2025 Settlement Highlights

The Commission has the authority to assess fines and obtain monetary damages for those aggrieved by violations of the New York City Human Rights Law. Additionally, the Commission may negotiate additional remedies including rehiring, policy change, training, and modifications for accessibility.

January - June 2025

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center Settled Race Discrimination Claim for $5,000 in Emotional Distress Damages  

Complainant filed a complaint against Jamaica Hospital Medical Center alleging that her supervisor made a racially insensitive remark directed at her, and repeated the remark after Complainant indicated that the remark was offensive. Finding that Jamaica Hospital Medical Center violated the New York City Human Rights Law, the Respondent agreed to pay Complainant $5,000 in emotional distress damages. 

Landlord Settled Source of Income Discrimination Claim for $10,000 and Affirmative Relief and Agreed to Set Aside 10 Units for Voucher Holders 

Respondent refused to accept Complainant’s Emergency Housing Voucher, forcing Complainant to break her lease to avoid losing her voucher. Respondent landlord agreed to pay $10,000 in damages to Complainant and set aside 10 units for voucher holders. Respondent will also attend training related to the Law and source of income discrimination, make necessary policy changes, and post policies publicly. 

Co-Op Board Settled a Disability Discrimination Claim for $30,000 in Emotional Distress Damages and Affirmative Relief, and Agreed to Extensive Reasonable Accommodations and affirmative relief   

Complainant brought this claim on behalf of her son, who requires the use of a wheelchair, against their co-op board for failure to provide reasonable accommodations. Complainant requested that Respondents install automatic doors at several entry points in the building to accommodate her son, but Respondents refused to do so, even after the Commission intervened on their behalf.  

Respondents agreed to pay $30,000 in emotional distress damages to Complainant, attend training related to the Law and disability, make necessary policy changes, and post policies publicly. Respondent will also install 5 sets of automatic doors in various places throughout the building, including at the main entrance, various amenities, and outdoor patios. 

Respondent Settled Religious Discriminatory Harassment Claim for Affirmative Relief 

An inebriated Respondent interacted with Complainant, a Jewish person, which escalated into Respondents’ use of slurs and a physical assault by Respondent. In the end, considering mitigating circumstances, the resources of the individual, and the interest of justice – following a related criminal charges, conviction, and a period probation for the same incident, which included mandatory counseling — the matter was resolved with the Respondent agreeing to provide a written apology and take training  on the New York City Human Rights Law. 

New York City Human Resources Administration Settled Sexual Harassment Case for $42,000 in Emotional Distress Damages and Affirmative Relief 

Complainant filed a sexual harassment claim against the New York City Human Resources Administration (NYCHRA) after a caseworker sexually propositioned and assaulted her. Finding the NYCHRA violated the New York City Human Rights Law, NYCHRA agreed to pay $42,000 in emotional distress damages to Complainant, conduct anti-sexual harassment trainings, and display policy postings. 

FedEx Settled Six Claims of Criminal History Discrimination for Over $100,000 in Civil Penalties and Additional Compensatory Damages 

Six Complainants filed claims against FedEx and various third-party contractors of FedEx, alleging discrimination based on criminal history. Complainants alleged discrimination when applying for (and, in some cases, after being hired and serving as) delivery drivers. FedEx agreed to pay $104,000 in civil penalties as well as emotional distress damages to each of the complainants ranging from $2,500 to $17,500. FedEx also agreed to provide training on the Fair Chance Act to its employees, revise its policies, and implement changes for third-party contractors involved in the hiring of delivery drivers.   

CitiHabitats Real Estate Agency Settled Source of Income Discrimination Claims for Over $270,0000 in Civil Penalties and Compensatory Damages 

Four Complainants filed complaints against CitiHabitats Real Estate Agency after they were denied the chance to apply for apartments based on their vouchers. In each instance, a CitiHabitats real estate broker falsely stated to one of the Complainants that people with vouchers were not allowed to apply for housing. Together, the Complainants’ cases amounted to a discriminatory pattern against voucher holders by one of the largest real estate brokers in New York City. CitHabitats agreed to pay $270,000 in emotional distress damages and civil penalties with each Complainant receiving a varying amount. CitiHabitats also agreed to training on the Law and source of income discrimination, a policy audit, and public displays of updated policies. 

Lindenspring LLC Settled Domestic Violence Discrimination Claim for $25,000 in Emotional Distress Damages  

Complainant filed claim of discrimination and failure to provide accommodations based on his status as a victim of domestic violence against Respondent Lindenspring LLC. Respondent fired Complainant shortly after he requested an accommodation to work from home because he had been assaulted by his domestic partner. Finding Lindenspring LLC in violation of the New York City Human Rights Law, Respondent agreed to pay $25,000 in emotional distress damages to Complainant. 

432 East 57th Street Owners Corp. Settled Age and Disability Discrimination Claim for $55,000 in Emotional Distress Damages, $5,000 in Civil Penalties, and Affirmative Relief 

Complainants, an elderly couple each with a disability, filed a complaint against 432 East 57th St. Owners Corporation, claiming discrimination on the basis of age and disability after their application to the co-op board was denied. Board President expressed concerns about Complainants’ physical health and financial health despite Complainants’ strong financial background. Finding Respondents in violation of the NYC Human Rights Law in respect to elderly purchasers and those with disabilities, Respondents agreed to pay $55,000 to Complainant in emotional distress damages, $5,000 in civil damages, as well as attend anti-discrimination training.

Landlord Settled Disability Discrimination Case for $5,000 in Emotional Distress Damages and Civil Penalties

Complainant, a person who uses a wheelchair, filed a complaint against her landlord for refusing to provide a reasonable accommodation by transferring her to a first-floor apartment that had recently become available. After filing the complaint, the landlord transferred Complainant to the available first-floor apartment. Landlord agreed to pay Complainant $4,000 in emotional distress damages and $1,000 in civil penalties for the delay in providing reasonable accommodations.

Compass Inc. Agrees to Partnership with New York City's Public Engagement Unit and Pays $160,000 Settling Two Source of Income Discrimination Cases

Two Complainants with housing vouchers were not permitted to apply to available units listed by Compass Inc. The Commission initiated a complaint after testing by Housing Rights Initiative revealed Compass Inc. informed a tester of minimum income and credit requirements despite the voucher covering 100% of the rent. Compass Inc. agreed to pay $25,000 to each Complainant for emotional distress damages and $110,000 in civil penalties. Compass Inc. will also partner with the City's Public Engagement Unit to work with voucher holders and directly share listings within voucher payment standard range. Compass Inc. agents must attend anti-discrimination training, update policies, and display legally required postings.

The Henry Norman Hotel Settled Service Animal Discrimination Claim for $26,000 in Emotional Distress Damages and Civil Penalties

Complainants filed a claim against the Henry Norman Hotel, alleging employees made derogatory remarks about the use of their service animal. Hotel staff harassed Complainants throughout the night and into the next morning about the use of the service animal going so far as to call NYPD. The Hotel agreed to pay Complainants $21,000 in emotional distress damages and $5,000 in civil penalties. The settlement also requires training on the NYC Human Rights Law, updating policies to be reviewed by the Commission, displaying the Commission's "Notice of Rights" poster.