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2018 Press Releases
NYC Commission On Human Rights Announces Investigation Into Prada Following Reports Of Racist Merchandising And Display, 12/14/18
"In a time when reports of anti-Black discrimination and racism are increasing, it is appalling to see this kind of blatantly racists displays and merchandise from Prada," said Assistant Commissioner of the NYC Commission on Human Rights Sapna V. Raj. "Black New Yorkers face discrimination and bias every day. To see racist Jim Crow-era imagery so patently on display at an international luxury retailer’s storefront is appalling and not tolerated in our city. The Commission is taking swift action to demand Prada immediately comply with the NYC Human Rights Law, examine internal practices, issue an apology to all New Yorkers, and refrain from engaging in this type of harmful and discriminatory conduct in the future."
NYC Commission on Human Rights Settles Landmark Housing Discrimination Case With Bronx Management Company Controlling 100 Buildings With 5,000 Units Citywide Accused Of Denying Housing To Any Applicant With Criminal Record, 12/06/18
“For every New Yorker, access to housing is an essential part of maintaining a safe and stable life for themselves and their families, which is why the Commission is conducting strategic and thorough investigations in this area to root out policies that wholesale discriminate against entire communities,” said Assistant Commissioner of the Law Enforcement Bureau at the NYC Commission on Human Rights, Sapna V. Raj, who oversaw the investigation. “Everyone in New York City deserves equal access to housing and we hope the Commission’s strategy in this case serves as a model for other cities in protecting vulnerable communities from discriminatory housing policies.”
NYC Commission On Human Rights Issues New Legal Guidance to Clarify Anti-Discrimination Protections for New Yorkers with Disabilities in Housing, Employment, and Public Accommodations, and Provide Best Practices to Improve Accessibility, 07/24/18
"Making New York City more inclusive and accessible allows people with disabilities to be full participants in New York City life, from engaging with their communities, accessing fundamental services, and meeting their most basic and critical needs like entering and remaining in the workforce,” said Chair and Commissioner of the NYC Commission on Human Rights Carmelyn P. Malalis. “Today’s guidance provides a helpful roadmap for employers, landlords, and business owners to help them comply with the NYC Human Rights Law and improve accessibility so that all New Yorkers can access services, spaces, and programs in New York City. The Commission looks forward to continuing its work educating New Yorkers about their rights and obligations, and working with stakeholders, advocates, and elected officials to make New York City an accessible city for all."
Statement from Commissioner Carmelyn P. Malalis Regarding Supreme Court Decision Upholding Muslim Travel Ban, 06/26/18“The U.S. Supreme Court ruling today upholding the Muslim travel ban doesn’t change what New York City is -- a place that celebrates and protects its diverse communities including based on their religious beliefs, the countries they came from and the culture they take pride in. In New York City, we cannot and will not let fear, xenophobia, or bias against Muslim and other religious communities become the norm. The Commission, which enforces the nation’s strongest anti-discrimination law, will continuing fighting discrimination and harassment across the city to make sure New Yorkers’ rights are protected in housing, employment and public accommodations."
NYC Commission On Human Rights Issues New Report Documenting Muslim, Arab, South Asian, Jewish, And Sikh New Yorkers’ Experiences of Bias Harassment, Discrimination, And Acts Of Hate Leading Up To And Following 2016 Presidential Election, 06/19/18
"No one in New York City has permission to discriminate against or harass others because of who they are, where they pray, or what country they come from,” said Chair and Commissioner of the NYC Commission on Human Rights, Carmelyn P. Malalis. “The NYC Commission on Human Rights takes bias-motivated incidents very seriously and we are dedicated to combating them. We are also working hard to understand how the City can be a better resource to Muslim, Arab, South Asian, Jewish and Sikh New Yorkers who are far too often the targets of discrimination and harassment. The data from this survey is an invaluable tool that will help the Commission and other stakeholders better address and prevent these incidents and ensure that people know where to go to get help. We look forward to working with community- and faith-based organizations to implement these action steps, which will help create a better and safer New York City for us all."
Statement from Commissioner Carmelyn P. Malalis Regarding Supreme Court Decision Ruling in Favor of Masterpiece Cake Shop, 06/04/18
“Today’s SCOTUS decision in the Masterpiece Cake Shop case does not give people permission to discriminate against LGBTQ New Yorkers. In NYC, discriminating against individuals because of their sexual orientation is a clear violation of the NYC Human Rights Law, one of the strongest anti-discrimination laws in the nation. Anti-discrimination laws exist to protect people from discrimination and bias, including those with deeply held religious beliefs. The Commission will continue enforcing the Law so that everyone in NYC can live in a city where tolerance and unity is preserved and cherished."
