Department of Fair Employment and Housing

The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) is the state agency charged with the protection of residents from employment, housing and public accommodation discrimination, and hate violence. It is the largest civil rights agency in the United States. It also provides representation to the victims of hate crimes. Originally a division within the Department of Industrial Relations, DFEH became a separate department in 1980. DFEH has a director who is appointed by the governor of California and maintains a total of fifteen offices throughout the state. Today, it is considered part of the California State and Consumer Services Agency.