Get Involved this Domestic Violence Awareness Month |
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During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the DC Office of Human Rights, Hollaback!, and L’Oréal Paris are joining forces to ensure everyone’s self-worth with Stand Up Against Street Harassment bystander intervention trainings. Stand Up uses Hollaback!’s 5Ds methodology to help people safely intervene when they experience or witness harassment in public spaces. This one-hour, virtual training uses a clear, adaptable, and expert-approved set of tools that have been proven to reduce the prevalence of street harassment. The goal of the Stand Up program is to train 2,000 Washingtonians before the end of 2021 and to ultimately build a culture where street harassment is seen as unacceptable behavior. If curious, find out more about Stand Up (international campaign) and Hollaback (specific training).
Thursday, October 21st
6 – 7pm EST
(Wear purple to support Domestic Violence Awareness Month)
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Dear DC residents and friends,
Happy October! I am excited to share with you a number of new developments at the DC Office of Human Rights (OHR) as we head into the new fiscal year. First, as of October 1, 2021, a new amendment to the Human Rights Act went into effect, which will enable OHR to apply anti-discrimination laws to any person or place that provides services or goods to someone in Washington, whether or not that person or place maintains a physical location in the District. This means that the Human Rights Act now covers online places of accommodation. I know there will be many questions around this new amendment and we are working diligently to provide guidance on this update. Keep your eyes peeled!
I am also happy to report that OHR has been hard at work to develop our Sexual Harassment Training Program for the tipped wage industry. Our newest development includes a tip line to report alleged violations by emailing tipsdc@dc.gov or calling 202-727-4477. Throughout the coming months, OHR will be providing additional information for employees and businesses on how the new law, Tipped Wage Workers Fairness Act works!
Next, as October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, OHR is partnering with Hollaback! and L’Oréal Paris to facilitate bystander intervention trainings to combat street harassment. Read above for more information.
Finally, I am thrilled to share that I was recently appointed by Mayor Bowser to serve as the Interim Director of the DC Office of Human Rights. Under the former Director, Monica Palacio’s leadership, OHR has grown leaps and bounds, and while I can never fill the shoes of Director Palacio, I am committed to leading this growing and robust agency, full of employees passionate about protecting the rights of all who frequent the District, to a new chapter in our mission to eradicate discrimination. Prior to my new role, I served as OHR’s General Counsel, where my team and I reviewed agency decisions, directed rulemaking, and where probable cause was found, we vigorously pursued the public interest by prosecuting discrimination cases before the Commission on Human Rights. When I'm not working, I enjoy walking my rescue dog, baking, running in local races and learning new languages.
Welcome to October, friends! I look forward to connecting with you to ensure our communities in all eight wards are free from discrimination.
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Hnin Khaing, Interim Director
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Trait of the Month: Universal Paid Leave |
Did you know that if you work in the District, for a non-government employer, you are entitled to certain paid leave? And, that if your employer interferes with that right or retaliate against you for exercising your rights under the Universal Paid Leave Amendment Act, you can file a complaint with our office at ohr.dc.gov.
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Hispanic Heritage Month Runs until October 15! |
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Mes de la Herencia Hispana or National Hispanic Heritage Month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. During this month and throughout the year, we encourage you to celebrate the history, heritage, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans of past and present. If you're having a hard time figuring out where to start, DC Public Library has a ton of events, resources and books to get you going. Additionally, be sure to check out the Mayor's Office of Latino Affairs Twitter page for more events happening in the city to honor Hispanic Heritage Month.
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2021 Human Rights Award Nominations Needed!
The DC Commission on Human Rights requests your assistance in identifying nominees for the following two categories of human rights awards to be awarded during the 2021 Human Rights Gala. This Gala will take place on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, in advance of the annual international Human Rights Day, which is celebrated annually on December 10, the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). It is expected that the Gala will take place as an in-person event with live streaming available. Nominations must be received no later than October 15, 2021.
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DC Office of Human Rights | 202.727.4559 | ohr.dc.gov
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