Harrisburg, PA —The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) condemns the circulation of racially charged flyers posted across York City by a white supremacist group, threatening violence against Black and Brown residents.
“We are clear: there is no place for violence, intimidation, or racist rhetoric in our communities,” said PHRC Interim Executive Director Amber J. E. Harris. “Every Pennsylvanian deserves to feel safe in the place they call home and to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or background. When hate is used to make people feel threatened or unwelcome in their own community, we all have a responsibility to speak up and stand against it.”
The Commission stands with York City Mayor Sandie Walker, York City Police, and the York County NAACP in denouncing these hateful acts. At a community meeting on September 22, PHRC Civil Rights Outreach Director Sheryl Meck joined city leaders, the York Human Relations Commission, a York College professor, and local community collaborators, including Confronting Racism Coalition (CRC), in addressing the urgency of both support and accountability.
“All of us have a role to play by calling out hatred and protecting one another,” said Meck. “We are grateful for the citizens in York City who saw the flyers and took it upon themselves to remove them, and for the city leaders who responded swiftly and decisively. As a community, we can come together and say, hate has no place here in Pennsylvania.”
PHRC’s Civil Rights Outreach Division works directly with communities across the Commonwealth to ensure that every resident understands their rights and how to exercise them. The division provides training on identifying and addressing discrimination, supports organizations in building equitable practices, and helps communities coordinate fair, effective responses to hate and bias. Across Pennsylvania, PHRC remains steadfast in its mission to enforce civil rights protections and to advance accountability, understanding, and equity in every community it serves.
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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