In celebration of Human Rights Day and their 25th anniversary, the Human Rights Commission hosted a program both highlighting the Commission’s history and legacy, and providing a timely presentation on AI discrimination that attracted members of the public, community leaders, human rights advocates and state and local elected officials.
The first half of the event focused on the inception of the Commission and its evolution with testimonials from the leaders who brought it to life including New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and former Human Rights Commission Executive Director the Honorable Delores Scott Brathwaite, as well as a video message from Congressman George Latimer.
Current Executive Director of the Commission Tejash Sanchala received accolades and proclamations in commemoration of the anniversary, while explaining the substance of their mission — to investigate and prosecute individual and systemic violations of County’s Human Rights and Fair Housing Laws to provide relief for residents who have faced discrimination. Enforcement of these pioneering laws has resulted in landmark settlements, bringing substantial and life-changing relief for multiple complainants and communities across the County.
The program then pivoted to an in-depth panel discussion on AI algorithmic discrimination in housing, employment and places of accommodation presented by two experts in the field — Director of the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights Yolanda N. Melville and Curriculum Specialist for the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights’ Education and Training Unit Noaa Stoler, concluding with a Q& A session.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “While we are in the holiday season, it’s so important to take a moment from the hustle and bustle to focus on something as meaningful as the celebration of human rights. I am so proud to recognize Westchester County’s Human Rights Commission, which has been combatting discrimination and empowering the community for 25 years. The story of how the Commission was born and evolved is a compelling one, shared by some of those storytellers here with us tonight. We celebrate their legacy and the outstanding leadership of Executive Director Tejash Sanchala, under whom the Commission has been a model and highly successful enforcer of human rights protections throughout Westchester County.”
New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said: “The Westchester County Human Rights Commission was born from a hard-fought effort to ensure that civil rights in our county were protected by law. I was proud to lead that fight as a County Legislator, and to sponsor the legislation that created the Commission. Twenty-five years later, under Executive Director Tejash Sanchala, the Commission remains a vital force in protecting fairness and equal treatment for every resident of Westchester County. This anniversary is a moment to celebrate their exceptional work and the progress we have made.”
Westchester County Human Rights Commission Executive Director Tejash Sanchala said: “The Westchester County Human Rights Commission proudly celebrated its 25th anniversary and Human Rights Day last night with community members – every chair was filled. The event was an opportunity to look back at the Commission’s history and its pioneering law, and reflect on how vital the Commission’s work safeguarding human rights remains today. I am deeply grateful to everyone who joined us, and especially to County Executive Ken Jenkins, NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Congressman George Latimer and the Honorable Delores Scott Brathwaite who gave inspiring remarks on their integral roles in the Commission’s history and their commitment to preventing and addressing discrimination in the County. It is our mission to a beacon of justice for victims of discrimination.”
The Honorable Delores Scott Brathwaite said: “I am pleased and proud to have been an integral part of the growth and development of the Westchester County Human Rights Commission for over 11 years. In addition to the significant number of cases we investigated, adjudicated or settled, I am also proud of having created, developed and established the County’s first Fair Housing Law as an addendum to the Human Rights Law and establishing a working relationship with HUD. While the first 25 years were challenging for the Commission, the next 25 will be even more challenging given the nature of today’s environment and fast moving technology. But I think the Commission is up to the challenge.”
Westchester Human Rights Commission Advisory Board Chair Rev. Doris K. Dalton said: “As Chair of the Advisory Board, I and my fellow Board members are proud of the work the Human Rights Commission has been able to achieve over the past 25 years. The Commission offers compassion and hope for those who feel unheard and unseen, engages vulnerable communities through education and outreach, and, when necessary, will tirelessly defend the vulnerable and hold accountable those who would abuse the rights and dignity of others in our County.
