About Us

History

In 1993 city councils in both Lafayette and West Lafayette passed human relations ordinances that included protections from sexual-orientation-based discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodation. CCR was founded in 1996 in response to a conservative political backlash which threatened to repeal Lafayette’s ordinance. The repeal effort failed almost entirely due to CCR’s successful efforts.

In 1998 anonymous letter writers mailed harassing letters to gay and lesbian educators at Lafayette Jefferson High School, to school administration, and to media. Students, parents, and others in the community joined CCR in rallied support of these educators. CCR grew in its public role, and witnessed our values embraced by a wider range of the community than ever before in response to hateful bigotry.

In 2001 the Tippecanoe County Commission established a human relations ordinance inclusive of sexual-orientation-based discrimination protections after much negotiation between CCR and the conservative religious community.

In 2001 CCR leadership joined a task force established by Purdue University to investigate domestic partner benefits for same-sex partners of employees. The board of trustees adopted these benefits in 2002.

CCR joined Pride Lafayette and PFLAG in 2003 to form a youth group which serves young people and their families by creating a safe, secure environment.

Also in 2003 CCR joined a statewide coalition to amend Indiana’s civil rights laws. CCR serves as the coordinator for Indiana Equality’s efforts in our region, and has a seat on the coalition board of directors. CCR and Indiana Equality continue to be engaged in the pursuit of equality for all Hoosiers, especially in the fight for marriage rights, adoption, and protection from discrimination and bias crimes.

Vision

Citizens for Civil Rights seeks to be a widely respected defender of and advocate for human rights and civil equality for all persons. We will be dedicated change agents who embrace diversity and support the just treatment of others.

Mission

CCR is a group of concerned citizens and community organizations in Lafayette-West Lafayette, Indiana. Our mission is to ensure the human rights of all individuals living and working in the Lafayette-West Lafayette community, especially those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, or questioning (GLBTIQ) their sexual orientation or gender identity, to educate the community about current human rights issues, and to collaborate with other organizations to defend local citizens against all forms of discrimination.

Values

In pursuit of its mission and vision, CCR is committed to adhering to the values of Justice, Equity, Diversity, Empowerment, and Community.