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2018ANNUALREPORT2018ANNUALREPORT
PHRC at a Glance1www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelCommLaunched ‘No Hate In Our State’ Townhallsto address acts of white supremacy andunlawful discrimination Engaged the media increasing brand visibility and credibility by reaching out in new waysListening tours around the StateExpanding and reenergizing the InteragencyTask ForceLaunched Racial Justice Response Team inorder to respond quickly to incidents of hate in our communitiesActive shooter training Developed new partnerships and strengthened existing relationshipsImplemented the Governor’s LeanManagement TrainingAssigned project to report on ELL deciencies in public schools and released a White Paper on the issueExpanding and reenergizing Advisory CouncilsCivil Rights Lawyer Training and PHRC TrainingEEOC and HUD Continuous TrainingLaunched the Social Justice Equity Committee engaging all of the Commissions under the Gov-ernors jurisdictionRobust legislative agendaImplicit bias trainingTaking PHRC into nontraditional spaces to educate the public on how we work and their protections and rightsReleased LGBTQ GuidelinesSHARED LEADERSHIP+ENGAGED STAFF+COMMUNICATION =SUCCESS
2Table of ContentsPHRC at a Glance ........................................................... 1Table of Contents ......................................................... 2Vision/Mission Statement ........................................... 3Governor’s Statement ................................................. 4Chairman’s Statement ................................................. 5Executive Director .................................................... 6-7Commissioners .......................................................... 8-9Executive Oce Sta ................................................. 10Oce of Chief Council ............................................ 11-12Hearing Examiner Report .......................................... 13Education Division ................................................. 14-15Enforcement Division ................................................. 16Communications/Public Relations ........................ 17-18In the Community/Social Justice Initiatives ......... 19-20Pittsburgh Regional Oce .................................... 21-22Harrisburg Regional Oce .................................. 23-24Philadelphia Regional Oce ................................ 25-26Sta Recognition .................................................. 27-28Statistics.................................................................29-38www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm
PHRC Vision, Mission & ValuesAs Pennsylvania’s civil rights leader, it is our vision that all people in Pennsylvania will live, work and learn free from unlawful discrimination.The PA Human Relations Commission promotes equal opportunity for all and enforces Pennsylvania’s civil rights laws that protect people from unlawful discrimination.Equality - We believe strongly in the equality and dignity of all individuals. We uphold the principlesof justice and fairness through our work, conduct and communication.Service - We subscribe to the highest standards of responsiveness, quality, timelinessand professionalism.Integrity - We uphold the highest standards of honesty and transparency. We are candid, trustworthy, credible and unbiased.Excellence - We strive to excel in our work. We endeavor to ensure a highly prepared, diverse, competent and committed workforce.Teamwork - We build and sustain strong, constructive and collaborative relationships.Respect – We value employees’ talents and dierences and treat them with considerationand importance.VISIONMISSIONVALUES3www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelCommPennsylvania Human Relations Commission 333 Market Street, 8th Fl | Harrisburg, PA 17101| 717.787.4410 | F 717.787.0420 | www.phrc.pa.gov PHRC Vision, Mission & Values VISION As Pennsylvania’s civil rights leader, it is our vision that all people in Pennsylvania will live, work and learn free from unlawful discrimination. MISSION The PA Human Relations Commission promotes equal opportunity for all and enforces Pennsylvania’s civil rights laws that protect people from unlawful discrimination. VALUES Equality - We believe strongly in the equality and dignity of all individuals. We uphold the principles of justice and fairness through our work, conduct and communication. Service - We subscribe to the highest standards of responsiveness, quality, timeliness and professionalism. Integrity - We uphold the highest standards of honesty and transparency. We are candid, trustworthy, credible and unbiased. Excellence - We strive to excel in our work. We endeavor to ensure a highly prepared, diverse, competent and committed workforce. Teamwork - We build and sustain strong, constructive and collaborative relationships. Respect – We value employees’ talents and differences and treat them with consideration and importance. Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission 333 Market Street, 8th Fl | Harrisburg, PA 17101| 717.787.4410 | F 717.787.0420 | www.phrc.pa.gov
A Message fromGovernor Tom WolfThis past year, Pennsylvanians confronted unprecedented discrimination and hate-based violence in our commonwealth and we have stood strong together against it. As governor, I am committed to fostering safety, equality and inclusivity for all Pennsylvanians. In April of 2018, a new Executive Director, Chad D. Lassiter, was hired after a nationwide search, to lead the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC). His vision and direction have reenergized Pennsylvania’s commitment to protecting those who are discriminated against. His extensive experience in social justice advocacy will lead to recognition of the Com-mission as the premier civil rights organization it should be. Chad has initiated partnerships and educational programs that will allow our citizens and young people to be better equipped to eliminate the hateful rhetoric that seems so pervasive in our society. In October, I was proud to name Joel Bolstein as Chairman of the Commission. He brings many years of public service and advocacy to this position. He has served as the interim Chair for a signicant period of time and has shown his dedication to the mission of the PHRC. Joel has been instrumental in leading the way to accepting the new LGBTQ guidance issued by the PHRC.Seeing the work the Commission is doing in every corner of Pennsylvania, I am optimistic that 2019 will bring more peaceful, respectful interaction among citizens. I look forward to working with the PHRC, the other representative Commissions, the Legislature and the many organizations in our state that are working towards unity, civil engagement regarding dierences of opinion and protections of individual rights.Sincerely,Tom WolfGovernorwww.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm4
