February 05, 2025 - Harrisburg, PA
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) joined by state and local leaders at the state Capitol, discuss their newly released 2024 'No Hate in Our State' report, which details trending discrimination statistics throughout the Commonwealth. The speakers discussed programs and initiatives offered by the PHRC and others to help eliminate hate and build a community of support and understanding. PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter said, "As the Commonwealth's civil rights enforcement agency, it is our responsibility to not only investigate all complaints of discrimination, but to truly live up to our vision, 'that all people in Pennsylvania will live, work, and learn free from unlawful discrimination.'"In 2025, the PHRC will mark 70 years since its creation. It was crafted from two pieces of legislation, the Pennsylvania Fair Employment Act of 1955 (later changed to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act in 1997) and the Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunities Act of 1961. In general, Pennsylvania law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age (40 and over), sex, national origin, familial status (only in housing), disability, and the use, handling, or training of support or guide animals for disability. Retaliation for filing a complaint, opposing unlawful behavior, or assisting investigations is also illegal. Speakers in Order:Amanda Brothman - Communications Director, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC)Chad Dion Lassiter - Executive Director, PHRC Senator Vincent Hughes - 7th District, Montgomery & Philadelphia CountiesMichael Hardiman - Commissioner, PHRC Ahmet Tekelioglu - Executive Director, CAIRYemi Baitista - Chair, Adams County Advisory Council to the PHRCRep. Christopher Rabb - 200th District, Philadelphia County Rev. Marshall Mitchell - Senior Pastor of Salem Baptist Church
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