2021 Testimony

The Chair/Commissioner and other members of the New York City Commission on Human Rights senior staff periodically testify before the City Council on issues involving the Commission and the NYC Human Rights Law.


December 2, 2021

Before the Committee on Civil and Human Rights

"Intro 1208-A represents a welcome step toward leveling the playing field for employees, and for women, people of color, and other New Yorkers who have historically been – and continue to be – harmed by wage disparities. Wages impact individual’s daily expenses and define what is affordable; wages also determine quality of life in the short term, and one’s ability to accrue equity over generations. Action to address pay inequity today will have long term benefits."


June 23, 2021

Before the New York Advisory Committee to the US Commission on Civil Rights

"This past year and a half has been a historically difficult time as a result of the pandemic and the strains it has placed on people’s family, work, and personal lives. The pandemic has laid bare many longstanding problems in our communities, including race- and gender-based inequities and the lack of economic and housing security that are at the heart of today’s inquiry. The history of displacement, particularly of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, has long roots in New York City tracing back to the original dispossession of the Lenape people from their homeland, an experience shared by other Indigenous peoples across this country. New York City’s history is stained by examples of intentional exclusion and displacement of communities of color through a variety of practices."