The past year has brought several welcome changes to the Commission. On the leadership front, I’m extraordinarily pleased that we hired Chad Dion Lassiter as our newExecutive Director in May. He has brought renewedpassion and energy to the Commission’s work. We’vealso added two new Commissioners to our ranks --Aleena Y. Sorathia, Esq., a practicing attorney from the Phila-delphia area, and Adrian Shanker, a leader within the LGBTQ community from the Lehigh Valley. Additionally, I’m proud to say that my “interim” designation has been lifted and I o-cially became Chairperson in October. As you review this Annual Report, you will note that theCommission has faced several challenges head-on. This year, Pennsylvania experienced an unprecedented level of vio-lence. In October, 11 innocent worshippers at the Tree of Life Synagogue were senselesslymurdered simply because they were Jewish. While this act was hateful and despicable, thecommunity in Pittsburgh, including people of all faiths, came together and spoke with one clear voice that Pennsylvania will not tolerate anti-Semitism. Their response touched me deeply because my own grandparents came to America eeing anti-Semitism. PHRC stands ready and available to confront hateful acts and to be part of the healing process in communities impacted by discrimination. Although our sta complement is down considerably from several years ago, we continue to investigate and adjudicate thousands of discrimination complaints every year, and we are taking steps to expand the training, outreach and educational work that is critical in confronting the forces of hatred and discrimination in our communities. With the help of our community partners, we are also confronting increasing KKK and hate group activity. We are also proactively protecting the rights of LGBTQ Pennsylvanians. After reviewing thousands of public comments, the Commission enacted LGBTQ policy guidance that makes clear that PHRC will receive complaints from LGBTQ individuals and investigate them as sex-based discrimination.In short, in this world that we live in, the work of the Commission is more relevant now than ever before. I want to express my personal thanks to Governor Wolf for his leadership and to our friends in the General Assembly for their continued support of PHRC. I look forward to continuing to work with my fellow Commissioners, our Executive Director, Regional Directors and the professional sta in each of our four oces to help make PHRC a leader among states and one of the nation’s premier civil rights agencies.Chairman’s StatementCommissioner - M. Joel Bolsteinwww.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm5
Executive DirectorExecutive Director - Chad Dion Lassiterwww.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm6It is a momentous time to step into the role of Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC). In recent months, the civility of our democracyhas been threatened by divisiveness while hate and racismhave strained the social fabric of our nation and ourCommonwealth. As a result, our work enforcing thePennsylvania Human Relations Act and promoting justice, fairness and equality is more important now than it hasbeen for many years. Yet these challenges only serve to further spark mypassion for the mission and values of the PHRC. Comingfrom a background in social work, sociology, anthropology,research and public advocacy, I am keenly aware of theimportance of opening dialogue and creating a sense ofcommunity that encourages residents to voice dieringopinions in a nonviolent manner. The responsibility we have to those who have been aggrieved is real. It aects citizens in wayswe sometimes don’t see. At PHRC we are cognizant of the gravity of that responsibility and doour very best to achieve justice by addressing complaints in a timely and eective manner. As you read through this Annual Report, I hope you will feel the excitement I do about the newenergy at PHRC. Since my arrival in late May of 2018, we have worked to implement innovative initiatives rooted in evidence-based practice that I believe will elevate our prole as a civil rights agency. As we roll out these new initiatives, I am grateful for the expertise, passion and genuine support of our amazing PHRC Commissioners.As part of this eort, we are restructuring how we respond to incidents of hate in ourcommunities. We introduced a series of Town Hall meetings called “No Hate in Our State”.Our rst series of three meetings were held in York County, which has recently experiencedincreased activity by groups such as the KKK, a racially motivated shooting and a case of racialdiscrimination at a golf club. We also initiated a Social Justice Lecture series that will bringrenowned voices of peace and acceptance to our area. In June, we sponsored a lunch-and-learnlecture with anti-racism activist and writer Tim Wise, who addressed white supremacy and thedivisive tone and tenor of our country.In October, we invited various stakeholders from the Pittsburgh area to the second event in ourSocial Justice Lecture Series with noted scholar Dr. Michael Eric Dyson of Georgetown University. The evening included a dialogue with the audience about race. We will continue to hold theselectures around the Commonwealth on timely topics that are relevant to our mission.
www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm7Additionally, we continue to work with our Federal partners, including the US Departmentof Housing and Urban Development, to train our sta to use the Fair Housing Act as a toolfor justice and nd eective ways to address housing discrimination, redlining, and predatorylending. Furthermore, we are looking to collaborate further with the US Equal EmploymentOpportunity Commission. We are also creating a space where we can bring other organizations and agencies togetheron a regular basis to share information and nd solutions to issues facing the Commonwealth.By nurturing these partnerships and a sense of shared responsibility, we are better equipped to respond to situations in every community. PHRC is also engaging more with the 11 Advisory Councils that serve as our eyes and ears on alocal level. We are empowering them to be more impactful in their catchment areas, whileproviding the tools they need to combat hate where it lives. We are already seeing the benets of these partnerships. PHRC now has a Racial TensionReduction Response Team that collaborates with our existing Interagency Task Force to better track and respond to hate crimes.While much has been accomplished in my short time with the agency, we know there is a greatdeal more work to be done and we are eager to take it on. We have rededicated ourselves toworking smarter and staying informed. We have begun to upgrade our equipment and practicesto better serve Pennsylvania. We are expanding our outreach team so that we can oer trainingin more areas and we are branding PHRC so that everyone knows who we are and what we do. Most importantly, we are seeking innovative and eective ways to impact legislation and further engage in critical areas aecting Pennsylvania residents including racism and anti-Semitism, fair housing, educational access, LGBT equality.As we move forward, I am eager to work with all of you to foster greater equality, fairness andjustice throughout Pennsylvania.“Justice is whatlove looks likein public.” - Dr. Cornel West
Commissioners“I am very grateful to Governor Wolf for appointing me Chairperson and allowing me to continue in a leadership role alongside my fellow Commissioners, our wonderful new Executive Director, Chad Dion Lassiter, and our very talented and extremely dedicated professional sta.“Chairman M. Joel Bolsteinwww.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm“ When rights of human beings are compromised, they loose the opportunity to a productive life.”“The road to justice should be free of impediments.”“Everyone deserves to live in a society free of discrimination.”Commissioner Radheshyam M. Agrawal, M.D.Commissioner George B. DawsonCommissioner Kathleen Dormer8“My hope for PHRC is that it will continue to be the government agency that promotes civil rights, eradicates discrimination for all, and upholds Equal Educational Opportunity for all children so that we can create a better future for all.”Vice-Chair & Commissioner Raquel O. Yiengst“I am proud to be part of a group of individuals whose singular focus is to ensure that the people of our Commonwealth are being treated fairly and with respect. This area of focus is now more important than ever.” Secretary & Commissioner Mayur Patel, Esq.
