Civil Rights

Joel Bolstein Resigns as PHRC Chair After 27 Years

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission announced the resignation of Chair Joel Bolstein, effective April 9, 2026. Bolstein served as a commissioner since 1999 and as chair since 2016, playing a key role in advancing the PHRC's 2023 regulations on protected-class definitions. With his departure, the commission will have six seated commissioners out of eleven, raising concerns about its ability to maintain a quorum.

Longtime PHRC Commissioner Dr. Raquel Yiengst Resigns

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission announced the resignation of Vice-Chair Dr. Raquel Yiengst after 48 years of combined service to the Commonwealth, including over four decades on the PHRC. With her departure, the commission now has five seated commissioners out of a possible eleven, raising the possibility that it may be unable to convene a quorum required to advance guidance, hear cases, or deliver justice to the people it serves.

PHRC Recognizes Fair Housing Month with Statewide Events and Educational Initiatives

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission announces 12 Fair Housing Month events statewide throughout April 2026, including trainings on reasonable accommodations, workshops for landlords and property managers, realtor association events, and the 2026 Housing Equality Conference in Philadelphia. PHRC, the state's civil rights enforcement agency, urges anyone who has experienced housing discrimination to file a complaint by calling 717-787-4410.

Lewis and Clark State Historic Site Departure Commemoration May 9-10

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources announces the annual Point of Departure Commemoration at Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Madison County, Illinois, scheduled for May 9-10, 2026. The free event will feature military reenactors, historic artisans demonstrating trades such as candle making, leatherworking, blacksmithing and woodworking, and educational programming. An Education Day on May 8 will serve more than 550 students from nine school districts in Illinois and Missouri. The site is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and supported by the Lewis and Clark Society of America.

Illinois Awards $970,770 for Lake Michigan Shoreline Protection

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Coastal Management Program, a federal-state partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has awarded $970,770 in grants to eight Illinois organizations for coastal education, recreation, water quality monitoring, and engineering projects along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Recipients include the American Indian Center, Chicago Park District, Current Innovation Inc., Friends of the Forest Preserves, Lake County Forest Preserve District, Lake Forest Open Lands Association, Navy Pier, and OAI Inc.

African Descent Reparations Commission Public Hearing - Chicago

The Illinois African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission (ADCRC) will hold a public hearing on April 25, 2026, at the DuSable Black History Museum in Chicago. The hearing will discuss the Commission's 'Taking Account harms' report documenting economic, social, mental, and physical harms from slavery's legacy affecting Black Illinoisans. Featured speakers include Clayola Brown, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Brooks, Dr. William A. Darity Jr., and A. Kirsten Mullen. The event includes a public remarks segment for Illinois residents to share insights and experiences.

Sacramento Museum Settles $255,000 Over Employment Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) announced a $255,000 settlement with the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC) to resolve claims of employment discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against a former employee based on their Arab ancestry. The CRD investigation found that the museum selectively enforced a ban on perceived political symbols, specifically targeting the employee for wearing a traditional keffiyeh. As part of the settlement, MOSAC agreed to rescind its attire policy, provide three years of annual training on civil rights protections, and compensate the former employee.

CA vs Hate Hotline Receives Nearly 1,000 Reports of Hate in 2025

The California Civil Rights Department released 2025 data showing the CA vs Hate hotline received 992 reports of hate from 46 counties. The hotline has responded to over 6,800 requests for help since launching in May 2023. Reports indicate racial or ethnic bias was cited in 47% of cases, followed by gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation (19%), religion (18%), and disability status (9%).

Spencer's Gifts Settles Disability Discrimination Case, Agrees to Statewide Reforms and $97,500 Compensation

The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) reached a $97,500 settlement with Spencer's Gifts, LLC resolving allegations of disability discrimination at a store in Alameda County. The investigation found that the company unlawfully suspended a former employee and required medical documentation for wheelchair use that was not job-related or consistent with business necessity. Without admitting liability, Spencer's agreed to train all HR and supervisory staff statewide, update disability accommodation policies, and report future accommodation outcomes to the state.