Hello
Amanda,
Will America ever be America Again?
I was browsing a free book on the internet recently and the first line stopped me. It started with Amartya Sen’s quote, “A misconceived theory can kill.”
Immediately, I thought about the amount of death that has pummeled the United States over the past few years. Over a million deaths from COVID-19 to date, 45,222 people died from gun-related injuries in 2020, and more than 107,000 fatalities from drug overdose, 75% of those involving an opioid in 2021. All of this from the most recent data available.
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Could the root of these problem, as Sen suggests, be embedded in misconceived theory?
Perhaps, the best place to start is the concept of America which is a theory too. The myth is that we are a place where opportunities abound. There are enough pauper-to-prosperity stories to lend support and credence to this tale.
These success stories are paraded as proof that America, the theory, is not misconceived. But we are social workers, and we labor in a world of brokenness. Even if I was willing to concede that America, the theory, is right, I would have to argue that the implementation is terribly ill-conceived. One proof is that we are surrounded by so much death which makes me question my social work practices.
That book I stumbled across, published by Open Book Publishing, had an unwieldy title - A Common Good Approach to Development: Collective Dynamics of Development Processes but what further interested me was how Mathias Nebel, Oscar Garza-Vázquez and Clemens Sedmak, the editors, concluded their first paragraph:
… our failure to address the systemic and interdependent nature of all
these concerns threatening our common humanity does suggest that
our current development thinking does not seem to be fit for purpose.
Every month I will ask you to join me in pondering a question on the future of social work in these turbulent times. This month I am asking for your thoughts to this question:
Does our current social work thinking fit our current social justice purpose?
When I first entered the field about three decades ago, there was a new debate brewing whether we were neglecting advocacy in social work. One problem is an ideological split - are the problems our clients faced those of an ill-conceived system or of personal behavior choices?
Another problem is our work itself. As it became more about counseling, assessing, finding resources, writing notes and consulting, we can lose the time and energy to be justice advocates.
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The idea of the theory of America and the reality invaded the work of the poet Langston Hughes. In 1935 he wrote:
Let America be America again.
Let it be the dream it used to be.
Let it be the pioneer on the plain
Seeking a home where he himself is free.
But Hughes died in 1967 disappointed that so many civil rights efforts, like the 1963 March on Washington, had yielded so few results. Social work can often feel that way too.
Then Ketanji Brown-Jackson was nominated to be the first African American Supreme Court Justice and Senator Cory Booker quoted lines from Hughes’ Let America be America again during her confirmation hearing. Hughes wrote the poem at a particularly hard time in his life and lived with a fear that racial bigotry would destroy the country.
Yet he demands that we not lose courage in the fight against the common threats to our humanity.
O, yes,
I say it plain,
America never was America to me,
And yet I swear this oath—
America will be!
I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
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Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW
Executive Director
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Women's History Month
By: Amanda Brothman
Director of Communications
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In January, the U.S. Congress swore in a record number of women to serve in the 118th Congress. Women now make up 28% of all members. That’s the highest percentage in U.S. History. This Women’s History month, we celebrate these female leaders, we celebrate women trailblazers, and we also acknowledge there is a lot of work that still needs to be done!
According to a 2017 study by the Pew Research Center, about four-in-ten working American women say they’ve faced discrimination in the workplace. This discrimination ranged from earning less than male coworkers for doing the same job, to being passed over for promotions, or bigger assignments and projects. That same survey found that women are three-times as likely than men to have experienced sexual harassment at work.
The survey also found that women with a bachelor’s degree or higher, reported experiencing discrimination at a higher rate than women with less education.
Of course, there are differences when it comes to race and ethnicity as well. More than half of employed Black women reported experiencing at least one type of gender discrimination, compared to 40% of White women and 40% of Hispanic women.
What can we do with this information to change discrimination against women? According to the World Economic Forum, here are 5 ways companies can improve gender equality in the workplace.
- Make a longer shortlist when recruiting new employees.
- Remove the gender pay gap by being more transparent about wages.
- Use skills-based assessments.
- Have women mentor men.
- Make work-life balance a priority.
Join PHRC this month in celebrating Women's History Month! We have several great programs scheduled throughout March.
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Empathy, Why is it Important?
By: Heather Roth
Harrisburg Regional Office Director
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Empathy is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Empathy is extremely important in the work we do in eradicating discrimination in Pennsylvania because we can all agree that being treated negatively solely due to being a member of a protected class is wrong even though that specific discrimination may have never happened to you.