www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm9Commissioners “Even though our task is daunting we can meet it” “The role PHRC plays is essential to the freedom to live, work, play, and visit Pennsylvania without fear of discrimination.”“There is no justice when some—because of race, sex, religion, color, national origin, or disability, among others—are denied a safe place to live, learn, work, and socialize. I am proud to serve on a Commission that strives to build a Commonwealth full of communities free of hate and discrimination.”Commissioner Gerald S. Robinson, Esq.Commissioner Adrian ShankerCommissioner Aleena Y. Sorathia, Esq.“From the White House to our house, human relations is an important aspect of the quality of our life. Fairness, in housing, employment and racial and religious tolerance is an essential responsibility of our organization.”Commissioner Curtis Jones“Every day presents new opportunities!”Commissioner Michael Hardiman
Executive Oce Stawww.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm10Anja Velemir has been with the agency for over a year and works directly with the Executive Director and Communication Director. She is the liaison between our agency and HR, OA and the Governor’s Oce for all agency related actions. She is responsible for Executive Team planning and maintains our calendars. She is solely responsible for posting open positions and maintaining job descriptions. Anja oversees all our purchasing and maintains the budget for reporting purposes. Anja coordinates special projects as directed by the Executive Directorin addition to her normal courseof work.Devin Heckman joined PHRC 9/17/18 as an Administrative Assistant. Devin comes to us by way of several other State Agencies including OGC, Probation and Parole and the Bureau of Mine Safety. His experience brings a new perspective to the Commision. He will work closely with the leadership team helping us to reach our goals. He is responsible for assisting Anja and the Executive Director with budget, purchasing, travel, and HR. He also handles special requests and projects. He has been instrumental inmoving our brand forward and updating technology.
“If we cannot now end our dierences,at least we can help make the worldsafe for diversity.” - John F. Kennedywww.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm11The Oce of Chief Counsel is comprised of its Chief Counsel and nine attorneys across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The attorneys in PHRC’s Central Oce provide general legal counsel to the PHRC regarding its administrative and operational functions, oversee the Commission’s mediation program, support policy and legislative agenda, and handle all cases involving allegations of discrimination in education. Other PHRC attorneys are embedded in regional oces across the Commonwealth where they work closely with investigative and management sta. These attorneys provide legal assistance to complainants appearing before the PHRC, furnish legal education to PHRC sta and members of the public, and enforce the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA), including prosecuting violations of the PHRA. Central Oce Highlights In the past year, PHRC attorneys helped procure expert witnesses and social justice lecturers, administered PHRC’s mediation program, drafted and managed public comment response to proposed PHRC policies regarding discrimination Oce of Chief Counsel Kathy W. MorrisonEsquire, Chief Counselbased upon sex, litigated education discrimination cases, and designed and implemented Continuing Legal Education (CLE) throughout theCommonwealth. Highlights include: •Drafting PHRC policy guidance interpreting discrimination based on sex relating to claims by LGBTQ individuals. Reviewed, prepared and coordinated Commission response to 8,000 public comments. The Commission approved the policy guidance in August 2018. •Securing contracts for author Tim Wise and anti-racism activist and Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, author, professor, and civil rights activist for a social justice lecture series. •Coordinating mediation in 29 cases and successfully mediated 16 cases. While settlements and details of mediation are condential, the settlements usually included both monetary and non-monetary relief. •Along with other remedies, securing nearly $500,000 in monetary relief through conciliation and settlement for students in education cases.Oce of Chief Counsel
Regional Oce Highlights In 2018, PHRC attorneys reviewed approximately 700 complaints of discrimination and provided over 300 formal legal opinions to investigative sta relating to cases already appearing before the agency. Regional attorneys also prosecuted public hearing cases. Highlights include: •Successfully defended a petition related to employer discrimination in Commonwealth Court in which PHRC ordered an employer to pay in excess of $100,000. • Successfully defended a nal order of the PHRC in Commonwealth Court related to protecting the rights of citizens with disabilities. •Defended a PHRC Order in Commonwealth Court related to housing discrimination. •Conducted various trainings and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) workshops across the Commonwealth including: — A PHRC Update CLE workshop at the annual Employment Law Institute sponsored by the Pennsylvania Bar Association; — A panel discussion on sexual harassment in the #MeToo era at this year’s Oce of General Counsel annual attorney CLE event; — A Sexual Harassment Prevention CLE panel workshop for the Dauphin County Bar Association; — A lecture on housing discrimination and emotional support animals for Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI) Landlord Tenant CLE workshop; — A panel presentation at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s bi-annual training and CLE event for employers and attorneys; and — Three regional full-day CLE trainings on Practice Before the PHRC for the PBI. www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm12
www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm132017-2018 Annual ReportInformation from the Oce ofthe Hearing Examiner8.) Number of Days of Public Hearings 4 9.) Rules to Show Cause Issued 38 10.) Cases Returned to Investigation – Answer Received 33 11.) Rules to Show Cause Resulting in Liability Findings 4 12.) Final Orders after Public Hearings ORDERS 2 Siebert – October 2017 Blaine –November 2017 13.) Subpoenas 128 1.) Number of Motions 80 2.) Cases Closed on Motion 8 3.) Cases Placed on the Public Hearing Docket 15 4.) Cases Settled after Public HearingApproved 21 5.) Pre-Hearing Conferences Conducted 146.) Public Hearings Conducted 37.) Number of Days of Pre-Hearing Conferences 12 Oce of the Hearing ExaminerCarl SummersonHearing Examiner
“Until we get equality in education, we won’t have an equal society.” - Supreme Court Justice Sonia SotomayorEducation Divisionwww.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm14Education is inextricably tied to social and economic opportunity and the right to be free of discrimination in educational settings is profoundly important. In Pennsylvania, it is PHRC’s Education Division that responds to casesof educational discrimination. For several years, the division has been committed to addressing the inequity in services received by English language learners in the public school system. Our goal is to assist school districts in developing best practices that will leave no child behind because of a language barrier. To that end, this year, the division worked with a Finnigan Fellow who helped identify the most underfunded school districts with regard to English Language Learners and to advocate for a fairer funding formula. His research resulted in an informative White Paper and executive report, which was shared with the legislature, public and PHRC partners. These eorts led to a summit for these underfunded districts and new partnerships with the Superintendents of the 15 school districts with the highest number of English language learners.The Education Division also works closely with local Advisory Councils and an Inter-Agency Task Education Division Georey BiringerDirectorForce to better respond to acts of discrimination and hate. Currently, 11 counties have Advisory Councils and the Commission aims to establish one in every county. These Advisory Councils represent the Commission’s eyes and ears on the ground, reporting incidents of discrimination and bias. PHRC advises the Councils on civil rights issues and empowers them to expand the Commission’s outreach and training opportunities by coordinating forums to educate the public on civil rights and discrimination.The Inter-Agency Taskforce is comprised of representatives of government agencies, nonprot partners and community advocates who share information about incidents of discrimination and civil tension in their areas, to enable PHRC to monitor and respond. This year, the Task Force partnered with the Governor’s Commission on African American Aairs to host a Black History Month event that both informed and supported the community.Finally, the division hosts cultural programsand conducts public outreach and training onsuch topics as implicit bias, fair housing andconict resolution.
