Harrisburg, PA -The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) was joined today by state and local leaders at the state Capitol to 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. Watch the press conference here.
Speakers Included:
- Chad Dion Lassiter, PHRC Executive Director
- Senator Vincent Hughes, 7th District, Montgomery & Philadelphia Counties
- Michael Hardiman, PHRC Commissioner
- Ahmet Tekelioglu, Executive Director, CAIR
- Yemi Baitista, Chair, Adams County Advisory Council to the PHRC
- Rep. Christopher Rabb, 200th District, Philadelphia County
- Rev. Marshall Mitchell, Senior Pastor of Salem Baptist Church
Executive Director 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.’”
Senator Hughes added, “The Human Relations Commission for 70 years, has been that one organization in Pennsylvania, who’s had the responsibility as its primary charge to get rid of hate, to pull those weeds out and destroy them, and to plant seeds of peace, love, tolerance, and folks coming together accepting everyone and seeing their humanity.”
Commissioner Hardiman added, “Since 1955, that the commission has continued to work on a daily basis to reduce discrimination, to eliminate different treatment of individuals because of their protected class. That’s what we do on a daily basis and will continue to do on a daily basis.”
Executive Director Tekelioglu added, "As Pennsylvania's only Civil Rights and Advocacy organization serving Muslim Americans, we appreciate PHRC's partnership and fight against Islamophobia and all forms of discrimination. This work and partnership between our organizations ensure we not only defeat interpersonal discrimination but also affect systems that perpetuate inequity by setting a strong precedent for equality for all."
Bautista added, “I believe it is no coincidence we are here in this moment in history. Brave souls stand up for the truth, souls like ours, to move forwards with the work of our ancestors and those who have paved the way for truth and the sovereignty of our self, for justice and civil rights.”
Rep. Rabb added, “This work is personal for me, because one of the reasons I sought to serve was that my ancestors were always involved and on the right side of history, protecting and coming from the some of the most vulnerable communities in our land. And this is an entity that needs support and further validation, and dare I say a larger budget.”
Rev. Mitchell added, “There are things in our possession to fight hatred, fight Islamophobia, to fight antisemitism, to fight racism, and to fight all of the isms which are infecting the body of America increasingly by the day. And so, the good news is that we as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the cradle of American freedom and liberty, not only are we in possession of a book that has something in, but we also have something in ourselves. We have grit, we have determination, we have a body of laws, and we have a long-storied history of fighting like hell when heaven deserves a shot.”
The ADL Philadelphia was unable to attend today’s event, but provided the following statement about the PHRC report.
"We appreciate the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) for their important work in publishing the No Hate in Our State report. This comprehensive review confirms what we already know-hate incidents targeting Jewish people and other minority groups have risen alarmingly in recent years.
“Understanding the scope of this problem is crucial in combating hate, and PHRC's work provides essential insights to guide our collective efforts. We value PHRC as a strong partner in the fight against antisemitism in the Commonwealth. If you are a victim of identity-based harassment or violence, please report it to your local police, PHRC, and ADL,” said Andrew Goretsky EdD, Regional Director, ADL Philadelphia.
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.
The PHRC created a Beloved Community framework to assist communities of the Commonwealth build a culture of peace, understanding, and tolerance despite our differences within the context of an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. Through programs like our statewide Beloved Community listening tour, Social Justice Ambassadors, and Advisory Councils, the PHRC can better understand the needs of communities.
The PHRC does not have the authority to charge or investigate hate crimes or criminal offenses; however, the PHRC Civil Tension Reduction Task Force tracks incidents reported to the PHRC. The PHRC can also help determine if the incident violates the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. The PHRC Civil Rights Outreach Division was created in 2024 to address civil tension, conflicts, and incidents and promote anti-racism through education and outreach.
The PHRC enforces state laws that prohibit illegal discrimination. To file a complaint, call 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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