Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) is proud to announce the Penn Hills Advisory Council to the PHRC as the 2024 Advisory Council of Year recipient.
The annual PHRC Social Justice Awards recognize the employees, stakeholders, and partners who demonstrate integrity and a strong commitment to social justice and to PHRC’s mission, vision, and values. The Advisory Council of the Year award is a recognition of the Penn Hills Advisory Council’s outreach and partnership building over the past year. The award was accepted by Shayla Holmes, Vice Chair of the Penn Hills Advisory Council.
“This award recognizes Penn Hill’s outstanding outreach over the past year, said PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW. “Started in 2022, the Penn Hills Advisory Council has shown a community commitment to building a Beloved Community in Pennsylvania. The PHRC Advisory Councils are essential to the fostering of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion for all people.”
“The Penn Hills Advisory Council to the PHRC is most honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Penn Hills Advisory Council Chairperson Ronald B. Saunders. “Advisory Councils serve as the eyes and ears of the Commission, who assist the Commission in its important role in combatting unlawful discrimination in the Commonwealth under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.”
Advisory Councils to the PHRC bring resources to local communities. They are groups of 8-24nonpartisan and nonpolitical volunteers who meet regularly and serve as advisors to the PHRC. Advisory Councils perform the following duties:
- Advocate for their community.
- Partner with the PHRC to take on key civil rights issues in their area.
- Assist community members with filing complaints that are investigated by PHRC staff.
- Raise awareness about each person’s right to live, work and learn, free from illegal discrimination.
- Plan events, training, and discussions that will educate the community and celebrate the diversity in their area.
Information about how to apply to join a PHRC Advisory Council can be found on the PHRC website.
About PHRC: The PHRC enforces state laws that prohibit illegal discrimination in education, employment, housing & commercial property, and public accommodation. 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; the use, handling, or training of support or guide animals for a disability; or retaliation. If you feel you have experienced illegal discrimination, you can file a complaint by calling 717-787-4410. Information and resources are also available on our website. Follow the PHRC on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
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