View as WebpageSeptember 2024 Newsletter

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Amanda,

Civil Rights Act of 1964 Revisited

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is more than just a landmark piece of legislation; it is a testament to the ongoing fight for justice, equality, and inclusion in American society. As we celebrate its legacy, we must also confront the uncomfortable truth: There exists an enduring resistance to the rights it guarantees, a reality that poses significant challenges to the progress we have made.

While the Act was a critical turning point in the battle against discrimination, promising equal rights in employment, education, and public accommodations, the specter of bigotry still looms large. Despite the strides we have made, hate crimes are a grim reality that paints a stark picture of our society. Reports of violence against marginalized communities remind us that the work begun in the 1960s is far from over.

Diversity matters—not just as a social nicety, but as a core tenet of democracy. It enriches our communities, strengthens our economy, and fosters understanding among different cultures. However, the rise of movements aimed at undermining these values signals that we cannot take our rights for granted. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission of the 21^st Century is uniquely positioned to bring about a true change in Pennsylvania and the democracy.

We must grapple with the insidious issue of white supremacy. This is not merely a historical footnote; it’s an active threat that manifests in the denial of basic civil rights to entire groups of people. The fight for civil rights is, therefore, not just a matter of principle but one of urgent necessity. We must stand up for the victims, giving voice to those who have been silenced, and demanding accountability from those who perpetuate hate.

History teaches us that the path to justice requires vigilance and unwavering commitment. It requires all of us to unite against the forces that seek to divide and oppress. We must fight back against hate with a resolute spirit, strengthening our resolve to ensure that civil rights are upheld for everyone. At the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, we fight for the citizens of the Commonwealth, and we are aided by our PHRA, et.al.

The legacy of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 should inspire us not just to remember the past, but to take action today. Because the cause of justice demands it, and our shared humanity requires it. Marching in solidarity, advocating for policy change, and holding each other accountable are steps we must take—together—to forge a more just and equitable future for all.

Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW

Executive Director

PHRC approves housing discrimination emotional distress damages guidance

Amanda Brothman

Communications Director

In August, The PHRC voted to approve guidance on emotional distress damages for housing and commercial property discrimination cases.

This guidance provides clarity to all Pennsylvanians regarding how the PHRC will evaluate damages resulting from discrimination in housing and/or commercial property for humiliation and embarrassment. This guidance also clarifies the PHRC’s assessment of civil penalties.

“This is an historic update for the citizens of Pennsylvania,” said PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW. “When individuals are denied housing due to discrimination, the impacts can be far reaching and long-term. The PHRC recognizes that this guidance will have widespread impact and hopefully will provide meaningful relief.”

“This guidance provides a framework for the commission to award monetary damages based on emotional distress due to humiliation and embarrassment,” added PHRC Interim Chief Counsel Morgan Williams. “This is an important step towards remedying the damage caused by discrimination.”

In issuing this guidance, the PHRC reiterates its longstanding position that no two cases are the same. This guidance is not intended to impose hard and fast rules that must be absolutely applied without regard to the specific facts involved. Nothing in this guidance shall affect statutory or other regulatory requirements.

Federal judge dismisses lawsuit filed by Uber to halt PHRC investigation

Amanda Brothman

Communications Director

This August, a federal judge ruled in favor of the PHRC to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Uber Technologies, Inc. against a former driver who filed a complaint with the PHRC.

Uber petitioned the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to direct the driver to withdraw the complaint from the PHRC and instead address the alleged violations of Pennsylvania law via arbitration. Last November, the PHRC asked a federal court to dismiss the lawsuit claiming discrimination charges filed with administrative agencies like the PHRC cannot be subject to arbitration agreements. A hearing was held on June 12, 2024. The PHRC was represented by Deputy Chief Counsel Morgan Williams and Assistant Chief Counsel Dana Prince.

On August 25, 2024, the Honorable U.S. District Judge John F. Murphy granted the PHRC’s Motion to Intervene, accepted the PHRC’s Motion to Dismiss for filing, and granted Motions to Dismiss filed by the PHRC and Defendants.

