Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

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Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission The PHRC is the state's civil rights enforcement agency. If you have experienced acts of discrimination or hate, file a complaint today.

The PHRC today expressed deep concern and condemnation regarding a Pike County man’s use of racial slurs and terroristic...
10/23/2026

The PHRC today expressed deep concern and condemnation regarding a Pike County man’s use of racial slurs and terroristic threats in a call to a Pocono Mountains bar before an event featuring Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, the state’s first Black lieutenant governor.

“Intimidation rooted in hatred has no place in our Commonwealth,” said PHRC Interim Chair Curtis Jones, Jr. “I applaud the quick response from police. Every Pennsylvanian deserves to feel safe and respected. Election seasons test our democracy, and they also test our commitment to civility. We must not let political disagreements open the door to racism or intimidation.”

PHRC Interim Executive Director Amber J.E. Harris added, “Racially charged threats undermine our shared values and the promise of equality. When emotions run high during elections, leaders and community members alike must be mindful that words carry weight. We cannot allow political discourse, no matter how heated, to fan the flames of hate. We stand with Lt. Governor Davis, the bartender who received the call, and every Pennsylvanian confronting hate in their community.”

Read the full press release: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/phrc/phrc-news---information/newsroom/phrc-condemns-racially-motivated-threatening-call

✨PHRC is excited to join the upcoming Appraiser & Assessor Career Expo!We'll be moderating a session and tabling at this...
10/23/2026

✨PHRC is excited to join the upcoming Appraiser & Assessor Career Expo!
We'll be moderating a session and tabling at this great event, come say hello!

📅 October 28
⏰ 11:00–3:00 PM
📍 Temple University Student Center, Room 200
1755 N 13th St., Philadelphia, PA 19122

Discover a future in appraising or assessing! Connect with industry professionals, hear from leaders in the field, and learn what it takes to start a rewarding career in Philadelphia.

Learn more about the event: bit.ly/CareerExpoTix

📚✨ October is National Book Month!To celebrate, we’re excited to share our Recommended Children’s Book List! These title...
10/22/2026

📚✨ October is National Book Month!
To celebrate, we’re excited to share our Recommended Children’s Book List! These titles help young readers explore themes of kindness, equity, belonging, and understanding which all are connected to PHRC’s mission and protected classes. 💛

From picture books to early readers, each story offers an opportunity to learn, grow, and spark meaningful conversations at home or in the classroom.

Check out the list and dive into stories that inspire! 🌟📖

🎃✨ As Halloween approaches, let’s talk about choosing costumes with care!Costumes should be fun, not hurtful. Some can u...
10/22/2026

🎃✨ As Halloween approaches, let’s talk about choosing costumes with care!
Costumes should be fun, not hurtful. Some can unintentionally (or intentionally) cause harm, so let’s keep Halloween inclusive and respectful for everyone. 💛👻

Avoid costumes that:
• Perpetuate stereotypes
• Appropriate cultural or sacred traditions
• Make others feel targeted or uncomfortable

Choose costumes that:
• Show creativity and originality
• Celebrate kindness, inclusion, and representation
• Are fun, thoughtful, and respectful for all

Let’s make this Halloween welcoming for everyone! 🎃

🧡 October is National Bullying Prevention Month 🧡 Bullying affects millions of young people each year — but together, we...
10/21/2026

🧡 October is National Bullying Prevention Month 🧡
Bullying affects millions of young people each year — but together, we can help create safer, kinder, and more inclusive communities.

This month, let’s stand united by raising awareness, supporting those impacted, and promoting respect and empathy for all. 💬✨

The PHRC recently ordered a housing provider to pay nearly $23,000 in a housing discrimination case, involving the denia...
10/20/2026

The PHRC recently ordered a housing provider to pay nearly $23,000 in a housing discrimination case, involving the denial of an accommodation for an emotional support animal (ESA).

The Commission found that the housing provider violated the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) by refusing an ESA accommodation and retaliating against the Complainant because of their disability.

