Listen up. Ohio takes discrimination as seriously as a heart attack. Tucked away in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC Section 4112) is a comprehensive playbook for human decency that says, “Do not mess with people’s fundamental rights.”
What’s Covered? Pretty Much Everything.
Employment Shenanigans Are Not Allowed
Is a workplace where someone might get passed over for a job or promotion because of who they are? Not on Ohio’s watch. Race, color, religion, sex, national origin – these are your get-out-of-discrimination-free characteristics. Employers who play favorites based on anything other than pure merit are walking into a legal buzzsaw.
Housing Discrimination? Hard Pass
Landlords and real estate professionals pay attention. You cannot—and we mean CANNOT—do any funny business when selling, renting, or financing housing. Your personal biases stop at the property line.
Public Spaces: Everyone Gets Served
Businesses open to the public have one job: treat everyone like a potential customer. Turning someone away or giving them the side eye because of their background? That’s a big legal no-no.
Education: Knowledge Knows No Boundaries
Schools and educational institutions aren’t personal playgrounds for prejudice. Equal opportunity isn’t just a nice phrase – it’s the law.
Who’s Keeping Score?
Enter the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC) – the state’s official discrimination referee. Got a complaint? They’ve got a process. Discrimination happens, and they investigate. It’s as simple as that.
The Bottom Line: Your right to exist and succeed in Ohio isn’t up for debate. It’s documented, it’s serious, and it’s enforced.
Pro Tip: Being a decent human isn’t just legal – it’s free.
