About Us

The Idaho Human Rights Commission (IHRC) is an independent agency established by the Idaho legislature to help protect persons within the state from illegal discrimination. The IHRC also handles complaints under federal law deferred to them by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Our Purpose

To secure for all individuals within the state freedom from discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age (40 and over) and disability.
To investigate complaints by any persons claiming to be aggrieved by a discriminatory practice in the areas of employment, housing, education and public accommodations.
To provide for execution within the State of the policies embodied in federal Civil Rights laws.

The Idaho Commission on Human Rights is appointed by the Governor. Read more about the Commission in Title 67, Chapter 59, Idaho Code.

Commissioners

Estella Zamora - President - Caldwell
Hyong Pak - Vice President - Twin Falls
Ruthie Johnson - Commissioner - Hayden Lake
Joe B. McNeal - Commissioner - Mountain Home
Sheila Olsen - Commissioner - Idaho Falls
Megan Ronk- Commissioner - Boise
Brian Scigliano - Commissioner - Boise
Andrea Wassner - Commissioner - Boise
Kevin C. Settles - Commissioner - Boise

Staff Listing

Pamela Parks - Administrator
Jeanne Goodenough - Deputy Attorney General
Sarah Mae Fisher - Senior Civil Rights Investigator
Linda L. Goodman - Senior Civil Rights Investigator
Fred Frahm - Civil Rights Investigator
Najuma Henderson - Civil Rights Investigator
Dick M. Mallea - Civil Rights Investigator
Sue Nixon - Civil Rights Investigator
Lisa E. Sanchez - Civil Rights Investigator
Cara Weech - Civil Rights Investigator
Sara Meza Nichols - Administrative Assistant
Melissa Gray - Intake Officer/Administrative Support

Our Values

Respect for the principles of civil rights laws. We are committed that each investigation and case decision made by the Commission is based on an impartial and accurate analysis of the available facts and the law, and no other influence.
Respect for all the people with whom we deal. We will listen to people, respond to their concerns in a timely manner, affirm what we can, and if we disagree, we will do so with honesty, knowledge, explanation, and care.
Public service. Being a part of the Commission’s work is a privilege. We understand and accept its challenges and are rewarded by knowing that we are working together to make Idaho a better place to live. We perform each of our jobs to the best of our ability, assist co-workers in doing their jobs, enjoy the diversity of backgrounds and ideas that make up the staff and commissioners, and work at all times to be an effective and professional team.