Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) proudly announces the launch of the Know Your Rights Clinic, an essential human rights clinic designed to educate, empower, and unite communities in the ongoing fight against discrimination and injustice across the Commonwealth.
The Know Your Rights Clinic reflects PHRC’s unwavering commitment to eradicating discrimination and promoting equity for all Pennsylvanians. Through a combination of legal education, conflict resolution training, and community advocacy, the clinic seeks to help participants better understand their rights under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) and equip them with the tools to take meaningful action in their communities.
“This is a very crucial time for civil rights and human rights and understanding your rights is the first step toward empowerment,” said Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW, PHRC Executive Director. “The Know Your Rights Clinic concept was conceived after visiting with people across the Commonwealth during the PHRC 67 county Beloved Community Tour. These clinics represent our continued effort to not only respond to discrimination but to prevent it through education, dialogue, and community empowerment. We want every Pennsylvanian to feel seen, valued, and equipped to stand up for justice.”
The clinic will:
- Educate participants about their rights under Pennsylvania’s civil rights laws.
- Promote equality and inclusion by fostering dialogue and understanding among diverse communities.
- Teach conflict resolution and advocacy skills to help individuals respond constructively to discrimination and bias.
- Encourage community engagement by connecting residents with PHRC resources and promoting collaboration with local leaders.
- Build coalitions for justice, empowering groups to take collective action against systemic inequities.
“The Know Your Rights Clinic offers Pennsylvanians the opportunity to learn not only what protections exist under the PHRA, but also how to assert those rights effectively,” said Joseph Green, Chief Counsel for the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. “Our goal is to demystify the legal process and ensure that every individual understands that the law is on their side when it comes to fighting discrimination and injustice.”
The clinic will be led by experts from the PHRC’s Civil Rights, Legal, and Enforcement Divisions, along with Regional Directors who bring extensive experience in advocacy, education, and mediation. Sessions will be available virtually, in person, and by request, ensuring accessibility for individuals and organizations across the Commonwealth.
“Our goal is to bring civil rights education directly to the people, to meet them where they are,” said Sheryl Meck, Civil Rights Outreach Director. “These clinics are about empowerment through connection. When individuals understand their rights and how to assert them, they not only protect themselves, but they also help create stronger, more just communities for everyone.”
At a time when incidents of discrimination and hate are on the rise across the nation, the Know Your Rights Clinic provides a timely and essential platform for education, empowerment, and community building. By investing in outreach and advocacy training, the PHRC continues to uphold its mission of creating a fair and equitable Pennsylvania for all.
About the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission
The PHRC is the Commonwealth’s civil rights enforcement agency. The PHRC investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations, and works to prevent discrimination through education and outreach. To request a Know Your Rights Social Justice Clinic contact Sheryl Meck, shmeck@pa.gov. 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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