15Implicit Bias Training Designed by PHRC, this training encouragesself-awareness and proper response to one’s own bias. Participants receive certication for Continuing Legal Education credits and Law Enforcement Ocer Training hours. This year,the division trained: •500 ocers from 15 police departments •30 county commissioners •Local HRCs •PHRC Regional Oces •PHRC CommissionersSPIRIT ProgramThis conict resolution program was designed by our partners at the Department of Justice to teach students how to get along even when they are dierent. This year, the program reached: •165 students in the Philadelphia region •100 Students in the Harrisburg region •35 students in the Pittsburgh regionAnti Bullying ProgramThis program was designed by PHRC to reduce bullying and discrimination directed to protected classes by students and educators. This year, PHRC provided the training to more than 1,000 children at: •20 schools •4 camps •5 faith-based organizations Leaders of Tomorrow Mentoring ProgramPHRC oers an ongoing program designed by theNational Black MBA on a weekly basis at Steelton/Highspire High School. The program, which isalso open to surrounding school districts, reaches 150 students.Police Community Relations Training15 Police Departments received this Diversity, Harassment and Respect Training, designed to improve interactions between police and the communities.Public Awareness Events1,000 people received information about PHRC and its programs at events hosted by legislators, advocacy groups and other departments.Fair Housing Five Book Reading SessionsThe Fair Housing Five is a book that helps educators and parents initiate empowering conversations with children about opportunity, the Civil Rights Movement, and the role that all members of a community can play in advocating for justice. This year, to address the HUD mandate to armatively further fair housing, PHRC held book readings at: •Chief Shikellamy School •Scott School •St. Barnabas Day Camp •Chris Franklin Basketball Camp •The African American Read-In at the Harrisburg School DistrictCultural Programs •Black History Month — The State of Civil Rights: A Retrospective & Progressive View from Advocates Across the Generational Divide •Pride Month — Pride & Prejudice: The Impact of LGBTQ Legislation on Civil Rights •Women’s History Month — A Woman’s Worth: Equal Pay for Equal Work, Sexual Harassment and the Impact of the #METOO movement.www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm
16www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelCommEnforcement DivisionAs an agency that enforces both federal and state laws, it is critical that PHRC maintain accurate and complete records. The Enforcement/Compliance Division is responsible for: • Recording and retaining case information; • Processing Right to Know requests, subpoenas and documents; • Recording PHRC meeting minutes; Preserving historic information about the Commission; and • Preparing closed cases for records retention, in compliance with the policies of the Commonwealth and partner agencies. The Division also works closely with PHRC’s federal partners, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) and the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to train PHRC sta and protect legal rights of aggrieved parties. 2018 Highlights• 1285 processed cases for closure.• Planned PHRC’s 2nd annual Fair Housing Conference themed 50 years of Fair Housing: Moving Forward in Harrisburg.Featured presentations included: ―The Future of Fair Housing, Advocating the Cause by Sara Pratt, Esq, Relman, Dane and Colfax, PLLC; ―Redlining and its Continuing Impact on Communities presented by Kristina Musante, Esq., National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC); ―The Use of Big Data and Screening and the Implications of Fair Housing by Jason Richardson, NCRC; and ―Metropolitan Equity Planning, Furthering the Goal of Inclusive Communities by Janis Risch, Mt Airy Business Improvement District.• Provided fair housing training for 630 real estate professionals, property managers, business owners and community partners.• Worked closely with Oce of Administration-IT to complete the development and release of PHRC’s upgraded Content Management System,• Conducted and coordinated training for newly hired investigators.• Participated in several statewide and national Conferences including: ―The EEOC regional conference; ―The International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies Annual Conference; & ―Pennsylvania Association of Realtors quarterly business meetings. “e challenge of social justice is to evoke a sense of communitythat we need to make our nation a better place, just as we makeit a safer place.” - Marian Wright EdelmanEnforcement/ Compliance OceJinada Rochelle - Director
www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm17Communications andPublic RelationsThe Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) is responsible for protecting Pennsylvania citizens from unlawful discrimination. Discrimination takes many forms. It can be related to race, sex, gender, disability, age, or even family relationship. It may occur in a variety of settings including employment, housing or public accommodation. Unfortunately, too many victims of discrimination do not get support or assistance. These individuals may be uncertain about who can help, indecisive about whether they should tell anyone, or afraid of retaliation. That’s why it is imperative that all Pennsylvania residents know that PHRC is the go-to agencyin the Commonwealth for remedy relatedto discrimination. Under Director Lassiter’s leadership, PHRC is working to increase awareness of its services and better engage the public in a dialogue that will lead to greater trust and understanding among residents of the Commonwealth.Through its communications eorts, the Commission seeks to: • Educate citizens about their right to confront discrimination in education, housing, employment and public accommodation. •Facilitate a conversation about addressing hate and bias that engages individuals of all perspectives. • Increase public awareness about other organizations also working to eliminate discrimination in their communities. “Communication is the key tounderstanding and peace.” - James BryceCommunications andPublic RelationsRenee MartinDirector
