Greetings! Social Justice Warrior
Dwight Evans’ Legacy in Philadelphia Started with a Clipboard, Not a Title
Congressman Dwight Evans has left an indelible mark on Philadelphia and beyond, and his legacy begins with his significant contributions as a community organizer. His grassroots efforts laid the foundation for meaningful change in neighborhoods such as Ogontz, West Oak Lane, and East Oak Lane. Through community and economic development initiatives, he empowered residents, fostered entrepreneurship, and advocated for resources that transformed these communities into models of resilience and growth. This early work demonstrated his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of fellow Philadelphians, showcasing that true leadership starts at the grassroots level.
Evans’ journey continued as he ascended to the Pennsylvania State House, where he served as a State Representative. His tenure was marked by a deep understanding of the needs of his constituents and the challenges they faced. As chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Evans wielded significant influence, guiding critical budgetary decisions that had a profound impact on the well-being of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Under his leadership, funding was allocated to vital areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social services, all of which led to enhanced opportunities and services for the community. His ability to foster collaboration among stakeholders facilitated the growth of essential programs that have benefited countless individuals and families.
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Once in Congress, Evans continued to champion legislation that prioritized the needs of his constituents and addressed pressing national issues. He advocated for equitable access to resources, economic opportunities, and social justice reforms. His legislative initiatives often reflected the values of service, empathy, and a commitment to the common good. From addressing the needs of working families to championing civil rights, his work bore witness to his belief in fostering an inclusive society where all voices are heard and valued. This dedication to public service is underscored by his extensive 45-year career, during which he became a pillar of hope and progress for many.
As news of Evans' retirement circulates, a profound sense of loss reverberates through Philadelphia and beyond. His departure marks the end of an era defined by unwavering commitment to justice and the empowerment of underserved communities. If one were to establish a Mount Rushmore of political figures in Philadelphia, Evans would undoubtedly deserve a place alongside distinguished leaders like Congressman Lucien Blackwell, Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, Congressman Bill Gray, Councilwoman Augusta Clark, Councilwoman Marian Tasco, State Rep. David P. Richardson, State Senator Vincent Hughes, and State Rep. Roxanne Jones. Each of these leaders has contributed to the fabric of Philadelphia, but Evans’ unique blend of activism and legislative prowess sets him apart.
Reflecting on his legacy, it’s essential to recognize not just his accomplishments, but the values he embodied as a leader. The political landscape of today requires successors who understand that true leadership is rooted in service to others. It is not merely a popularity contest or a quest for power; rather, it is about having the humility to listen to constituents, the courage to address their needs, and the determination to advocate tirelessly for those who often have no voice. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. articulated, effective leaders should prioritize justice over publicity, integrity over personal gain, and community welfare over self-interest. These principles resonate now more than ever as we seek to honor Evans’ legacy.
The coming months will necessitate thoughtful reflection on the future direction of this congressional seat. The people of Philadelphia and beyond are not merely looking for a political figure; they crave a servant leader who embodies the spirit of dedication and compassion, someone who recognizes the sacred responsibility of carrying forward Evans’ mission. The next representative must not only respect the fabric of the community but also strive to weave new threads of hope, equity, and progress into it.
In this pivotal moment, there exists a unique opportunity for reflection and prayer about who can shoulder the responsibility of this role and carry on Dwight Evans' remarkable legacy. It is a chance to build on the foundations laid by not only Evans but also the other leaders who paved the way for social and economic justice. As we consider the qualifications of the next leader, let us focus on the very soul of our democracy and reassert our commitment to the ideals Evans fought for tirelessly throughout his public service.
As Philadelphia enters this transitional phase, let it be known that reliance on seasoned community leaders, those with deep roots and profound love for humanity, will be essential. The political fabric of the city should honor Evans by ensuring that his legacy is not merely celebrated in words but is lived out through continued action toward justice and equitable service. The call for a leader who can humbly adhere to these ideals resonates deeply with me as we prepare for what lies ahead. Through collective reflection and prayer, may we find someone who can contribute to this rich legacy and drive our communities toward a brighter, more just future.
