Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) is deeply concerned by the December 10 decision of the U.S. Department of Justice to rescind longstanding disparate-impact regulations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. These regulations have been essential tools to ensure that federally funded programs and services do not discriminate, directly or indirectly, on the basis of race, color, or national origin.
Disparate-impact protections enable civil rights agencies to challenge policies that may appear neutral but disproportionately impact protected groups, including people of color, immigrant communities, and individuals with limited English proficiency. The removal of these federal safeguards significantly weakens civil rights enforcement in education, housing, employment, and public accommodations, leaving communities more vulnerable to systemic inequities and reducing accountability for institutions that receive federal funding.
"Disparate-impact protections are foundational to civil rights enforcement, said Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW, PHRC Executive Director. “Even if federal oversight is weakened, Pennsylvania must ensure that all residents, regardless of race, ancestry, or national origin, can access housing, employment, education, and services equitably. The work of the PHRC has never been more important."
“Disparate-impact enforcement has been critical for decades in identifying and remedying systemic discrimination and creating real change in communities,” said PHRC Chief Counsel Joseph Green. “Without it, agencies and advocates lose a powerful tool to hold institutions accountable, and communities face the real risk of inequities going unchecked."
Under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA), it is illegal in the Commonwealth to discriminate on the basis of national origin, ancestry, color, and related traits in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and commercial property. These state protections remain a critical safeguard for our communities. However, the federal rollback creates legal uncertainty for many institutions, especially those that rely on federal funding, with weakened deterrence against discriminatory language or access policies.
“Pennsylvania must remain vigilant,” PHRC Director of Policy & Intergovernmental Affairs Alana Burman emphasized. “"This federal rollback fundamentally alters the landscape of national civil rights enforcement. Pennsylvania will continue to uphold state protections, but federally funded programs now operate in a gray zone where discriminatory outcomes may go unchallenged. Public and private entities in Pennsylvania, especially those receiving federal funds, should reaffirm their commitment to nondiscrimination. "
State Representative Chris Rabb adds, “The seismic shift to repeal the federal government’s 50-year-old “disparate impact” standards is nothing less than a travesty of justice that further affirms a federal administration unrepentantly opposed to addressing racially discriminatory practices in housing, the workplace, criminal law, environmental regulations and beyond.”
We also call upon federal and state lawmakers to restore and strengthen civil rights protections ensuring they remain clear, enforceable rights, and not discretionary privileges dependent on changing political winds.
About the PHRC:
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission enforces state laws that prohibit discrimination and promote equal opportunity for all people. The PHRC investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. Anyone who has experienced discrimination is urged to file a complaint by calling 717-787-4410. Information and resources are also available on the PHRC website. Follow the PHRC on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
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