PHRC is taking a multifaceted approach to achieve these goals. We are growing our brand recognition to ensure that all citizens know PHRC is the resource for information and accurate data that reects the standard of the top civil rights agency in Pennsylvania. We are increasing the Commission’s visibility by enhancing our contact with both traditional and nontraditional media outlets and expanding our social media footprint. We have upgraded our website and added updated content. We’re also working to make the site more user-friendly. Finally, we’ve created two fact sheets that provide important information about training resources and how to make a complaint, and we are continually developing new materials to help keep thepublic informed.PHRC also serves as a liaison between the constituents of the Commonwealth, the Legislature and the Governor’s Correspondence Oce. In this capacity, we work to identify inconsistencies in our statutes and ensure that the Legislature understands the impact of proposed legislation. To that end PHRC has: • Testied at a House Labor and Industry hearing about four proposed pieces of legislation; • Developed a legislative agenda for the 2019- 20 session; • Held three meetings with House and Senate members; • Partnered with a Senator and House member to address concerns of a constituent who was being targeted with death threats; • Improved the timeliness with which the Commission responds to the Governor’s inquiries by increasing the number of sta who can address questions; and • Responded to 37 legislative inquiries.While PHRC is aggressively working to enhance its outreach to residents, we recognize that communication is a two-way street. The citizens of the Commonwealth serve as our eyes and ears on the ground. We rely on you for information and input and welcome your suggestions and feedback. It is only by working together that we can eliminate discrimination and improve relationships among all people in Pennsylvania. www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm18
www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm19Fifty-four years after the signing of the Civil Rights Act, the majority of Pennsylvanians believe real progress has been made in the ght against discrimination and prejudice. But as events such as the recent mass shooting in Pittsburgh make painfully clear, there is still much work to be done. Under the leadership of Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, PHRC has strengthened relationships with its community partners and developed several new initiatives to promote and advance social justice within the Commonwealth. Social Justice Lecture Series: To help raise community awareness about the eect of discrimination, the Commission implemented a Social Justice Lecture Series aimed at sparking conversation and inspiring more balance and compassion within the Commonwealth. The series debuted in June with a presentation by Tim Wise, a nationally recognized author and podcaster, who spoke about Racism and Resistance in a DividedAmerica to a crowd of 125 at the Forum Auditorium in Harrisburg. A second event held in Pittsburgh featured guest speaker Michael Eric Dyson who engaged an audience of 150 in a discussion about the reality of discrimination and hate through several dierent lenses. The Commission isplanning additional sessions for the coming year.HRC Crisis Response:A new Racial Tension Reduction Response Team better equips the Commission to respond eciently and eectively to incidents of racial tension. As part of this initiative, PHRC will become a repository for real-time data tracking tensions in the community. This information will be shared with PA HRC’s community partners resulting in a proactive collective response that works to avoid escalation of issues.Since May of 2018, the team has responded to numerous incidents including the recent mass shooting in Pittsburgh, KKK activity, a mock lynching in a school, sex discrimination in public oce, discrimination related to access to education, a shooting in York, and several other acts of violence and hate. Social Justice in the Community“Let us remember we are all part of one American family. We areunited in common values, and that includes belief in equality under thelaw, basic respect for public order, and the right of peaceful protest.” - Barack Obama
Examples include: • In response to an uptick in acts of hatred, discrimination and violence in York, the PHRC held three town hall meetings themed No Hate in Our State. The meetings sought to examine the incidents that occurred, provide information about the civil rights of citizens, encourage coalition building and bring healing to the community. Participants, including the Mayor, faith-based leaders, the NAACP, the PA Jewish Coalition and members of the Latino community, discussed how hate and discrimination have aected them. A wide range of ideologies and perspectives were shared including, unexpectedly, comments from the Grand Dragon of the KKK. • A public hearing focused on an incident involving police at the Grandview Golf Club in which ve African American women were asked to leave because of “slow play,” despite the fact that no complaint was made by patrons. • Initial planning for a series on Social Justice Healing through Faith in response to the mass shooting in Pittsburgh.Partnerships:The struggle for social justice cannot be achieved alone. PA HRC is continually working to strengthen existing partnerships and develop new collaborations. Our partners include: • Local Human Relations Commissions and diversity organizations • The PA Department of Corrections • The PA Department of Education • US Department of Housing and Urban Development • US Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission •The State Police and local law enforcement agencies • United Ways and YWCAs • Interfaith organizations • Advisory Councils • Interagency Taskforce • Attorney General’s Oce • Governor’s Oce • PA General Assembly •Oce of Administration/Human Resourceswww.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm20
www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm21The Pittsburgh Regional Oce (PRO) works continuously to enforce the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) and the Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunities Act (PFEOA) and to fulll the mission of the Commission. In October 2018, the Pittsburgh area was faced with the horric shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue. During this time of tragedy, PHRC was able to respond immediately with technical assistance and support to community organizations and the public.The PRO participated in vigils, memorial services and Shabbat to support our Jewish community partners. We have moved in partnership with the Jewish Federation, Anti-Defamation League and others to put forth a program of healing in this community called “Healing in the Context of Faith.” Our strong relationships with organizations and agencies at the local, stateand federal levels expand our reach and enhance our ability to respond eectively to situations that arise. PittsburghRegional Oce“Racism is man’s gravest threat to man - themaximum of hatred for a minimum of reason.” - Rabbi Abraham Joshua HeschelPittsburgh Regional OceLyle WoodDirectorPittsburgh Highlights Addressing Discrimination 518discriminationcases are under investigation227cases wereclosed$650,265was secured forcomplainingpartiesPROPRO reached an agreement with a large corporation that allows PHRC to monitor certain company practices aecting people with disabilities and to ensure the company is in compliance with the law.
