Human Relations Commission (HRC) 

Promoting Fairness and Understanding

The Orange County Human Relations Commission (HRC) is a volunteer board that works to promote fairness, mutual respect, and equal opportunity in our community. The Commission also advises the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on civil rights and human relations issues in Orange County.

What the Commission Does

  • Advises County leadership on policies that affect civil rights and community relations.
  • Studies discrimination issues and makes recommendations for solutions.
  • Hosts public meetings and forums to hear from residents.
  • Promotes dialogue and education to build stronger, more inclusive communities.
  • Partners with the Office of Civil Rights & Civic Life to align community input with enforcement and civic engagement efforts.

About Our Meetings

The Human Relations Commission holds monthly meetings to discuss initiatives, community concerns, and policies that promote human rights and social justice. Meetings are open to the public—we encourage residents to attend and share their perspectives.

Meeting Schedule

  • When: Fourth Tuesday of each month
  • Time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Where: Hybrid | Orange County Office of Civil Rights & Civic Life - 306 Revere Rd, Ste. B, Hillsborough, NC 27278

Note: Dates and locations may change due to holidays or weather. Please check the Meeting Calendar & Agendas for the latest information.

Join Online

Residents can access meetings using the link below:

Join the meeting online

Meeting ID: 211 584 224 442 0
Passcode: Pz7FN9Cc

If you need accessibility or language support to participate, please contact our office in advance. We will provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

Meeting Calendar & Agendas

  • Meetings are open to the public, and residents are welcome to attend or speak.
  • Agendas and minutes are posted online for each meeting.

View Agendas & Minutes

Commission Membership

  • The HRC is made up of community members appointed by the BOCC.
  • Members represent different towns, rural areas, and diverse backgrounds in Orange County.
  • Service is voluntary, and members commit to learning, listening, and promoting fairness.

Current Members

Below is the current roster of Human Relations Commission members.

Last updated: November 2025

Human Relations Commission — Current Roster
Seat #NameResidency / TownshipCurrent AppointmentExpiration
1VACANT
2Cory HogansAt-Large / Hillsborough11/19/20249/30/2027
3Tonya JonesAt-Large / Cheeks12/4/20236/30/2026
4VACANT
5VACANT


6Shane LukasAt-Large / Eno11/19/20249/30/2028
7Krista CarawayCarrboro City Limits / Chapel Hill4/15/20256/30/2028
8VACANT


9Jennifer SykesHillsborough / Hillsborough12/4/20236/30/2026
10Wendy CalvinAt-Large / Cheeks4/15/20259/30/2027
11​Rhian Carreker-Ford, Co-Chair​​At-Large / Chapel Hill​​12/4/2023​6/30/2028
12Josh RavitchAt-Large / Chapel Hill6/20/20236/30/2026

Policies & Procedures

Guiding Our Work

The HRC operates under policies and procedures that support consistent, transparent, and fair engagement with the community. These guidelines define our mission, structure, responsibilities, and how we work with the public.

Key Policies & Procedures (Summary)

  • Mission & Responsibilities: The HRC fosters positive human relations and addresses discrimination in Orange County through community engagement and policy recommendations to the BOCC.
  • Membership & Leadership: The Commission includes up to 12 appointed members. Leadership roles include Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary, elected annually. Members generally serve up to two consecutive three-year terms.
  • Meetings & Decision-Making: The HRC holds monthly meetings. Official actions require a quorum and a recorded vote.
  • Community Engagement: While the HRC does not enforce legal action, it connects residents to appropriate resources and may recommend policy changes to address barriers.

Full Policies & Procedures Documents

Document accessibility: If you need any policy document in an alternate format (large print, Braille, translated, or digital), please contact the Commission.

Get Involved

You can:

  • Attend a meeting and share your views during public comment.
  • Apply to serve on the Commission when vacancies are announced.
  • Submit a comment online for the Commission to review (all comments are public).
  • Follow HRC projects and initiatives through our office’s newsletter and reports.

Learn about County boards and apply online
Submit a comment to the HRC
Subscribe to our newsletter

Contact the Commission

For questions or to submit comments:

Phone: (919) 245-2594
Email: human_relations@orangecountync.gov
Address: 306 Revere Rd, Ste. B, Hillsborough, NC 27278