Being empathetic establishes compassion. In Intake, we are usually the first chance the complainants get to talk to someone about what happened to them. Expressing empathy right away helps to establish an environment of trust and lets Complainants know that we understand what they are going through and that we are going to do everything we can within the parameters of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to help.
When you show empathy, you are more likely to engage in helpful behaviors and the people you show empathy to, will be more likely to help you. If a Complainant doesn’t feel empathy during the intake process, it could have a negative effect on their feelings about the PHRC, they may not be forthcoming with all the information needed, they might feel that although the intake representative is listening, they still aren’t being heard and it could diminish their confidence in us as the state’s civil rights agency.
Being empathetic helps you learn from those around you, helps to navigate conflict, helps you to become better at problem solving and helps you to live with humility. Using empathy in your personal life and work will have a positive impact on your relationships and create a far better environment to live and work.
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The Benefits of Mediation
By: Grace Dunigan
Director of Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs and
Director of Mediation
Beginning in 2020, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) began to provide free, confidential, mediation services to those who have filed complaints. Since inception, the Mediation Division has settled over $4 million in economic settlements, all while providing exceptional services to Pennsylvanians facing discrimination.
But what is mediation? Mediation is a process designed to help two parties reach a resolution. The goal is to get both parties to create dialogue in a cooperative fashion to work out issues until there is a satisfactory outcome. The process is completely confidential and provides a safe space for parties to share their concerns with a neutral mediator. The mediator then encourages the parties to cooperate, speak productively to each other, and relays demands appropriately to reach a resolution.
But why mediation? Mediation is far less expensive than litigation and removes the stress of a drawn-out case. The parties work together outside the courtroom to reach an agreement, often resulting in a faster resolution than through the litigation process. Additionally, there are no winners and losers in mediation. Since the goal is to find an agreement together, neither side can “win” the situation without the other. Mediation also allows for productive dialogue, letting parties share their emotions in often sensitive situations, often leading to a form of preservation of the relationship.
The benefits of mediation are great, and I am proud to represent the Mediation Division at the PHRC. In the short time I’ve been in this role, I have seen the impact mediation has on those who walk away with a satisfactory outcome. It is truly amazing what happens when parties are offered the opportunity to talk together in a safe space and reach a beneficial solution for all.
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Doubling Down on Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH)
By: Adrian Garcia
Director of Fair Housing & Commercial Property
The Fair Housing & Commercial Property Division is laser-focused on ensuring that we, as an agency, provide consultation and assistance to Commonwealth partner departments that have policies that effect housing. Once such department is the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
The DCED provides funding for municipalities through their Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). “The mission of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is to encourage the shared prosperity of all Pennsylvanians by supporting good stewardship and sustainable development initiatives across our commonwealth. With a keen eye toward diversity and inclusiveness,” (Community Development Block Grant, Program Guidelines, May 2022). The importance of this department and their work cannot be overstated, as the funds they distribute through grants are funds the Commonwealth receives to ensure that we desegregate neighborhoods and provide fair housing opportunities to all Pennsylvanians.
In 2022, the PHRC began partnership initiatives with DCED, the first of which was an invitation to provide Fair Housing and AFFH training to all their grantees and DCED staff. Soon we will be reviewing HUD’s newly proposed AFFH Rule, which has mandated local participants to consult with local enforcement entities. As the leading civil rights enforcement agency for the Commonwealth, PHRC’s Fair Housing & Commercial Property Division is taking a proactive role in providing input that will inform municipalities to consider “taking other meaningful actions to achieve outcomes that remedy the pervasive segregation and disparities in access to opportunity that the Fair Housing Act was designed redress,” (AFFH, Proposed Rule, 2023). We will keep you updated as events unfold; it is an exciting time for housing justice, the PHRC, and the people of the Commonwealth.
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Upcoming Fair Housing Events | |
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Significance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
By: Desiree Chang
Director of Education
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Executive Director Lassiter and I are working on several initiatives within the Education Division. One of which that will be coming down the pipeline is a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) focused initiative. Our plans of how to marry the PHRC with HBCUs is still in the preliminary stages of planning however, with the 21st Century approach the Education Division is taking, it is imperative that specialized institutions and programs are incorporated into this.