www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm22Pittsburgh Highlights Informing the Community The Pittsburgh Regional Oce conducts trainings, serves on educational panels, and providestechnical assistance involving the statutes and regulations we enforce. Topics addressed thisyear include: The PHRA, its jurisdiction and the ling of complaints; Fair housing, college student rights, reasonable accommodation/modication for disability, and coverage for LGBTQ individuals under the PHRA; Ethnic intimidation in the school setting; and Sexual harassment.Among the trainings conducted this year were: A guest lecture at Duquesne University for attorneys and law students about how to address legal issues through the PHRC; A training for civil rights leaders and government ocials in Erie about the rights aorded to individuals under the PHRA, as well as a presentation about the expansion of PHRC presence and partnerships in the region; and Technical assistance for members of the Homewood Community about the PHRA. In appreciation of this training, the Homewood Concerned Citizen’s Council presented Regional Director, Lyle Wood, with a Community Achievement Award.
www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm23The Harrisburg Regional Oce (HRO) is steadfastly committed to enforcing Pennsylvania’s anti-discrimination laws. Perhaps the most important work we do is to investigate complaints of discrimination. Our thorough investigative process ensures that all cases are reviewed from every angle with a neutral and unbiased perspective. This work is critical because it allows those who have experienced discrimination to obtain remedy. Without the eorts of the regional oces, many complaints of unlawful discrimination would go unresolved.HRO is also actively working to increase awareness of disability rights. As a memberof the Mid-Atlantic ADA Leadership Network, Regional Director Heather Roth receives ongoing training about the Americans With Disabilities Act and, in turn, conducts outreach and technical assistance on behalf of the organization. Additionally, this year, the HRO partnered with the Governor’s Cabinet and the Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities, as well as several other state agencies, as a part of the steering committee for the PA Disability Employment and Empowerment Summit. HarrisburgRegional Oce“Racism is still with us. But it is up to us toprepare our children for what they have tomeet, and, hopefully, we shall overcome.” - Rosa ParksHarrisburg Regional OceHeather RothDirector557new cases were accepted for investigation189cases settled resulting in $1.6 million dollars in monetary settlements679cases closedHarrisburg HighlightsResolved Cases
www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm24Harrisburg Highlights Informing the Community 39 trainings/outreach sessions were conducted including: 16 anti-harassment trainings reaching 515 people; Diversity and Cultural Professionalism training for 50 legislative sta members.Implemented quarterly sta team-building/train-ing events covering topics such as: Interviewing witnesses; Retaliation; Dealing with dicult callers; and The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA).
www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm25The Philadelphia Regional Oce (PHLRO)addresses discrimination cases related to employment, housing, commercial property, public accommodation and education in the ve-county area of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia. The oce responds to a wide variety of complaints including: discharge from employment, failure to hire, failure to rent, failure to promote, eviction, compensation, and failure to provide reasonable accommodation. This year, the Philadelphia Regional Oce was particularly active in working to ensure that individuals with disabilities receive necessary home modications. As part of this work, it oers training on reasonable accommodation to assist landlords and others who might benet from information related to compliance with the Americans for Disabilities Act. Sta also monitor and respond to tensions in the communities they serve by attending demonstrations and other events to ensure peacefulness and civility is maintained while enabling all sides to express their views. PhiladelphiaRegional Oce“No individual, regardless of where they live orwhom they love, should suer discrimination.” - Kate BrownPhiladelphia Regional OceDiana MedleyDirectorPhiladelphia Highlights Resolving Cases 387complaints were drafted for investigation46%were completed investigations13%were administrative closures327cases were advanced to closure of which: - 41% were settled including 18 cases alleging harassment based on age by a state agency. The agency was ordered to pay $12,500 to each complainant, a total of $225,000 - 46% were completed investigations - 13% were administrative closures
www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm26Philadelphia Highlights Informing the Community Sta provided information, training and outreach at several community events including: The grand opening of Councilman Kenyatta Johnson’s Satellite Oce in Southwest Philadelphia. Latino Behavioral Health Coalition’s 2018 Anger to Action event sponsored by the Oce of State Senator Vincent Hughes and Councilman Curtis Jones. The Annual Community Appreciation Street Festivals sponsored by Councilman Kenyatta Johnson. Beyond The Walls: Reentry Summit on Prison Healthcare Anti-Discrimination training for State Senator Art Haywood’s oce in Philadelphia. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA).Responding to Complex CasesThe oce implemented a new initiative called Think Tank Tuesday, which is helping to advancecomplex cases. As part of the initiative, a team of sta members, the supervisor and regionaldirector “dissect” a complex case, review all secured documents and develop a comprehensiveplan to complete the investigation.
