View as WebpageSeptember 2025 Newsletter

Greetings! Social Justice Warrior

The Legacy of Jim Crow: A Call for Vigilance Against Resurgent Racism 

The shadows of Jim Crow still loom large over America, a haunting reminder of a time when laws were explicitly designed to establish a racial caste system that rendered Black Americans as non-persons—entities stripped of their rights, dignity, and humanity. From the 1870s until the mid-20th century, Jim Crow laws enforced segregation and discrimination across the United States, embedding systemic racism into the very fabric of society. These laws were not merely oppressive; they were a calculated effort to maintain white supremacy and control over a marginalized population.

The impact of Jim Crow on Black Americans was catastrophic. It created a realm where Black individuals were denied the right to vote, access quality education, secure decent jobs, and live freely without the constant threat of violence. From the brutal lynchings that enforced racial terror to the economic disenfranchisement that kept Black families in cycles of poverty, the Jim Crow era was a systematic assault on Black humanity. Today, while the legal frameworks of Jim Crow have been dismantled, the residual effects of this oppression remain pervasive. Mass incarceration, economic disparity, and systemic racism continue to marginalize Black communities, reflecting a legacy that is all too alive.

In recent years, the rise of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives has sought to address these historical injustices and create a more equitable society. Yet, these programs have come under attack from those who view them as threats to their power and privilege. The backlash against DEI underscores a fundamental misunderstanding: the progress of marginalized communities does not come at the expense of others. Ironically, it is often white individuals who have benefited most from DEI initiatives, as they are designed to create inclusive environments that uplift everyone, including those who have historically been at the center of institutional power.

Michelle Alexander's groundbreaking work, The New Jim Crow, further illuminates how contemporary systems—particularly the War on Drugs—have perpetuated a cycle of racial injustice that mirrors the Jim Crow era. Alexander argues that mass incarceration has become a new form of racial control, disproportionately affecting Black communities and reinforcing societal inequalities. This new caste system operates under the guise of law and order, yet its roots are deeply entrenched in the same racist ideologies

that birthed Jim Crow.

Alarmingly, recent Executive Orders from the Trump administration reflect a playbook reminiscent of a regressive agenda set for 2025. These directives seek to undermine the very foundation of civil rights advancements, threatening to roll back the gains made during the Civil Rights Movement. However, a vanguard of social justice warriors—activists, community leaders, and concerned citizens—stands resolute against this regression. We must not allow the hard-fought victories of the past to be eroded; we must protect the principles that sought to affirm the humanity of every individual.

The fight for justice will unfold across multiple fronts: in courtrooms, policy chambers, and community spaces. Legal challenges will confront unjust policies, advocacy efforts will push for equitable legislation, and grassroots movements will mobilize to ensure that the voices of marginalized communities resonate powerfully in the public discourse. As this movement gains momentum, it is crucial for white allies to awaken to the reality that they have often been used as pawns by the white oligarchs who prioritize capitalism over justice. The system that has benefited them also perpetuates their own disenfranchisement, as it divides and distracts them from the true struggle.

The legacy of Jim Crow is a stark reminder of the costs of complacency in the face of injustice. Today, as we battle against the remnants of systemic racism, we must remain vigilant and committed to the work of equity and justice. The fight is not just for Black lives—it is for the soul of America itself. We owe it to those who fought before us and to future generations to ensure that we forge a path toward a more just and equitable society. The moment to act is now. The enduring legacy of Jim Crow demands nothing less.

Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW

Executive Director

Your Voice: The Moral Imperative to Confront Injustice

Dr. La Dawn Robinson, Regional Director

Pittsburgh Regional Office

Day after day, all around us, we see the consequences of silence manifesting in the form of discrimination, prejudice, stereotyping, antisemitism, racism, and misogyny, to mention a few. Jean-Paul Sartre, a French political activist in the 20^th- century, penned, “Every word has consequences. Every silence too.” This quote reflected Sartre’s belief in the moral responsibility of confronting injustice and his intense dislike of silence in the face of injustice.

Across grassroots movements and organized campaigns, both community advocates and activists consistently emphasize the moral imperative for individuals to challenge injustice. Their message is clear: there is no neutral ground—silence is NOT simply the absence of words, but a deliberate act with consequences. The consequences of silence allow injustice to thrive unchecked. The everyday act of silence only strengthens the acts of discrimination and violence toward religious and ethnic groups, racist attacks, the formation of hate groups, and modern-day massacres.

It was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s call to action urging us to not be silent…to not turn a blind eye to the injustice in America. I, along with Dr. King and Activist Sartre, believe that there are consequences of staying silent when faced with the injustice that demands our attention. Staying silent not only will fail society but prevent progress and equality. I further believe that remaining silent will ultimately lead to a deprivation of oneself. There comes a time when silence in the face of injustice shifts from compliance to betrayal of one’s own values and the greater cause of justice.

Ultimately, the act of remaining silent in the face of injustice not only allows it to continue but also diminishes the moral fabric of society. Speaking out  and confronting injustice is essential for fostering inclusion, equality, diversity and belonging. It is a responsibility that falls on each individual to ensure that their voice contributes to the fight against injustice.