The intention behind the development of HBCUs was to arm African Americans with knowledge and wisdom to not only survive but to thrive in America. Born out of the era of discrimination and the post American Civil War, original HBCUs were incepted to educate the children of the formally enslaved. Thus, some provided primary, secondary, and post-secondary education in the earliest days. The first HBCU was founded right here in Pennsylvania. The Cheyney University of Pennsylvania was the first recognized higher education institution over 150 years ago. It was originally established to produce African American teachers. A deficit we still face today. In addition, Pennsylvania houses a second HBCU, Lincoln University.
Prolific dignitaries, artists, musicians, and STEM moguls have come out of HBCUs. Musician Sean “P.Diddy” Combs, Nobel Prize winner and author, Toni Morrison and Vice President Kamala Harris all graduated from Howard University in the District of Columbia. Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and award-winning film Director and Writer, Spike Lee are both graduates of the prestigious Morehouse College. Activist and Author to “The Color Purple,” Alice Walker received her undergraduate degree from the all-female, Spelman College. Just to name a few. There is a level of pride that is associated with HBCU attendance. HBCUs provide a unique culture and understanding of Black heritage to their attendees. They have a tremendous impact on American society and as a division focused on equity and inclusion in Education, I would be remiss if I did not recognize this.
HBCUs have faced their fair share of challenges. Surviving the era of Jim Crow, poor and inadequate funding, and barriers to accreditation, among more. Nonetheless, HBCUs founders and leaders continued to push forward understanding that is it the challenges and attempts at suppression, why it was (and continues to be) imperative they keep their doors open.
Today, there are over 100 HBCUs throughout the continental United States and District of Columbia. The most heavily populated is the state of Alabama, which is home to fourteen (14) HBCUs. Historically Black Colleges and Universities while designed to service African American scholars, they are among the most diverse and inclusive institutions of higher education. Data collected indicates that students who attended HBCUs felt more included and supported than those of their standard educational institution counterparts. Further, if ever there was a time to conduct a cost analysis of the value of obtaining a degree it would be now, in this fragile economy, HBCUs are considered to be the “best buy” in education according to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) (2022). While HBCUs make up less than 5% of the American higher educational institutions, approximately 20% of African American students graduate from HBCUs and 25% of Black graduates in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) – specialties considered to be the focus of the future – are produced out of HBCUs (UNCF, 2022). In summary, HBCUs have several benefits to not just the attendees of these institutions but also to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion movement being supported in Education. Significantly less in overall cost, culture of inclusion, and countless alumni to name drop at dinner parties, are all factors to considering HBCUs for higher education. The PHRC Education Division will continue to provide information and support to programs designed to lessen the disparity gaps and encourage fair and equitable education for all Pennsylvanians.
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More Wokeness, Please
By: Saul Ravitch
Human Relations Representative, Philadelphia Office
As ice caps melt, prices rise, COVID strains mutate and Russia invades its neighbor, some commentators have seen through these distractions and identified the real danger facing America: wokeness. This term has become the unwanted sequel to Sharia Law and Critical Race Theory, previously used to scare the bejesus out of Americans longing for a return to the 1950s.
Also called “wokeism,” the concept is used to ridicule those who recognize that social, historical and economic differences exist among people and the corresponding belief that those differences are worth understanding. It connotes an effete, touchy-feely kind of weakness that dreads causing offense and threatens to bring about our collective, national emasculation.
This can be seen in criticism that woke policies are weakening the US military. For example, recruiting campaigns showcasing nontraditional soldiers and diversity programs are cited as evidence that the armed forces are losing their edge. This view is misguided for two reasons.
First, it assumes that military readiness is incompatible with efforts to foster inclusion. Logically, people won’t join or stay with an organization that doesn’t respect them. Thus, recruiting and retention can both benefit from diversity initiatives. Whether it’s parachuting into combat, fixing jet engines or writing software code, all military specialties need good people to perform their duties.
Second, it assumes that the military can’t walk and chew gum at the same time. In other words, critics claim that the military is so focused on implementing diversity and inclusion programs that it’s neglecting its core mission of preparing for war. As a veteran, albeit decades removed from active duty, I reject this argument as a false choice that ignores the realities of military life.
It’s also worth noting that many of these anti-woke critics have never worn the uniform themselves. Thus, their criticism lacks credibility since it come from a place of pop-culture impressions that were formed in the comfort of man-caves, theaters and family rooms rather than actual military service.