www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm27The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission annually recognizes sta who exceed our alreadyhigh standards with Star Awards. The program honors partners that have been instrumental in supporting our eorts to provide public service to those seeking relief from unlawful discrimination. The 2018 Star Award honorees were recognized during a luncheon at the December Commission Meeting. They include: Administrative Star Award - Demora WallaceRecognizing an administrative sta member for providing outstanding customer service as well as exhibiting exemplary conduct and performance that supports the Commission’s operations. Administrative sta includes Clerks, Clerk Typists, Administrative Assistants and Administrative Ocers performing in a clerical capacity. Education and Outreach Award - Jelani CooperRecognizing a PHRC employee whose training and outreach eorts have a profound impact on the lives of citizens of the Commonwealth.Legal Star Award - Jelani CooperRecognizing an attorney who routinely goes the extra mile to serve his/her assigned investigative/intake teams, is a role model for his/her commission-wide peers and works hard every day to bring justice to those who have been harmed by discrimination. Partnership Star Award – Individual - Sgt. William Slaton, Pennsylvania State PolicePresented to an individual serving with an advisory council, local human relations commission or other agency or an individual volunteer who works closely with PHRC to achieve its goals of eradicating discrimination and promoting equal opportunity.Sta Recognition
www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm28Partnership Star Award – Organization - PA Oce of General Counsel MediatorsPresented to an advisory council, local human relations commission or other agency that works closely with PHRC to achieve its goals of eradicating discrimination and promoting equal opportunity. Homer C. Floyd Pinnacle Award - Ms. Alma Fox, Past President Pittsburgh Chapter NAACPThe highest honor presented by the Commission, this award is presented to an individual who has advanced the cause of civil rights through a lifetime of distinguished service to the mission of equal opportunity for all.PHRC Longevity Awards - Lyle Wood (30 years), Diana Medley (20 years), Abraham Shaw (20 years), Demora Wallace (20 years), Tameka Hatcher (20 years)Presented to employees who attain 20, 25, 30, 35 or 40 years of PHRC Service.Rookie Star Award - Sara BarrRecognizing a new employee (with two years or fewer of tenure at PHRC) who strives daily to exemplify the mission, vision, and values of the Commission, treats everyone with respect, and addresses his/her workload with a sense of urgency. Excellence in Intake - Shaheeda Wilks, Christopher Young, Samantha LopezRecognizing intake investigators who interact daily with the public in a professional, caring, and compassionate manner; pay attention to detail; are great listeners and writers; and act with a sense of urgency when serving the public. Excellence in Investigation - Joseph Warner, Pamela Harris, Ronnessa EdwardsRecognizing investigators who consistently go the extra mile to provide great customer service, are dependable and who serve as role models for their peers. Their passion for PHRC is evident in how they serve the public and work diligently every day to bring justice to others. Outstanding Team Award - HRO Compliance Team 4 Michael Goldstein, Team LeaderRecognizing outstanding teamwork among a group of employees, this award promotesthe spirit of teamwork within the Commission and the benets of teamwork to the clientswe serve. A team is dened as a unit within the Commission or several units working togetherto achieve a goal.External RecognitionMany of our sta members are also active and engage their communities outside of PHRC. The following sta members were recognized in 2018 for their personal accomplishments not related to our work.Tameka Hatcher: 100 Women of Distinction, Trailblazer awardDebbie Walters: Emerging Leaders Program, Graduate
www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm29CASE STATISTICS - FY 2017-2018Complaints Docketed by Subject Area - FY 2017-2018Subject Area Number of CasesPercentage ofTotal CasesEmploymentEducationHousingTotal180511,2084%15%34 3%CommercialPropertyPublicAccommodations0 0%943 78%Basis of Complaints - FY 2017-2018Basis of Complaints FY 2017-180.0%5.0%10.0%15.0%20.0%25.0%30.0%Retaliation25.8%Disability23.9%Age 13.5% Sex 13.5% Race/Color12.7%NationalOrigin 3.1%Ancestry1.9%MultipleClass 1.8%Religion1.4%Other 1.4%
www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm30CASE STATISTICS - FY 2017-2018Top ree Complaint Bases of the Four Categories - FY 2017-2018Case Statistics - FY 2017-2018HOUSING1. Disability2. Retaliation3. Race/ColorPUBLICACCOMMODATION1. Disability2. Race/Color3. Retaliation and National Origin (tied)EDUCATION1. Disability2. Retaliation3. Race/ColorEMPLOYMENT1. Retaliation2. Disability3. AgeSettled After Probable Cause Finding29 (2%)Settled Before Probable Cause Finding365 (28%)Administrative224 (17%)No Probable Cause666 (52%)Total = 1,285Administrative Closings 2017-18Filed in Court122Court of Common Pleas41Federal Court81Average Case Age (July 1, 2018)617 Days(433 if you exclude casessubmitted for PH)Probable Cause Findings Approved20
www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm31CASE STATISTICS - FY 2017-2018E - Employment | H - Housing | PA - Public Accommodations | ED - Education AgeE H PA ED Total40-42 9 943-45 9 946-48 16 1649-51 27 2 2952-54 46 4655-57 38 1 3958-60 47 1 4861-63 47 4764-66 37 3767-69 18 1870-72 18 1873-75 10 1 1176-78 5 579-86 5 4 9Total 332 9 341E-EmploymentH-HousingPA-Public AccommodationsED-EducationAgeAncestry E H PA ED TotalAmerican or United States 1 1 2Hispanic 38 4 1 43Latino 4 4Puerto Rican 4 4Samoan 1 1Palestinian 3 3Acadian/Cajun 1 1Total 51 4 2 1 58Ancestry