Mayor de Blasio Announces First-In-Nation Task Force To Examine Automated Decision Systems Used By The City, 05/16/18
“Fairness and equity are at the heart of human rights, and we are pleased to be partnering with leaders in and out of government to make sure City government itself aligns with these core values,” said Chair and Commissioner of the NYC Commission on Human Rights, Carmelyn P. Malalis. “The NYC Commission on Human Rights is proud to be part of New York City’s groundbreaking effort to ensure equity and transparency in the City’s use of algorithmic tools and we look forward to working with members of the task force and NYC diverse communities on this effort."
Mayor de Blasio Announces Department of Correction Will House Incarcerated Individuals According to Gender Identity, Working with City Human Rights Commission to Maintain Transgender Housing Unit, 04/16/18
“No one should feel unsafe for being who they are. Housing incarcerated individuals consistent with their gender identity is not only about dignity and respect but an important recognition of the unique challenges and vulnerabilities transgender and gender non-conforming individuals face in corrections facilities nationwide,” said Chair and Commissioner of the NYC Commission on Human Rights Carmelyn P. Malalis. “We are proud that today’s announcement shows NYC’s strong commitment and leadership to protect the rights and safety of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals and we look forward to continuing our work with the Department of Correction and advocacy organizations to implement these policies which are paramount to ensure inmates can engage in steps to rebuild their lives."
NYC Commission On Human Rights Launches Citywide Ad Campaign To Encourage New Yorkers To Report Sexual Harassment In The Workplace, 04/04/18
“We created this public outreach campaign to remind New Yorkers that the Commission is a venue where New Yorkers can report sexual harassment, get justice, and hold violators accountable,” said Chair and Commissioner of the NYC Commission on Human Rights, Carmelyn P. Malalis. “At the Commission, we understand that many victims may hesitate to report sexual harassment given the imbalance of power in the workplace. Many victims fear retaliation, damaging their careers, or worse, that they won’t be believed. We want to assure New Yorkers that the Commission takes every claim of sexual harassment seriously and investigates claims to get justice for victims. We encourage victims to come forward and report sexual harassment to the Commission so we can help put an end to it. No one should suffer sexual or gender-based harassment in the workplace, not now, not ever."
NYC Commission On Human Rights Announces Settlement with Lenox Hill Radiology Following Investigation Into Failure to Provide Equal Access to Mammograms for Patients with Disabilities, 03/14/18
“Unequal access to health screenings and medical facilities puts people with disabilities at a higher risk for disease, including illnesses that could be life-threatening if left undiagnosed and untreated,” said Assistant Commissioner of the Law Enforcement Bureau at the NYC Commission on Human Rights, Sapna V. Raj. “The Commission acts immediately when it learns of possible violations like these and works with entities to resolve matters so that people with disabilities get the access to the life-saving medical examinations they need to live long, healthy, and happy lives. We hope this settlement encourages health providers across the City to proactively make broad and far-reaching changes to their facilities and practices to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities and that medical manufacturers everywhere create medical equipment and devices that meet the U.S. Access Board’s current accessibility standards.”
NYC Commission on Human Rights Announces Settlement with Sunnyside Queens Condo Board Following Investigation into Tenant Harassment And Discrimination, 02/16/18
Settlement requires resignation of board member Neal Milano and two others, removal of offensive displays and symbols in lobby, and changes to house rules to comply with the NYC Human Rights Law, among other changes. Commission launched investigation in August 2017 after receiving reports of harassment and discrimination from elected officials, tenants, and condo owners.
“We hope this settlement sends a strong message to housing providers citywide that New York City does not tolerate discrimination or harassment and that we will not hesitate to take immediate action when we learn of violations,” said Assistant Commissioner for the Law Enforcement Bureau at the NYC Commission on Human Rights, Sapna V. Raj.
Statement from Commissioner Carmelyn P. Malalis on the New York City Commission on Human Rights's 2018 Artist in Residence, Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, 01/23/18
“We are excited to welcome artist Tatyana Fazlalizadeh whose profound work tackling street harassment directly ties to the Commission’s efforts to combat harassment and gender-based discrimination in New York City, With Ms. Fazlalizadeh, we hope to engage more communities with thought-provoking pieces that promote inclusiveness, safety, equality, and respect for all New Yorkers, whether it’s at work, on the street, or in their homes. I thank the Department of Cultural Affairs for making the Commission part of this inspiring collaboration.”
Fazlalizadeh, creator of the “Stop Telling Women to Smile” series, will collaborate with the Commission on public art projects that address race and gender inequality in NYC.