View as WebpageJanuary 2024 Newsletter

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Amanda,

The Imperative of Social Change and the Fight for Social Justice: A Perspective from the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission Executive Director 

In the face of persistent social inequalities and injustices, the call for social change has never been more urgent. At the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC), we have been at the forefront of this fight for 68 years, advocating for equal rights and opportunities for all Pennsylvanians. We believe that social change and the pursuit of social justice are not just moral imperatives, but also essential for the health and prosperity of our communities.

Social change is the transformation of societal norms, behaviors, and values over time. It is a complex process that involves challenging the status quo and pushing for reforms that promote equality and justice. Social change is crucial because it addresses systemic issues that perpetuate inequality, such as discrimination, prejudice, and bias.

The fight for social justice is a key driver of social change. Social justice refers to the fair and equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, and the protection of human rights for all individuals, regardless of their race, gender, age, religion, or socioeconomic status. It is about creating a society where all individuals can thrive and reach their full potential.

At the PHRC, we are committed to promoting social change and fighting for social justice in several ways. We enforce anti-discrimination laws, educate the public about their rights and responsibilities under these laws, and provide a platform for individuals to report instances of discrimination. We also work closely with community organizations, businesses, and government agencies to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity.

However, the fight for social justice is not ours alone. It requires the collective effort of all members of society. Individuals can contribute to social change by educating themselves about social issues, speaking out against injustice, and advocating for policies that promote equality and justice. Businesses can play a role by implementing inclusive hiring practices, promoting diversity in leadership, and fostering a culture of respect and equality.

The importance of social change and the fight for social justice cannot be overstated. They are essential for creating a society where all individuals are valued and treated with dignity and respect. They are about building a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of who they are or where they come from.

As we continue our work at the PHRC, we remain steadfast in our commitment to social change and social justice. We invite all Pennsylvanians to join us in this fight, for it is only through our collective efforts that we can create a more just and equitable society for all Pennsylvanians.

Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW

Executive Director

Continuing Violations and Other Issues with Timely Filing

By: John Brubaker

Assistant Chief Counsel

When filing complaints before the PHRC, it is important to be on the lookout for continuing violations. Although a PHRC Complainant must file within 180 days of the date of harm, if the harm consists of a series of repeated acts of harassment, as long as the very last act of harassment falls within the 180-day time window, the entire period of harassment (otherwise known as the “hostile work environment”) is considered to be timely filed. Similarly, in pay discrimination cases, each new paycheck underpaying an employee is a new act of discrimination, even if the discriminatory pay rate was set 180 days prior to the date of the charge filing. Furthermore, a denied request for a raise is usually considered an act of harm in and of itself and may start or reset the 180-day period in the event that unequal pay was not caused explicitly by a decision regarding an employee’s pay. If you find yourself involved in a scenario similar to the ones described above, contact PHRC and we can guide you through this sometimes-complicated process.

Continuing violations are also important in systemic discrimination cases, when multiple employees of the same protected class are harmed on an ongoing basis. If an employer has a discriminatory policy or practice that results in a pattern of discrimination (for example, a hiring metric that is not job-related, but results in the failure to hire or termination of individuals of a certain class, or a biased supervisor or department that repeatedly terminates or harms individuals of a certain class to the extent that it creates an ongoing practice), then all the class members may have timely claims, even if only some (or just one) of them filed a timely complaint with the PHRC.

Furthermore, if a PHRC complaint mentions discrimination against other individuals in enough detail to show that such individuals were discriminated against, those other individuals can sometimes file their own complaints or otherwise join in an action even if 180 days has passed. This process is called “piggybacking.” For example, if Complainant A files a complaint 170 days after an alleged act of harm, and describes in her charge that two other individuals in her class (Other Victims B and C) were similarly harmed on the same date, it may be possible for Other Victims B and/or C to join Complainant A’s action well after 180 days, even if Complainant A is already at public hearing or in court. 

Winter and the Holidays do not always bring Joy

by Heather Roth

Harrisburg Regional Director

During this time of the year, many of us celebrate by decorating our Christmas tree and lighting our Menorah for Hanukkah. Some people are busy baking cookies and getting into a charitable mood, while others may be looking forward to the chill on their cheek and possibility of a flurry of snowflakes and some hot chocolate.

