NYC Commission on Human Rights
Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Requests

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 situation and to ensure maximum social distancing, please consider submitting FOIL requests electronically from your home, either by addressing requests and appeals of denials to the email addresses identified below or by using the City's Open Records portal from your web browser.

A FOIL request to the NYC Commission on Human Rights can only seek records maintained by the Commission. Do not use these instructions if you are seeking records maintained by other City agencies, entities, or elected officials. For example, if you are seekng records from the New York City Police Department, Department of Buildings, or Department of Transportation, please direct your request to those agencies. For records of other City entities, please visit the FOIL page of that entity or use the City's Open Records portal.

What is a FOIL Request?

Article 6 of the New York State Public Officers Law is known as the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). This law allows members of the public to request records from New York State or local government agencies.

For records of other City entities, please visit the FOIL page of that entity or use the City's Open Records portal.

How do I make a FOIL Request to the NYC Commission on Human Rights?

All requests must be in writing and specifically describe the records being requested. Please remember, the more specific the FOIL request, the easier it will be for us to perform an expedient search and to locate responsive and relevant documentation. If you wish, you can use our FOIL Request Form.

We urge you to submit the written request directly to the Commission by:

E-mail at foil@cchr.nyc.gov
Fax: (646) 500-7159

or using the City's Open Records portal.

You may also submit your request by mail addressed to: FOIL Officer, NYC Commission on Human Rights, 22 Reade Street, New York, NY 10007.

Please note: If you are a party to an enforcement action that was handled by the Commission's Law Enforcement Bureau and you are seeking access to the factual information in the investigation file, please direct your request to Arielle Cranston, Administrative Coordinator, in the Law Enforcement Bureau handling the investigation, pursuant to Commission Rule 1-40.

 
 

What happens after we receive your FOIL request?

You will receive a written response within 5 business days either 1) granting the request, 2) denying the request, and/or 3) acknowledging the request and providing an approximate date when a determination will be made.

What are the fees associated with making a FOIL request?

There is a charge of $.25/page for copying records, plus postage charges if you choose to have the document mailed. Payment must be made by check or money order to the New York City Commission on Human Rights before the requested records will be released. Records are also available for public inspection, by appointment, on weekdays between the hours of 9:30AM - 4:00PM.

What if my request is denied?

If the FOIL Officer denies your request, in whole or in part, you may appeal within 30 days by emailing your appeal to: Records Access Appeal Officer, at FoilAppeals@cchr.nyc.gov. You may also send the appeal by mail addressed to Records Access Appeal Officer, New York City Commission on Human Rights, 22 Reade Street, New York, NY 10007.