Delia Martinez sitting at her desk, where she directs the Nevada Equal Rights Commission: photographic print

Equal rights and equal employment opportunity - the rights of all persons to work and to advance on the basis of merit, ability, and potential. These concepts are deeply rooted in our American heritage. But prior to the Civil Rights Movement these rights were severely restricted by discriminatory practices that operated against various groups in our society, among which were Hispanics. In the State of Nevada, Delia Martinez, pictured above framed by her many achievement and recognition awards, was appointed by Governor Richard Bryan to direct the Nevada Equal Rights Commission, the State agency responsible for investigating claims of discrimination and sexual harassment on the job.