Responding to Bias

_{Commission’s Bias Response Team providing literature and educating community members following bias incidents throughout NYC including Fresh Kitchen restaurant in Manhattan, May 2018; and Jackson Heights, Queens, April 2019.}

The Commission's Community Relations Bureau works to support and stabilize communities after incidents of bias have occurred. The Team responds to need identified by the harmed communities. Examples of the Commission’s responses include:

• Distributing literature to local businesses and community centers outlining protections under the City Human Rights Law;
• Partnering with local schools and youth-focused community centers and programs to provide young people with educational programming on empowering members of marginalized groups and standing up to bias;
• Canvassing neighborhoods with local community leaders, elected officials, and community-based organizations;
• Working with sister City agencies on days of action or days of visibility, which are coordinated Citywide outreach efforts to raise awareness on specific issues; and
• Educating impacted community members on their rights and opportunity to file a complaint with the Commission. 

Where appropriate, our Bias Response Team refers incidents to our Law Enforcement Bureau for investigation.