PA Human Relations Commission

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.

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.

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.