Many of us though know a loved one or friend who is not looking forward to this time of the year. They are dreading this time because they may have lost a loved one, they may not be able to take part in this season of giving or they may be experiencing seasonal depression. Maybe this is you.

As their friend or family member, we want to be able to help and to also deal with our personal wellbeing during these times. Here is a list of things we can do to help ourselves and others during this time:

1. Exercise- Per a study by Central Michigan University, 30 to 60 minutes of exercise will boost your serotonin, endorphins and other feel-good brain chemicals.
2. Get out and enjoy the Sun- We get limited amount of sun during this time of the year so enjoy it while you can. The sun can also boost your serotonin. Also, remember standing and soaking up the sun is free.
3. Connect with Others- Remember that others care for you and about your well-being. Reach out for help from friends, family or co-workers. Many will take a walk with you, talk with you or partake in an activity with you. All you need to do is ask because isolation can worsen feelings of depression.
4. Eat a Healthy Diet- Be balanced in your approach to eating during this time. Everyone wants to enjoy this season but sometimes excessive consumption due to depression can cause some individuals to spiral. Try to eat some healthy food when you are enjoying that pie and stuffing. Be careful about your alcohol consumption. 
5. Sleep- Make sure to get a full night’s sleep. Try to stay to a routine of when you go to bed and when you get up.  Don’t be afraid to take the time to bundle up and take a good nap.

These are just a few things that can help during this time. All of these tips are things that can be done for free. What is better than something for free?

If you feel you or a family member needs help, you can reach out to SEAP at 1-800-652-7459. If you, your friend or family member do not use SEAP, you can also call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-4357, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Often help is just a call away.

During the holiday, please make that call to someone. 

Upcoming PHRC Events

Join PHRC Thursday, January 11, 10-11 a.m. for "Solutions to the Mental Health Consequences of Child Sex Trafficking," a virtual Diversity Speaks presentation featuring Ruchira Gupta, Founder & President of Apne Aap Women Worldwide, and Author of "I Kick and I Fly." To attend, register here.

Join "PHRC Speaks: Fair Housing in the 21st Century" on Sunday, January 14 at 3pm on Pennsylvania Cable Network. PHRC Director of Fair Housing & Commercial Property Caroline Griffin Eister, will join show host Adrian Garcia to discuss fresh perspective on housing inequalities.

If you can't watch on Sunday, the recording will be available for streaming afterwards at: https://pcntv.com/phrc-speaks/ 

MLK Reflecting on Ideals and Current Realties

The Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs and Pennsylvania Human Relation Commission are hosting a panel discussion on Monday, January 24^th from 1:00pm-2:30pm at the Pennsylvania State Museum in Harrisburg, PA. We will be discussing Dr. King’s ideology and how It applies to current realities within the Commonwealth. Please register here.

Moderator:

Executive Director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs, Anette Nance, MSW

Panelists:

Executive Director, PA Human Relations Commission Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW

Secretary of Education, Dr. Khalid Mumin

Secretary of Drug and Alcohol Programs, Dr. Latika Davis-Jones

Secretary of General Services, Reggie McNeil

Join PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter Wednesday, January 31 from 5:30-7 p.m. at One Center- Municipal Building, 100 Garrett Road, Upper Darby, Pa 19082. Register here.

Join PHRC on Wednesday, January 31, 12-1 for PHRC Fair Housing Empower Hour: Preventing Sexual Harassment in Housing. Learn what constitutes sexual harassment and how housing providers should handle sexual harassment claims. To attend, register here.

Outside PHRC Events

The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women and the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs are hosting an Aftershock Film Screening and Panel Discussion on Monday, January 22^nd from 5:30-8:30 PM at the Pennsylvania State Museum in Harrisburg, PA.

They will be discussing solutions to the Black Maternal Health Crisis in Pennsylvania. Our panelists are listed below. You can register using this link.

Panelists:

Executive Director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs, Anette Nance, MSW

PA Department of Health Acting Secretary, Dr. Debra Bogen

State Representative Gina H. Curry, District 164

Dr. Sharee Livingston, DO Obstetrics and Gynecology, UPMC Lititz 

2024 Black History Month Virtual Showcase

Would you like to display your art on a platform reaching a magnitude of viewers? Well, here’s your opportunity! ACCEPTING VIRTUAL ENTRIES FOR ALL FORMS OF ART!  For more information contact: tynrobinso@pa.gov 

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