Other aspects of American life have also become fodder for anti-woke crusaders. For example, investment firms guided by environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns have recently come under fire. Similarly, schools and businesses have been targeted by a new Florida law literally called the Stop-Woke Act. Under the guise of banning racism and misinformation, the law will actually stifle the discussion and study of racism.
While one can question the true motivation underlying this campaign, its effects are clear. Efforts to combat wokeness send a message that certain groups don’t matter, that their history doesn’t matter and that even discussing their history is a waste of breath.
In the real world, this willful ignorance of history leads to dehumanization. In turn, this creates fertile ground for conspiracy theories and mass murder. The Buffalo, New York gunman who killed 10 Black people last May embraced the Great Replacement Theory, which mingles elements of racism and antisemitism. Clearly, he wasn’t woke.
This pseudo-debate over wokeness is intellectually lazy political theater that distracts from the rational discussion of important issues. Whether that’s by design or a side effect is unclear. However, if we accept that dialogue fosters understanding and that knowledge is preferable to ignorance, then we could all use a little more wokeness.
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Happy to Join the PHRC Family
By: Tamara Shehadeh-Cope, Esq.
Hearing Examiner
Hello / Hola / As-salamu alaykum to this wonderful PHRC community. I recently joined the Commission as Hearing Examiner and wanted to introduce myself. My name is Tamara Shehadeh-Cope and I am based in Harrisburg, where I live with my husband, daughter, and very rambunctious miniature schnauzer puppy! I am a proud daughter of immigrants and a Brooklynite who has happily called Pennsylvania home for the past 12 years (I am still a Giants fan- sorry, friends).
I come to the PHRC after dedicating much of my career to the practice of immigration law and service to asylees, refugees, and noncitizen survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking in their pursuit of justice in the United States. My passion for the protection of human and civil rights led me to the PHRC, whose anti-discrimination mission resonated very strongly with me (as it does for so many that I have met so far). I feel very fortunate to be a part of the PHRC family and look forward to serving alongside Hearing Examiner Hemerka in this new role.
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What you're Saying about the ADL Implicit Bias Training | |
Upcoming Advisory Council Event | |
On February 3, Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, Special Assistant to the Executive Director Zulay Rojas and Director of Education Desiree Chang met with TeleHelp 24/7 CEO and President Robert L. Adams. PHRC is partnering with TeleHelp 247 to bring mental health awareness on college campuses and elsewhere. | Feb. 9, PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter and Special Assistant to the Executive Director Zulay Rojas joined Senator Art Haywood at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania as part of the ongoing Ending Racism on College Campuses Initiative. They also met with members of the Kutztown University School of Social Work. | On Feb. 23, Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter and Special Assistant Zulay Rojas attended a panel discussion that featured First Daughter Ashley Biden, Dr. Walter Palmer and others at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Social Policy and Practice. The panel included a discussion of social justice, social change and allyship. | |  |
Feb. 8, PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter and Special Assistant to the Executive Director Zulay Rojas joined Senator Art Haywood at West Chester University of PA as part of the ongoing Ending Racism on College Campuses Initiative. | On Feb. 14, PHRC was finally able to present the PHRC Partnership Award to Deb Sahd and the Department of Corrections. Thank you for your incredible partnership over the years! | On Feb. 25, Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter delivered the Keynote during a Faith & Trauma Mental Health Symposium at Delaware State University. | | |
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On Feb. 28, Pittsburgh Regional Director Lyle Wood visited Pittsburgh Liberty Magnet school in the Pittsburgh School District. He read to students in kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades.
HRR 2 Gregory Holts visited Pittsburgh Montessori School. He read All Because You Matter to the students. These visits were part of the Black Men Read program and it's part of a wonderful new initiative the Pittsburgh Regional office has established to get PHRC in schools!
Following the visit, here is a message sent from the school superintendent:
I hope all continue to be well. I am writing to simply say Thank You!
Thank you for your giving your time and participating in Black Men Read,
Thank you for investing in our children and allowing them to see that you are here and willing to support their learning,
Thank you for providing a narrative of Black Men who love to read,
Thank you for creating joy in the lives of Pittsburgh’s young people,
Thank you for adding to the narrative that Black Men are literate,
Thank you for cultivating the genius in Pittsburgh’s children, and
Thank you for showing support and brotherly love from one Black Man to another.