PHRC Issues New Guidance on Harassment and Bullying in Schools

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) approved new guidance to help schools across the Commonwealth evaluate and respond to bullying and harassment claims under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA).

The guidance, titled “Harassment in Educational Settings: Guidance on Evaluating Claims of Bullying and Harassment under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act,” provides a clear framework for when bullying and harassment rise to the level of unlawful discrimination.

PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW emphasized the importance of the new guidance, “Every child deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, welcoming, and free from discrimination. This guidance makes it clear that schools have both a moral and legal duty to protect students. When harassment is ignored, the harm can last a lifetime.”

The PHRA prohibits discrimination in education on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), religious creed, ancestry, national origin, and disability.

In plain terms, the guidance means:

• All students in Pennsylvania have the right to an education free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying.
• When bullying is tied to a protected class—such as race, religion, disability, or gender—it may be considered unlawful discrimination.
• Schools can be held responsible if they knew or should have known about discriminatory harassment and failed to take reasonable steps to stop it.
• Schools are encouraged to adopt proactive policies, provide multiple ways for students to report concerns, and respond promptly with fair investigations and corrective action.
• The rules also cover incidents that occur online, on the bus, or off school grounds if the school has control over the context and parties involved.

PHRC Vice-Chair Dr. Raquel Yiengst highlighted the accountability the guidance establishes, “This guidance provides schools with clarity: if you know about harassment—or even if you should have known—you must act. This is about making sure every student has a fair chance to succeed.”

The guidance also reaffirms that while schools must respect free speech rights, speech that creates a hostile environment or crosses into discriminatory harassment is not protected and must be addressed.



The Commission is encouraging schools to review their current bullying and harassment policies, ensure they are in line with the PHRA, and make resources available to staff, parents, and students.

PHRC Director of Education & Outreach Desireé Chang stressed the Commission’s commitment to partnership and education, “We want schools, parents, and students to understand their rights and responsibilities. Our Commission is here not only to enforce the law but to provide training, resources, and guidance so schools can prevent harassment before it starts.”

PHRC provides training on a variety of social justice programs including bullying and harassment. For training or assistance, schools may contact the PHRC at 717-787-4410 or visit the PHRC website.

Welcoming September with Hope

Moira Crowe, Compliance Supervisor

Philadelphia Regional Office

September is here! A new season is upon us; this time can bring a mix of emotions. While it continues to be warm outside, we are on the edge of our seat with anticipation for that first gust of crisp fall air. It’s a nostalgic time, conjuring memories of childhood Septembers, when the return to school stirred enthusiasm, apprehension, and imperativeness all at once. We remember looking forward to reconnecting with friends, exchanging summer stories, and wondering if they had changed…or if they would notice changes in us.

Back then, this transition carried a strange tension of the joy of new beginnings paired with the loss of summer’s freedom. The lazy, open days gave way to routines, earlier mornings, and the structure of school or work. Often, we question why we were ever excited for this shift? Summer lets us move at our own pace, why trade that for deadlines and demands?

The truth is, change rarely makes us feel comfortable. It unsettles us because it disrupts what we know. Like the vibrant colors of autumn leaves, change is a powerful sign of progress. It’s life’s way of urging us forward, opening the door to new possibilities and creating a stronger, wiser version of ourselves.

As summer’s door closes, September’s window opens. Just as the change of color in the fall foliage, we welcome the opportunity for change within ourselves. Even in transition, we remain rooted in our core values: equality, integrity, teamwork, excellence, and service.

Change is hard, yet it brings possibilities, opportunities, and hope.

Upcoming PHRC Events

Virtual Lunch & Learn

Beyond the Bell: The Power & Promise of OST in Pennsylvania

• Tuesday, September 23, 2025
• 12:00-1:00 p.m.
• Register for this ZOOM virtual meeting
• Featuring Contrell Armor is the Director of the Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network (PSAYDN)

Fair Housing Empower Hour

Fair Housing & Local Governments

• Wednesday, September 24
• 12:00-1:00 p.m.
• Register for this month's virtual TEAMS training.

Learn how governments can support needed housing opportunities for all Pennsylvanians.

PHRC 70th Anniversary Gala

Join the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission as we celebrate 70 years of advancing civil rights and equal opportunity at our 70th Anniversary Gala.

📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025

⏰ 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

📍 Hilton Harrisburg

The evening will feature:

🎤 Keynote by Dr. Cornel West

🔥 Fireside chat

🍽️ Dinner

🎶 Live music

This unforgettable evening is free to attend – but registration is required.

In case you missed it…

We had a powerful conversation during “Intentional Dialogue: Bridging the Divide through Conversation,” featuring Dr. Ling Dinse, MSW, LSW, Associate Professor of Social Work Department Chair/ Program Director of Social Work, Messiah University.

Catch the full recording on our YouTube page and be part of the conversation.

The recording of August's Fair Housing Empower Hour: "Sexual Harassment & Housing” is now available!

Everyone deserves to live in housing free from harassment. Learn about fair housing protections against harassment.

Watch the full recording on our YouTube page.

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