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.

July 2025 – December 2025

Western Beef Retail, Inc. and Third Security Corporation Agree to Pay $5,000 in Damages Following Sexual Orientation Discrimination Case

A gay man wearing rainbow-colored pride socks attempted to shop at the supermarket Western Beef Retail, Inc. when he was observed by a security guard employed by Third Security Corporation. When complainant exited, the security guard yelled discriminatory epithets and threats at which point, the complainant returned to the store and reported the behavior to the manager. The manager walked complainant out of the store and told the guard to stop, but the insults continued. Complainant claimed discrimination based upon actual or perceived sexual orientation. Western Beef Retail, Inc. denied any knowledge of the alleged conduct by the security guard and claimed that it would not have tolerated such behavior.  Third Security Corporation agreed to pay $4,000 to complainant, to take CCHR’s anti-discrimination training, and to revise its anti-discrimination policy.  Western Beef Retail, Inc. agreed to pay $1,000 to complainant, to take CCHR’s anti-discrimination training, and to display the Commission’s Notice of Rights poster in a location accessible to the public. 

Neighbor Agrees to Community Service Following Discrimination on the Basis of National Origin

A Middle Eastern man filed a complaint against his neighbor after his neighbor threatened to kill the complainant or report him to the federal government, referencing the man’s national origin. The neighbor agreed to perform 20 hours of community service at a non-profit organization that provides services to the Middle Eastern community in New York City.   

New York City Transit Authority Settles Claims of Employment Disability Discrimination for $52,750 in Compensatory Damages  

Complainant filed claims against her employer, the New York City Transit Authority, alleging that she was denied a promotion because she used earned sick leave to receive care for disabling conditions, including a pregnancy-related conditions. The NYC Transit Authority agreed to settle the matter for $52,750 in compensatory damages. 

WellLife Network, Inc. Settles Fair Chance Act Case for $43,500 in Damages and Affirmative Relief 

Complainant filed a claim against his employer, WellLife Network, Inc., for suspending his employment without a Fair Chance Act analysis, and ultimately firing him, as a result of a pending arrest. Complainant's arrest never resulted in charges, and the case was dismissed two years after the arrest. WellLife Network, Inc. agreed to settle the claim for $28,800 in emotional distress damages, $14,700 in backpay, require its employees to attend a Fair Chance Act training, and display the Commission's Notice of Rights poster. 

Co-Op Agrees to Install Wheelchair Lift at Building Entrance as Reasonable Accommodation

Complainant, a tenant with a disability, could not independently access his unit due to an inaccessible building entrance. After a site visit by the Commission’s Project Equal Access, the co-op agreed to install a wheelchair lift at the building's entrance. 

NYC Department of Parks & Recreation Settles Public Pool Access Discrimination Case for $10,000 in Emotional Distress Damages and Affirmative Relief

Complainant brought a discrimination case on behalf of her 10-year-old son against the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation after its staff repeatedly denied her son use of a public city pool because of his disability. The Department of Parks & Recreation agreed to pay $10,000 in emotional damages, modify its reasonable accommodation policies, post anti-discrimination notices publicly at city pools, and require staff involved to attend sensitivity training towards. 

Ridgewood Savings Bank Agrees to Pay $50,000 in Damages and Civil Penalties Following Disability Discrimination Case

A former employee of Ridgewood Savings Bank alleged that she requested a reasonable accommodation, which was denied by branch management, and ultimately terminated. After the Commission's investigation, Ridgewood Savings Bank agreed to pay $25,000 in emotional distress damages, $25,000 in civil penalties, attend a training on the NYC Human Rights Law, review their reasonable accommodation policy, and post the Commission's ‘Equal Access’ poster. 

Zaro Bake Shop, Inc. Settles Discrimination and Hostile Work Environment Case for $13,000 in Damages

A woman in her sixties, who is of Venezuelan and Columbian descent, filed claims against her former employer, Zaro Bake Shop, Inc., alleging that she was treated less well than other employees and subjected to a hostile work environment based on her age and national origin. Zaro Bake Shop, Inc. agreed to settle the matter for $8,000 in emotional distress damages, $5,000 in civil penalties, and provide proof of compliance with legally required anti-discrimination trainings. 

Compass Realty Settles Source of Income Discrimination Case for $70,000

Complainant filed a source of income discrimination claim against Compass Realty after a broker refused to rent an apartment to Complainant. Broker also sent Complainant an email, stating “Vouchers? NOT ACCEPTED Not accepted.” Compass Realty greed to pay $20,000 in emotional distress damages, $50,000 civil penalties, and attend anti-discrimination training.

NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services Settles Retaliation Case for $15,000 and Affirmative Relief

Following Complainant’s report of workplace discrimination based on race and disability, Complainant was retaliated against when her employment with the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) was terminated. Complainant was notified that her internal complaint was being investigated before she was subsequently terminated. The Commission took the matter to Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings for settlement when DCAS agreed to pay Complainant $15,000 in emotional distress damages, post the Commission’s Notice of Rights poster, provide proof that the Equal Employment Office has received appropriate training, and ensure that Complainant is allowed to seek reemployment with DCAS without restriction. 

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.