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Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW
Executive Director
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Committed to Learning
Morgan Williams, Deputy Chief Counsel
Office of Chief Counsel
Attorneys are curious people by nature, which makes completing annual continuing legal education requirements less of a chore. Many of us are hungry for knowledge. I am grateful to share this passion for learning and improving with the team of Assistant Chief Counsels employed by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission in the Office of Chief Counsel. It is a bond that we share. We are all committed to learning, and we spend time each year together pushing each other and honing our craft.
We must all be committed to learning. The law is always evolving. Discrimination has become more insidious, and we must be up to the challenge of rooting it out. Whether we pick up a different tool from the presenter or a peer, learn about new technology which might make us more efficient, practice our skills in a safe setting, or shed a bad habit we have picked up over the years, being open to learning is invaluable.
Many of us learn by doing, which is why the attorneys in the Office of Chief Counsel enjoy training that offers us hands on experience. This past weekend we practiced our deposition skills with the National Institute of Trial Advocacy and bonded over some excellent North Carolina barbeque. I hope that I never get to the point where I think that there is nothing left to learn as an attorney, however, I am confident that if I ever have that mistaken belief, this team will rid me of that delusion.
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Focus of Discrimination
Adrian Garcia
Director of Enforcement
Much of the work we do is framed through an administrative lens and the monotony of case building and investigation and it can be easy to lose sight of why we do this work. The work is the execution of our agency’s mission to eradicate discrimination across the Commonwealth.
But what exactly do we mean by “discrimination?”
It might seem silly to lecture you, the reader, given the work we do and the years many of us have been in this work. However, indulge me for a moment as I explain my vision for this work, and provide context while respecting the work we all do every day.
First let’s start at the beginning and define discrimination. The oxford dictionary defines it as the “unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of ethnicity, age, sex, or disability.” Given this definition, there is still a need to dig deeper and look at how discriminatory treatment presents itself.
Both the EEOC and HUD recognize that discrimination presents itself under a few theories including disparate treatment, disparate impact, harassment, and retaliation. Did you know there was another provision known as perpetuation of segregation? This refers to the policies, practices, or ordinances that limit affordable housing from being developed in certain areas and could perpetuate segregation, the very thing our mission and the PHRA is designed to prohibit. So much so that the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) addresses this directly, defining “discriminate” to include “segregate.”
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In the past six months we have seen federal rollbacks affecting parts of the civil rights act of 1964 and 1968 as it relates to disparate impact. The federal government is focusing more on disparate treatment and not disparate impact nor the systemic laws and ordinances that perpetuate segregation.
What this shows, if nothing else, is the immense importance of this state agency and the work we do.
Now more than ever, this Commission’s value to the people of the Commonwealth cannot be understated. The work we do in intake, investigation, mediation, legal, clerical, and outreach in the pursuit of justice is valuable, because we stand firm to hold wrongdoers accountable. We stand on the weight of our recently approved regulations that define race and sex while the federal government still debates the ambiguous finer points of a supreme court decision (Bostock v. Clayton County) that has already settled that argument.
We must perform this work in its entirety looking at the broader definition of discrimination as the designers of the PHRA intended; to look at discrimination and the segregation it promotes. We must advocate for broadening the definition to include disparate impact because we still see the perpetuation of segregation through laws and ordinances that predate the civil rights act. We must because, we can. We can because we are empowered to do so, for the people of the commonwealth.
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Understanding the Difference Between Harassment
and Sexual Harassment
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act provides protections to ensure that Pennsylvanians do not experience sexual harassment in education, employment, housing, commercial property, and public accommodations.
Harassment is unwelcome conduct based on a person’s protected class (race, color, religious creed, disability, sex, etc.)
Sexual Harassment is a specific form of harassment that involves:
- Unwanted sexual advances.
- Requests for sexual favors.
- Verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Both men and women can experience sexual harassment and it can be from persons of the opposite or same sex.
Examples of Sexual Harassment discrimination include:
- Unwelcome comments or jokes of a sexual nature from a teacher or fellow student.
- A professor offering better grades in exchange for sexual favors.
- Students circulating rumors or explicit images of another student without consent.
- A supervisor requesting sexual favors in exchange for a promotion (quid pro quo harassment).
- Unwanted touching or physical advances during or outside of work hours.
- A hostile work environment created by persistent sexual comments or innuendos.
