all:
The City Council:
Provide sustained leadership
and a unified vision for the City
that promotes tolerance and
acceptance.

The Commission:
Continue to help increase trust,
partnerships and networks from
all sectors of the community.

The Community:
Adopt a zero tolerance for hate
for yourself and your family and
demand the same from your
friends and neighbors.

The work ahead…
is never finished!