Photo Courtesy of NYC Commission on Human Rights
CHR Commissioner and Chairwoman Carmelyn Malalis said she’s “incredibly proud of the Commission’s work” in 2016.
By Forum Staff
The City Commission on Human Rights recently announced a nearly 60-percent increase in discrimination inquiries in 2016, receiving 8,330 reports in 2016 compared to 5,296 reports in 2015.
The administration characterized the jump as an indication that more New Yorkers are recognizing the commission “as a credible venue for justice.”
The CHR also increased total damages and civil penalties again in 2016, awarding $1,244,136 in damages to victims of discrimination and ordering $208,000 in civil penalties payable to the City for a total of $1,452,136 in damages and penalties in 2016.
“I’m incredibly proud of the Commission’s work this year fighting discrimination and getting justice for aggrieved New Yorkers — but our work is far from over,” said Carmelyn Malalis, commissioner and chairwoman of the NYC Commission on Human Rights. “Now more than ever, it is imperative that every person in this great city stands up for the values that make us New Yorkers – that no matter where you come from, what you believe, who you love, or where and how you worship, you deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. No one should be discriminated against for being who they are and the commission is using every tool at its disposable to make sure everyone in this city is protected.”
Additionally, the commission increased the number of investigations it opened in 2016, filing 883 new cases last year compared to 824 new cases in 2015, building on a 30 percent increase in cases filed from 2015 to 2014. The CHR also reported that it increased the number of cases it closed in 2016, shuttering 436 last year, compared to 354 cases closed in 2015, a nearly 25-percent increase.
“In our current climate of fear and xenophobia, New York City is committed to protecting our most vulnerable communities from discrimination in every form,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “No matter where you come from, how you worship, or who you love, New York City will protect your rights. As a city we are stronger because of our diversity, and that is something we will always fight to protect.”
Once again, disability discrimination claims made up the largest percentage of filings in 2016, composing roughly 20 percent of all claims, according to the commission. Racial discrimination claims made up 14 percent of all filings, followed by gender discrimination claims at roughly 12 percent. Criminal history and national origin discrimination claims each made up roughly 9 percent of all claims.