Dr. Wayne N. Walters
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Action Conversations on Race
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh: Center for Race & Gender Equity
Every third Wednesday of the month 12-1pm EST
March 15, 2023: White Feminism
While suffering the damaging impact of sexism and other oppressions, white women still benefit from racial privilege. Panelists identify common ways in which white women act out racial privilege through weaponized tears, white fragility, saviorism, exclusionary feminism, and entitled “Karen” behaviors. This conversation identifies pathways to true interracial solidarity through more intentional and informed white anti-racist feminism.
April 19, 2023: Cannabis and Racial Justice
From Reefer Madness to the War on Drugs, cannabis prohibition has disproportionately impacted Black and Brown communities, namely as a key contributor to mass incarceration. Our panelists discuss if legalization and criminal record expungement can redress the systemic racism of cannabis prohibition policies and drug law enforcement. Looking toward a more equitable future, panelists also envision ways to center racial justice within the burgeoning medical marijuana industry.
May 17, 2023: Antisemitism and White Supremacy
Antisemitic violence is deeply connected to white supremacy culture. In collaboration with National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Pittsburgh, our conversation addresses the rise in antisemitism as well as racism against Jews of color as we seek opportunities to unite against white supremacy.
21-Day Racial Equity & Social Justice Challenge and 18th Annual Race Against Racism
YWCA Harrisburg
April 3 - April 29, 2023
The race supports the YWCA's mission to eliminate racism, empower women and girls, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The funds we raise are crucial to sustaining our racial justice programs throughout the year ahead. Click here for more information.
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Maryland Civil Rights Educational Freedom Experience
- March 24- April 1
- Check payments should be received no later than March 10.
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Click here to register!
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Executive Director Lassiter will be the Keynote Speaker during this event!
Click here to register.
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SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVOR LUNCH & LEARN SERIES | | |
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These free modules are designed to provide info & support directly to survivors of sexual assault. Survivors are welcome to register for all sessions or individual sessions.
Module 1: Understanding Sexual Assault Trials
Module 2: Empowerment - A Pathway to Healing
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The Pennsylvania Center for Women & Politics is bringing the former President of Planned Parenthood America, Cecile Richards, to campus as this year’s Elsie Hillman Chair in Women and Politics.
Monday, March 20th at 6pm in the Chapel on the Shadyside campus.
To register, click here.
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A Global Community of Fans
By: Damian DeStefano, Esq.
Commission Counsel
Running clock. No timeouts. Nonstop play. It can be non-stop action. Millions of fans around the world were entertained by a fantastic World Cup. International soccer is remarkable in its makeup. The players get to play for their country for their respective national team. The national teams participate in numerous soccer tournaments depending on where in the world the country is located. The players also get to play for their respective club teams. Each country has their own soccer league. The club teams play in these separate, tiered leagues in each country. For example, in Spain, the league is called La Liga, the league in England is called the Premier League, and in Germany the league is called the Bundesliga. In these leagues you have global soccer brands like Manchester United and Real Madrid. Like every sport, there are superstars. Global superstars, like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Also, Christian Pulisic a Hershey, PA native, recently won the Premier League and Champions League with Chelsea a team in the English Premier League (which are regarded as the two of the highest trophies in the sport). When these players change teams, the player moves to another county to a totally different league.
Further, in each country there are tournaments among the top tier teams and the lowest tier teams. So, there are players who play soccer part time and work other jobs who get to play against their idols and superstars who make millions a season. Then there are tournaments which match teams from other countries. Each year, the Champions League tournament and the Europa League tournament take the top teams from each countries’ league and play in these tournaments.
The intrigue is the make-up of the leagues. There is relegation and promotion. The bottom three teams in the top leagues in every country get relegated to a worse league below that league. The top three teams from that lower league get promoted. A bad season for a team can have the team dropped out of the league. Lastly, there is an entertaining Hulu series, Welcome to Wrexham, starring Ryan Reynolds and Rob McInerny who buy Wrexham football club which is in the 5th tier of the English Soccer Association. Their goal is to get the team promoted through the leagues. It is an entertaining series even if you are not a soccer fan. After watching the series, you may find yourself checking in on Wrexham’s scores to see if they get promoted. It is a global sport enjoyed by millions and I’m glad I’m a fan.
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Harrisburg, PA 17101-2210
(717) 787-9537
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