The Community Relations Division serves as a resource for South Carolinians to seek solutions to problems encountered due to social or institutionalized practices that have a divisive impact. Community Relations refers to the nature of relationships between members of a community.

This includes relationships between: 
• Individuals
• Groups 
• Institutions and members of the community 

The Community Relations Division was created to encourage local resolution of local problems and to foster better community relations throughout the State of South Carolina. This division uses conference, conciliation and persuasion to bring together cross-sections of people to resolve disputes involving discrimination which is not limited to police relations, unit education, business practices and other non-employment issues. The Community Relations Division is responsible for the following program areas

• Establishing and consulting with local Community Relations Councils
• Processing of non-employment complaints (Public Accommodations and 1-13-90(e) Non-Employment Investigations)
• Enforcement of the South Carolina Human Affairs Law, and the Equal Enjoyment and Privileges to Public Accommodations Act .

Since its inception, the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission has worked to link state government to community groups by assisting in the establishment and continuance of local Advisory Councils. If a community has an existing council or committee, the division offers its support, resources, and partnership. The department staff also advises councils on identifying problems, setting priorities in program planning and development, and planning funding processes for community projects.