“This lawsuit from Uber would have had a negative effect on all Pennsylvanians searching for justice,” said PHRC Chair M. Joel Bolstein, Esq. “This court’s decision affirms the protection of the employee and the PHRC’s exemption from coverage under the Federal Arbitration Act. The PHRC has the legal authority to investigate claims of discrimination. All complainants have the right to file a complaint and pursue an investigation through a neutral and independent entity.” 

“The PHRC is pleased to see the federal court rule in favor of the PHRC and the defendant,” added PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW. “This federal lawsuit had the potential to undermine the integrity and authority of PHRC. Forcing complainants to pursue arbitration denies the justice they deserve. It also interferes with the Commission's ability to investigate systematic discrimination.”

“The Court has made it clear that employers in Pennsylvania cannot use arbitration agreements with employees to stop an investigation of the PHRC,” stated PHRC Interim Chief Counsel Morgan Williams, Esq. “To eradicate discrimination, the PHRC must be able to investigate it.”

Where Are You Placing Your Ladder?

Dr. La Dawn Robinson

Regional Director, Pittsburgh

The metaphor, “Career Ladder”, is familiar to most. It typically describes an employee’s progression from an entry/less experience level position to an advance/more experience level position in relation to pay, skill, responsibility, or authority within an organization (Business Dictionary, 2016). In my readings, I came across an article titled; There Is No Career Ladder, authored by Pricilla Claman. Claman states that, “reaching the apex of the career ladder by gradually getting promoted to the top is a thing of the past…career ladders in most organizations have not existed for at least fifteen years” (Harvard Business Review, 2012). Claman’s perspective of the career ladder is built upon late 80’s and 90’s white collar workforce in which American companies’ downsizing eliminated those sought after leadership positions. Additionally, Claman speaks to the “de-layering” (2012) of managers has removed several rungs in the career ladder.

Reading Claman’s article, I reflected upon my professional aspirations for career advancement, and I do understand Claman’s perspective. However, I respectfully disagree with Claman’s position that the career ladder does not exist. I believe the career ladder does exist, yet existing differently. To Claman’s point, the traditional career ladder which possesses several rungs is no more. The traditional career ladder has converted to a step ladder constructed with wider flat steps, designed closely together. This new career step ladder limits opportunity for constructive vertical advancement and gives way to maneuvering horizontally on each flat step for lengthier periods of time…essentially delaying career advancements. Yes, this sounds and is discouraging. However, there are benefits to this career step ladder.

The career step ladder positions itself without the need for leaning against something or someone. This demonstrates independence…hence employees can take their career aspirations for advancement in their own hands and not exclusively depending upon persons within organizations or organizational resources and tools. The career step ladder’s “ wider flat steps” metaphorically is the expanding opportunity for an employee’s developmental capacity to embrace the freedom, time, and opportunity to nurture and build upon their Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA). Thus, when a professional advancement opportunity presents itself that may have shorten timing [shorter spaces between step ladder rungs], the career step ladder provided an employee with latitude that increased their KSAs and job confidence for that successful advancement within the shorten timing.

Yet, for those who hold fast to the traditional career ladder still existing, below are questions to consider:

• Could employees be placing their career ladders against companies that are not aligned with their competencies, goals, and values?
• May the misplacement of career ladders be a primary reason why careers are seemingly not advancing?

Sources cited in this article:

Career ladder (2016). Retrieved from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/career-ladder.html

Claman, P. (2012). Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2012/02/there-is-no-career-ladder

The PHRC will launch civil and human rights clubs in Philadelphia and Harrisburg schools

Amanda Brothman

Communications Director

The PHRC is excited to announce the creation of civil and human rights clubs in schools across the cities of Philadelphia and Harrisburg. The initiative will be spearheaded by the PHRC and will allow students to explore the life and legacy of key figures in the Civil Rights movement, understanding how their efforts paved the way for policies and laws that address systemic and structural issues. These clubs will also allow students to gain insight into the mission and work of the PHRC and other significant civil and human rights organizations.