www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm32CASE STATISTICS - FY 2017-2018E - Employment | H - Housing | PA - Public Accommodations | ED - Education Race E H PA ED TotalAfrican American 222 26 19 8 275American Indian 2 2Asian 1 1 2Bi-Racial 1 2 3Black 2 1 3Caucasian 38 1 2 41Complainants Race and the known association with another person2 1 4 7Total 267 29 23 14 333RaceSex E H PA ED TotalFemale 206 6 6 218Female Pregnant 23 23Male 50 12 6 1 69Total 279 18 6 7 310SexReligion E H PA ED TotalChristianity 3 3Hinduism 1 1Islam 20 1 3 24Judaism 5 1 6Non-Christian 3 3Non-Jewish 1 1Sikh 2 2Wiccan 3 3Total 37 2 4 43Religion
www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm33CASE STATISTICS - FY 2017-2018E - Employment | H - Housing | PA - Public Accommodations | ED - Education E H PA ED TotalAfrica 1 1 2Albania 3 3Algeria 2 2Bahamas 1 1Benin 3 3Cameroon 2 2China3 3Crotia 2 2Dominican Republic 4 1 1 6Ethiopia 2 2Ghana 1 1 2Haiti 10 10India 3 1 4Iran - Islam Republic of 5 5Iraq 3 3Jamaica 2 2Liberia 2 2Mali 1 1Mexico 1 1Morocco 1 1Palestinian Territory 1 1Philipines 2 2Puerto Rico 7 3 10Russian Federation 1 3 4Saudi Arabia 2 2Sudan 4 4Sri Lanka 2 2Ukraine 1 1 2United States 7 2 9Zimbabwe 2 2Total 73 10 6 6 95National OriginNational Origin
www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm34CASE STATISTICS - FY 2017-2018E - Employment | H - Housing | PA - Public Accommodations | ED - Education Retaliation E H PA ED TotalAssisted 21 24 1 46Filed a PHRC Complaint 23 6 29Otherwise Opposed Unlawful Activity 198 20 5 15 238Provided Information 34 4 38Total 276 54 6 15 351RetaliationE H PA ED TotalTrainer of Guide/Support Animal 0Use of Guide/Support Animal 8 11 19Total 8 11 19Miscellaneous ClassMiscellaneous ClassE H PA ED TotalDesignee Of Such Parent Or Other Person Having Custody 8 8Individual Not Yet 18 Living With Parents Or Guardian 5 5Parent Or Other Person Having Legal Custody 3 3Domiciled with 3 3Process of Obtaining Legal Custody of Someone Under 18 1 1Total 20 20Familial StatusFamilial StatusE H PA ED TotalAfrican American Female 22 6 1 2 31African American Male 24 4 28Total 46 6 1 6 59Multiple ClassMultiple Class
www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm35CASE STATISTICS - FY 2017-2018E - Employment | H - Housing | PA - Public Accommodations | ED - Education Disability E H PA ED TotalAgent Orange 1 2 3Alcoholism-I 5 1 6Allergies 2 1 3Anxiety Disorder 35 6 1 3 45Arthritis 21 3 24Asthma 4 4Attention Deficit Disorder 15 2 3 20Autism 7 8 3 18Back 28 8 36Bi-Polar 20 7 2 29Brain/Head Injury 2 2Brain/Head Injury Traumatic 3 3Cancer 34 3 2 39Cerebral Palsy 1 3 3 7Cervical Discogenic Injury 2 2Chemical Sensitivities 2 2Dementia 1 1 2Depression 11 3 1 15Diabetes 10 3 13Dyslexia 1 1Emphysema 3 3Epilepsy 2 1 1 4Extremeties Impairment 27 6 33Fibromyalgia 8 8Gastrointestinal 5 5Hand Injury 6 6Hearing 25 4 5 34Heart/Cardiovascular 11 2 3 16Hernia 1 1Hip Replacement 3 1 4Kidney 5 5Learning Disability 6 1 2 3 12Lupus 4 4Lyme Disease 5 1 6Macular Degeneration 1 1Mental - Other 11 8 1 20Mental Retardation 2 2 1 5Migraine 8 8Multiple Sclerosis 9 1 2 12Obesity 6 2 8Nonparalytic Orthopedic 1 1Other 92 65 1 3 161Other Blood Disorder 4 4Other Neurological 1 1Other Respiratory 1 1 2Panic Disorder 2 2Paralysis 3 1 2 6Parkinsons Disease 1 1Polio 3 3Post Traumatic Stress 4 2 6Renal Dysfunction 2 2Respiratory Pulmonary Disorder2 2 4Seizure Disorder 3 1 4Shoulder Impairment 15 1 16Sleep Apnea 1 1Sleep Disorder 5 5Speech 1 1Spinal Stenosis 1 1 2 4Stroke 8 8Tendinitis 1 1Tourettes Syndrome 1 1Vertigo 1 1Vision 13 6 2 21Total 510 163 26 26 725Disability
www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm36CASE STATISTICS - FY 2017-2018Closed Cases vs. Complement Total Cases Closed by SFY’s010002011/12356029912636173412852012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18200030004000PHRC Filled Complement SFY 2012 through 20170202011/12100Complement91 88 93 71 73 74SFY88937173742012/13SFY2013/14SFY2014/15SFY2015/16SFY2016/17SFY2017/18SFY40608010012091100SFY2011/2012 3560 1002012/2013 2991 912013/2014 2636 88014/2015 2276 932015/2016 1734 712016/20172017/2018137212857374Total Cases Closed by SFY PHRC Filled Complement22761734
www.phrc.pa.govtwitter.com/PA_HumRelComm37NO HATE NO HATE IN OUR STATE HELLAM TOWNSHIP, YORK COUNTY, PA “We must heal our communities and stand together against violence that grows from deep rooted hate, society will not survive otherwise.” -Chad Dion Lassiter, PHRC Executive Director CONFRONTING RACISM IN A RACIALLY DIVERSE REGION In this the third of three Town Hall discussions to take place across York Co. the PHRC along with Local Organizations and the Faith Based Community will facilitate a community discussion about healing after the senseless murder of Chad Merrill who stood up against the racist verbal attack of his African American friend. Free Event Social Justice Town Hall Series When: Thursday January 31, 2019 6:30-8:30pm Where: Hellam Twp. Fire Dept. 163 E. Market Street Hellam, PA 17406 Who We Are: The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission is the agency that enforces the law that prohibit discrimination in the areas of employment, education, housing & commercial property and public accommodations. CONTACT: RENEE MARTIN COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR 717.787.4410 renmartin@pa.gov www.phrc.pa.gov Free Events!IN OUR STATE“We must heal our communities and stand together against violence that grows from deep rooted hate, society will not survive otherwise” - Chad Dion Lassiter, PHRC Executive DirectorWho We Are: The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commissionis the agency that enforces the laws that prohibit discrimination in the areas of employment, education, housing & commercial property and public accommodations.CONTACT:Renee MartinCommunications Director717.787.4410
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