Harrisburg, PA- The 2024 Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) Annual Report is now available. The PHRC is required by state law to release an annual report by March 31 of each year. 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.
"The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission continues to be a vital force in protecting civil rights and ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to live, work, and learn free from discrimination,” said PHRC Chair Joel Bolstein, esq. “The 2024 Annual Report reflects our unwavering commitment to enforcing state laws, addressing complaints, and advancing education through outreach initiatives and training. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to strengthening partnerships and fostering a more inclusive and equitable Pennsylvania for all."
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.
In 2024, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission launched a dedicated Civil Rights Outreach Division. The division addresses civil tensions, conflicts, and incidents; and promotes anti-racism through education and outreach.
"The PHRC remains steadfast in our mission to eliminate discrimination and promote equal opportunity for all Pennsylvanians,” said PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW. “The 2024 Annual Report highlights the progress we have made, the challenges we continue to face, and the critical work ahead. In 2024, with the launch of our Civil Rights Outreach Division, we expanded our efforts to address civil tensions and promote anti-racism through education and advocacy. We urge all Pennsylvanians to stand with us in fostering a more just and inclusive Commonwealth."
The PHRC, the state’s civil rights enforcement agency, 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.pa.gov/agencies/PHRC. Follow PHRC news on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
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