“This final order sends a clear message: Pennsylvanians with disabilities cannot be pushed aside or penalized for requesting the accommodations they need to live safely and independently,” said PHRC Interim Chair Curtis Jones, Jr. “The Commission will vigorously enforce state law to ensure that housing providers understand and meet their obligations.”

“Civil rights protections cannot depend solely on shifting federal enforcement priorities,” said PHRC Interim Executive Director Amber J.E. Harris. “Pennsylvania has its own laws, and the PHRC has a responsibility to enforce them. Emotional support animals can be essential to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to housing. When a reasonable accommodation is required under state law, denying that accommodation is discrimination. Housing providers must understand that their obligations under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act remain in effect.”

Read the full press release: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/phrc/phrc-news---information/newsroom/housing-provider-ordered-to-pay-nearly--23-000-in-emotional-supp

🔔Happening tomorrow!Join us for our October Fair Housing Empower Hour - Housing from the Immigrant PerspectiveThis sessi...
10/20/2026

🔔Happening tomorrow!
Join us for our October Fair Housing Empower Hour - Housing from the Immigrant Perspective

This session will provide an overview of housing issues experienced by the immigrant population in light of recent policy changes. We will discuss best practices, the current status of language access, tenant screening requirements, mixed status households, documentation requirements, and a brief VAWA overview.
🗓 October 21
⏰12-1:00 p.m.
📍Microsoft Teams
Featuring: DeJonna Bates, Esq., Staff Attorney, Community Justice Project

Register here to join the discussion: 41537550-793c-4e94-bbe9-c138858039be@418e2841-0128-4dd5-9b6c-47fc5a9a1bde" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/41537550-793c-4e94-bbe9-c138858039be@418e2841-0128-4dd5-9b6c-47fc5a9a1bde

✨PHRC Administrative Assistant & AI Committee Chair Amanda Martin will be speaking at the 2026 Culture and Growth Summit...
10/19/2026

✨PHRC Administrative Assistant & AI Committee Chair Amanda Martin will be speaking at the 2026 Culture and Growth Summit!

🎤 Session: Inclusive Prompting: Practical Strategies for Expanding Our Audience.
In this hands‑on workshop, Amanda will show how large language models can help reach multicultural audiences through thoughtful, inclusive prompting. Participants will practice live exercises and learn how to spot gaps, assumptions, and bias in AI‑generated responses.
🗓️ October 22
⏰ 10:45–11:25 AM
Moderated by Mina Park, Consumer Insights

Learn more and view the full event schedule here: https://sites.prh.com/culture-growth-summit-2026

🌸October is Menopause Awareness Month 🌸 Menopause is a natural stage of life, but too often it’s met with stigma, silenc...
10/18/2026

🌸October is Menopause Awareness Month 🌸
Menopause is a natural stage of life, but too often it’s met with stigma, silence, or misunderstanding, especially at work.

At the PHRC, we recognize that women and people experiencing menopause deserve fair treatment, respect, and support. Symptoms like fatigue, hot flashes, or mood changes should never lead to bias, dismissal, or discrimination.

💜Silence Makes it Worse!
💬Let’s talk openly about menopause and ensure workplaces provide understanding and accommodations when needed.

🏡 We All Have a Role to Play In Fair HousingThis week, we’re highlighting the essential work of Property Owners!Property...
10/16/2026

🏡 We All Have a Role to Play In Fair Housing
This week, we’re highlighting the essential work of Property Owners!
Property owners help shape fair, inclusive communities through everyday decisions, including:
◾Set fair, consistent rental criteria for every applicant
◾Maintain safe, accessible, and well-kept housing
◾Make unbiased decisions about rent, renewals, and unit availability
◾Approve reasonable modifications when needed
◾Keep clear, accurate records of housing decisions

Thoughtful decisions from owners ensure their properties remain places where fairness isn't just expected, it's practiced. ✨

Address

555 Walnut Street
Harrisburg, PA
17101

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17177874410

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