- A landlord offering reduced rent in exchange for sexual acts.
- A tenant being evicted or denied repairs for refusing sexual advances.
- A hotel staff member entering a guest’s room uninvited and making sexual advances.
- A server or employee touching a customer inappropriately or commenting on their appearance.
If you believe you have experienced Sexual Harassment, the PHRC can help.
- A dedicated, neutral PHRC investigator will walk you through the process and help prepare your complaint.
- You will not incur any attorney fees during the PHRC’s investigatory process, although you have the right to obtain private legal counsel if you choose.
- Complaints of discrimination must be filed with the PHRC within 180 days of the alleged act of harm.
- Pennsylvania law also protects you from retaliation. This means taking certain actions against you for filing a complaint, opposing unlawful activity, or helping with an investigation is against the law.
The PHRC provides free training to schools, employers, businesses, community groups, etc. PHRC trainings are tailored to the specific needs of your organization or community. The goal of every training and event is to promote equal opportunity and help communities, public agencies, businesses, and schools prevent or eliminate illegal discrimination. To learn more visit the PHRC website.
| | 2025 Disability Conference: Technology and Disability – The Intersection of Success | | |
🌟 Thank You for Joining Us! 🌟
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended our 2025 Disability Conference: Technology and Disability – The Intersection of Success on July 31 at the Hilton Harrisburg and online. View more pictures on our Flickr page.
Your participation—whether in-person or virtually—helped make this free, one-day event a powerful platform for connection, collaboration, and change. Together, we explored:
💡 Innovations in assistive technology
⚖️ Best practices to prevent discrimination in emerging tech
📜 Disability rights under Pennsylvania law
🌐 Digital accessibility efforts across the Commonwealth
🤝 State and nonprofit services available to Pennsylvanians
From thought-provoking sessions to meaningful networking, the day was a reminder that when advocates, policymakers, technologists, and community members come together, we can make technology work for everyone.
Thank you for helping us build a more inclusive and accessible future for all! 💙♿
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On July 16, PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter met with United States Congressman Jim Clyburn in D.C. During this special visit on Wednesday, Executive Director Lassiter presented Congressman Clyburn with the PHRC Humanitarian Award in recognition of his lifelong commitment to civil rights, equity, and justice.
To see more pictures, visit our Flickr page.
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On July 17, Education Outreach Coordinator Khera Bowman and PHRC Intern Ivani Torres had the pleasure of presenting to middle school students through the Philadelphia Youth Network’s summer career exploration program!
The two led an engaging one-hour session covering the work of the PHRC, the history of civil rights, and the importance of advocacy. We’re proud to inspire the next generation of changemakers and help young people see how they can make a difference in their communities.
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NOW VIRTUAL
Advisory Council Summit
Join PHRC Advisory Council members from across the state, as well as PHRC staff and leadership to connect and collaborate. We want to celebrate the impact that Advisory Councils are making throughout Pennsylvania and strategize about the urgent issues facing our communities.
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International Dialogue: Bridging the Divide Through Conversation
- Thursday, August 21, 2025
- 12:00-1:00 p.m.
- Register for this Microsoft TEAMS webinar
- Featuring Dr. Ling Dinse, MSW, LSW, Associate Professor of Social Work, Department Chair/Program Director of Social Work, Messiah University
| | Fair Housing Empower Hour | | | | |
Sexual Harassment & Housing
Everyone deserves to live in housing free from harassment. Learn more about fair housing protections against harassment.
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SAVE THE DATE!
PHRC invites you to save the date for the 70th Anniversary Gala on October 25, 6-9 p.m. at the Hilton Harrisburg. More information is forthcoming.
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We had a powerful conversation during “Medicaid Matters – Helping Pennsylvanians with Disabilities Have Choice and Achieve Independence,” featuring Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Valerie A. Arkoosh, MD, MPH.
Catch the full recording on our YouTube page and be part of the conversation.
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The recording of July's Fair Housing Empower Hour: "Assistance Animals” is now available!
This important conversation highlights the difference between Service Animals. ESA, and Assistance Animals and how you can successfully navigate animal requests.
Watch the full recording on our YouTube page.
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Harrisburg, PA 17101-2210
(717) 787-9537
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