HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Within one fiscal year, the Hopkinsville-Christian County Human Rights Commission assisted with 38 discrimination cases. The HRC aims to promote unity, understanding, accountability, and equal opportunity among all people in the county by providing aid and recourses for those who experience discrimination.

“HRC continues to serve the citizens of Hopkinsville-Christian County by providing education on civil rights and support for those facing inequalities,” said Executive Director Raychel Farmer, who presented these findings to the Hopkinsville City Council and Christian County Fiscal Court in August. “We also want to build a community culture of trust, connection, and collaboration. I believe we’ve made great progress, but there’s still work to be done.”

According to their annual case report, the office also received 41 “good deed” cases. Farmer explained that these are tips are important, but do not qualify for the aid of their office. They respond by getting them connected with the correct individuals for aid.

For the new fiscal year, starting in July of 2025, Farmer said they have hit the ground running with nine complaints already coming in. Six of these were employment related and three were related to housing. They also had six good deeds in July.

Caseload breakdown for Human Rights Commission

Here is a breakdown of the cases that they received in the last fiscal year through June 2026, not including good deeds.

  • 21 employment cases.
  • 15 housing cases.
  • 1 language access case.
  • 1 case defined as other.

This is a slight increase from the previous fiscal year ending in 2024. Out of these numbers, the majority of cases were related to the protected classes of race, retaliation, and gender. A range of actions can be executed in response, which may include being forwarded to the Kentucky Human Rights Commission or the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission for further legal action.

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Looking ahead, HRC events and community involvement

Goals for the current fiscal year include continuing to provide online appointments an virtual meetings, along with fostering and growing community partners for referral service programs. Farmer also hopes to continue offering programming that will help Christian County residents further understand their rights and responsibilities as related to civil rights.

In addition to addressing complaints and discrimination cases, the HRC is also responsible for facilitating city and county proclamations that foster inclusion. This includes Mayor J.R. Knight’s public acknowledgments of Pride Month, Native American heritage, fair housing, and more.

They also frequently collaborate with the Pennyroyal Museum for programming, including the monthly Supper Club meetings. Among several other events, in October, they will hold their annual Unity Breakfast, which honors individuals in the county that help forward their mission. There are always opportunities for community partners to participate in programming events and projects, plus they offer diversity training to agencies and private sectors.

Complaint filing process through HRC

Christian County residents can book an appointment with the HRC by visiting hrchoptown.org. The following explains the process for filing a complaint, as provided by HRC.

  • File an initial complaint with the HRC office in writing by filling out the application within 180 days of the alleged unlawful incident in cases of discrimination by employment and/or public accommodation or within 300 days of the alleged unlawful incident in case of unlawful housing practices.
  • HRC will begin collecting facts from both parties to determine the validity of the
    complaint. HRC will document the investigation.
  • If it is determined that a complaint appears to be valid and falls under the enforcement authority of KRS 344 or some other agency, HRC will assist in completing documentation required by KHRC or the supporting agency. HRC will serve as a facilitator and conciliator.
  • Under City Ordinance Chapter 33.053, HRC is authorized to conduct investigations
    and hearings. We would offer mediation and neutrally offer to conciliate or settle the
    complaint. The second option is to forward the complaint to KHRC for the final process

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