The mission of the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) is to eliminate discrimination and ensure fair and equal access to housing, public services, accommodations and participation in activities. The office strives to reduce procedural, attitudinal and communication barriers for persons living and working in the City of Boston.

The Office of Civil Rights was created in 1995 as a human rights umbrella agency responsible for enforcing and coordinating all anti-discrimination ordinances in the City of Boston. OCR consists of three main program areas: The Boston Fair Housing Commission (BFHC), The Human Rights Commission (HRC), and the Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CPWD).