The Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) voted unanimously at its January 13, 2010 meeting to appoint attorney Robert J. Brothers, Jr. to a four year term as the permanent Executive Director of the Commission.
Commission Chairman Andrew Norton said, "Attorney Brothers has provided tremendous leadership, energy and commitment as the Acting Executive Director for the past eighteen months." Norton continued, We are excited to be entering a new era in human rights advocacy in which the Commission will be an active, vibrant force."
Brothers said, "We intend to aggressively conduct outreach and education in order to unite the people of Connecticut. I look forward to being a part of a revitalized CHRO and believe we can - working together - help bring harmony and equality to all."
Commission member Patricia Wrice said, "As we prepare to celebrate the Martin Luther King holiday this coming Monday, we reflect on the greatest goal of Dr. King which was, in his words, 'I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.' That remains one of CHROs primary goals and I believe with Bob at the helm we can be the change agent to advance human rights to new heights."
Brothers began his career at CHRO in 1986 as an investigator. During that time he attended Western New England College School of Law at night completing his degree in 1993. He steadily rose through the ranks at the Commission as Investigator, Attorney, Acting Regional Director, and Managing Director and Commission Attorney prior to his appointment as Acting Executive Director. Before his employment at CHRO Brothers was a Norwich police officer.
The agency's mission is to eliminate all forms of discrimination in Connecticut. The CHRO investigates and enforces the laws against discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodation and credit.
