PHRC discusses 2024 ‘No Hate in Our State’ Report

HARRISBURG, PA, February 5, 2025 -The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) joined state and local leaders at the state Capitol to discuss their newly released 2024 ‘No Hate in Our State’ report, which details trending discrimination statistics throughout the Commonwealth. The speakers discussed programs and initiatives offered by the PHRC and others to help eliminate hate and build a community of support and understanding.
Speakers included
• Chad Dion Lassiter, PHRC Executive Director
• Senator Vincent Hughes, 7th District, Montgomery & Philadelphia Counties
• Michael Hardiman, PHRC Commissioner
• Ahmet Tekelioglu, Executive Director, CAIR
• Yemi Baitista, Chair, Adams County Advisory Council to the PHRC
• Rep. Christopher Rabb, 200th District, Philadelphia County
• Rev. Marshall Mitchell, Senior Pastor of Salem Baptist Church
PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter said, “As the Commonwealth’s civil rights enforcement agency, it is our responsibility to not only investigate all complaints of discrimination, but to truly live up to our vision, ‘…that all people in Pennsylvania will live, work, and learn free from unlawful discrimination.’”
In 2025, the PHRC will mark 70 years since its creation. It was crafted from two pieces of legislation–the Pennsylvania Fair Employment Act of 1955 (later changed to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act in 1997) and the Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunities Act of 1961. In general, Pennsylvania law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age (40 and over), sex, national origin, familial status (only in housing), disability, and the use, handling, or training of support or guide animals for disability. Retaliation for filing a complaint, opposing unlawful behavior, or assisting investigations is also illegal.
The PHRC created a Beloved Community framework to assist communities of the Commonwealth build a culture of peace, understanding, and tolerance despite our differences within the context of an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. Through programs like our statewide Beloved Community listening tour, Social Justice Ambassadors, and Advisory Councils, the PHRC can better understand the needs of communities.
Yemi Bautista, Chair, Adams County Advisory Council to the PHRC added, “I believe it is no coincidence we are here in this moment in history. Brave souls stand up for the truth, souls like ours, to move forwards with the work of our ancestors and those who have paved the way for truth and the sovereignty of our self, for justice and civil rights.”
The PHRC does not have the authority to charge or investigate hate crimes or criminal offenses; however, the PHRC Civil Tension Reduction Task Force tracks incidents reported to the PHRC. The PHRC can also help determine if the incident violates the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. The PHRC Civil Rights Outreach Division was created in 2024 to address civil tension, conflicts, and incidents and promote anti-racism through education and outreach.
The PHRC enforces state laws that prohibit illegal discrimination. To file a complaint, call 717-787-4410. Information and resources are also available on the PHRC website. Follow the PHRC on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.