Our
City's vibrancy comes from our diversity and continues to thrive
because of the culture of acceptance found throughout New York.
However, when discrimination or intolerance appears, we must act
quickly. The NYC Commission on Human Rights enforces the City's
Human Rights Law to protect the civil rights of our residents,
workers and visitors and it ensures that they are treated fairly
and equally - whether it's for a job, an apartment lease, or a
seat at the ballgame.
Over the last 50 years, our City's Human Rights Law has become
one of the most comprehensive civil rights laws in the nation,
affording all New Yorkers protection from discrimination. When
I became Mayor, I appointed Patricia Gatling to lead our Administration's
efforts to protect and advance the rights of all New Yorkers.
Since then we have produced a track record of success and accountability
that includes resolving the backlog of cases which previously
undermined the credibility of the Commission. We are investigating
and prosecuting discrimination complaints and we are rooting out
systemic violations of the Law. We are aggressively enforcing
the Human Rights law and teaching New Yorkers about their rights
and responsibilities. Under Commissioner Gatling's leadership,
her commission has delivered clear results and is illustrated
in this annual report.
We live in a "City of Opportunity," and with the hard
work and dedication of the Commission, we will ensure that there
are endless opportunities for all New Yorkers.
