FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2023
Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission releases Annual Report
Celebrated 67 years in 2022
Harrisburg, PA- The 2022 Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) Annual Report is now available. PHRC is required by state law to release an annual report by March 31. The report includes statistics about the type and number of discrimination complaints filed in Pennsylvania each year, legal orders issued, information about promoting equal opportunity and information about enforcing non-discrimination laws.
"PHRC's goal is to eradicate discrimination, but when allegations of discrimination surface, our dedicated staff performs a thorough investigation of each and every complaint that is filed with our Commission, said Commission Chair, M. Joel Bolstein, Esq. "It takes a lot of hard work, and I and my fellow Commissioners want to thank our staff for the professional manner in which they go about their task of ensuring that justice is provided."
"I commend the efforts of my staff who work diligently to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth. The work is not easy, but we are guided by our vision- that all people in Pennsylvania will live, work and learn free from unlawful discrimination, said Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW. "But enforcement alone is not enough to realize our vision. All of us want to live and create bonds in places where we feel accepted. Regardless of our race, sex, gender, religious affiliation, generation, or ethnicity – we share this common desire. A strong community is our state's best antidote against racism, discrimination, hate and other social harms."
PHRC was created in 1955 and enforces state laws that prohibit discrimination. These state laws include:
- Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA), which covers discrimination in employment, housing, commercial property, education and public accommodations.
- Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunities Act (PFEOA), which is specific to postsecondary education and secondary vocational and trade schools.
The PHRC administrative, legal and investigative staff is led by an executive director in Harrisburg and regional directors in Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Eleven commissioners, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate, act as public liaisons, establish policies and resolve some cases that are not settled voluntarily.
PHRC urges anyone who has experienced acts of discrimination or hate to file a complaint by calling 717-787-4410. Information and resources are also available at www.PHRC.pa.gov.
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