“These clubs will provide a dynamic platform for youth to come together and delve into the principles of civil and human rights,” said PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW. “We believe this initiative will foster a profound understanding and commitment to civil rights and human rights among our youth, empowering them to become advocates for justice and equality.”

The program is designed as an after-school initiative, offering a conducive environment for interactive learning and engagement. The culmination of their journey will be a social justice project, wherein students will address a form of xenophobia and propose potential solutions to combat it.

“We are excited about creating inclusive and inviting environments for students of all races and ethnicities to come together to learn more about civil and human rights and the impact human rights organizations have within our Commonwealth, nation and world,” added Civil Rights Outreach Coordinator Supervisor Sheryl Meck, M.S.

“Through these clubs, we are empowering the next generation to engage in conversations about the history and future of civil and human rights, said PHRC Education and Outreach Director Desireé Chang, M.S. It is through education that we can empower students to take an active role in creating a more just and equitable society."

If your school is interested in forming a civil or human rights club, please contact the PHRC. To learn more about the PHRC Civil Rights Outreach Division, please visit the PHRC website.

Upcoming PHRC Events

Addressing Fair Housing Needs in Rural Communities

• Wednesday, September 25, 2024
• 12-1 p.m.
• Rural communities face a unique set of challenges in ensuring equal housing opportunities. Learn more about barriers, resources, and fair housing partnerships in rural communities.
• Register today!

PHRC on the Road: Building Pennsylvania's Beloved Community in Wyoming County 

• Wednesday, September 4, 2024
• 6:30-8 p.m.
• Tunkhannock Public Library, 220 W Tioga Street, Tunkhannock, PA 18657
• Register today.

PHRC on the Road: Building Pennsylvania's Beloved Community in Cambria County

• Monday, September 16, 2024
• 12-1:30 p.m.
• Hosted by Johnstown Human Relations Commission
• The Heritage Discovery Center, 201 Sixth Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15906 (enter on Seventh and Broad Streets)
• Register today.

PHRC on the Road: Building Pennsylvania's Beloved Community in Susquehanna County

• Friday, September 20, 2024
• 12:30-2 p.m.
• Susquehanna County Library, Community Room 458 High School Road Montrose, PA 18801
• Register today.

PHRC on the Road: Building Pennsylvania's Beloved Community in Allegheny County 

• Thursday, September 26, 2024
• 5:30-7 p.m.
• Mount Ararat Baptist Church, 271 Paulson Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
• Register today.

PHRC on the Road: Building Pennsylvania's Beloved Community in Sullivan County

• Thursday, October 3, 2024
• 5-6:30 p.m.
• Mattern Building (Old Shoe Factory) 7406 Route 487 Mildred, PA 18632
• Register today.

PHRC on the Road: Building Pennsylvania's Beloved Community in Westmoreland County

• Thursday, September 12, 2024
• 5:30-7 p.m.
• Westmoreland County Courthouse, Commissioners Meeting Room, 2 North Main Street, Greensburg, PA 15601
• Register today.

PHRC on the Road: Building Pennsylvania's Beloved Community in Dauphin County

• Wednesday, September 18, 2024
• 3-4:30 p.m.
• Penn State Harrisburg, Madlyn L. Hanes Library, Morrison Gallery, 351 Olmsted Drive, Middletown, PA 17057
• Register today.

PHRC on the Road: Building Pennsylvania's Beloved Community in Beaver County

• Wednesday, September 25, 2024
• 5-6:30 p.m.
• Community College of Beaver County, Classroom 9113 1 Campus Drive Monaca, PA 15061
• Register today.

PHRC on the Road: Building Pennsylvania's Beloved Community

• Wednesday, September 30, 2024
• 5:30-7 p.m.
• Allentown Public Library, Community Room, 1210 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18102
• Register today.

If you have attended one of our Beloved Community tour stops, please take a moment to complete our survey. The PHRC is still looking for locations to host upcoming sessions, anyone interested in partnering with the PHRC should contact Stacy Waters at stwaters@pa.gov.

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