Examining New York’s Record Compensation for Discrimination Victims

The fight against discrimination requires consistent vigilance and an unwavering commitment to justice. Governor Kathy Hochul recently reinforced New York State’s dedication to this cause with a significant announcement.

An Unprecedented Step in Addressing Discrimination

In the fiscal year 2023, the New York State Division of Human Rights allocated nearly $7 million as compensation to over 1,000 victims of discrimination. This pertains to those who experienced unfair treatment in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

This compensation marks the highest total awarded in the past six years, a clear reflection of the state’s proactive efforts. Comparatively, this figure represents a 7.4% increase from fiscal year 2022 and a significant 26.8% increase from the pre-pandemic fiscal year of 2019.

The Division further issued $269,000 in fines against employers, housing providers, and businesses engaged in discriminatory practices, further underscoring the seriousness of this issue.

Upholding the Rights of Every New Yorker

In Governor Hochul’s words, this funding aims to “help victims seek the justice they deserve and make New York a safer state for all.” Her sentiments were echoed by Division of Human Rights Commissioner Maria Imperial, who affirmed that under the State’s Human Rights Law, every New Yorker has the equal right to a full and productive life, free from discrimination.

An Agency with a Mission

The Division of Human Rights is entrusted with enforcing the State’s Human Right Law and is responsible for investigating discrimination complaints filed by New Yorkers. Beyond investigations, the Division also has the authority to impose fines and secure monetary damages for those whose rights have been violated under the state’s Human Rights Law. In the previous fiscal year, this resulted in 1,012 victims receiving $6.7 million in monetary damages and compensation.

To better understand the Division’s impactful work, consider these case examples:

  • An employee faced age discrimination at her workplace. The Division awarded her $24,435 and fined the company $10,000.
  • A worker experienced discrimination and termination due to her gender and disability. She received a settlement of $120,000.
  • A manager was discriminated against and harassed on grounds of race, army reserve status, and post-traumatic stress disorder. His settlement amounted to $46,000.
  • A tenant was unjustly prevented from keeping an emotional support dog by his landlord. His complaint was settled for $19,000.
The Path Forward

This increased compensation and the firm commitment displayed by the New York State Division of Human Rights underscore the seriousness of the fight against discrimination. While it is a step in the right direction, there remains much work to be done in ensuring an equitable society.

As this conversation continues, we invite you to share your thoughts and questions on these measures. Are they sufficient? Are there other strategies that could be more effective? We value your input as part of this important discussion.

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