NEW YORK STATE DIVISION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND EEOC HOSTS EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS EVENTS FOR LONG ISLAND’S IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:    September 20, 2023

CONTACTS: media@dhr.ny.gov

NEW YORK STATE DIVISION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND EEOC HOSTS EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS EVENTS FOR LONG ISLAND’S IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY

DHR and Local Community-Based Organizations to Host Free Events in Spanish on Sept. 21 and Sept. 26 in Suffolk County

ALBANY, N.Y. -- This month, the New York State Division of Human Rights (DHR), the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and local community-based organizations will be hosting two “Know Your Rights” events in Suffolk County for immigrant workers. These events will be presented in Spanish to raise awareness of legislation Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law Dec. 23, 2022, which added citizenship and immigration status to the list of protected classes covered under the state’s Human Rights Law. With this change in New York state law, an individual’s immigration or citizenship status cannot be the basis for unlawful discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation.

DHR Commissioner Maria Imperial said, “These events provide valuable information and resources to immigrant workers who may not be aware of employment protections afforded to them under the New York State Human Rights Law. DHR will continue to hold these types of events to empower the community and to provide accessibility to our division and the services we provide.”

“It’s important all workers are aware of their rights,” said Timothy Riera, acting director of EEOC’s New York Office. “Protecting immigrant workers from illegal discrimination has been, and will continue to be a priority for the EEOC. We are glad to be working with our partners at DHR to conduct outreach to underserved communities.”

The new legislation under New York State supplements federal anti-discrimination employment laws, which make it illegal to discriminate against any worker in the United States, regardless of immigration status.

The two Long Island events are being held during National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th to October 15th), a commemorative month during which Hispanic American history, culture and achievements are celebrated and honored. Topics to be addressed at these events include general information on New York state and federal laws, employment protections for immigrants, processes for handling employment discrimination complaints, investigations, and mediations, and discussion of best practices for creating a positive work environment.

The first event will be in partnership with Organización Latino Americana of Eastern Long Island (OLA), and will be 6 - 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 21 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Amangansett, New York. The second event will be in partnership with the Central American Refugee Center (CARECEN), and will be 6 - 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 26 at the Brentwood Public Library in Brentwood, New York. Both events will be held in-person and virtually, with refreshments available for in-person attendees.

For more information or to register for these events, visit dhr.ny.gov/derechos, the EEOC New York District Office website, or migrantworker.gov.

About the NYS Division of Human Rights: The New York State Division of Human Rights is dedicated to eliminating discrimination, remedying injustice, and promoting equal opportunity, access, and dignity through enforcement of the Human Rights Law. Our vision is a New York free of discrimination where everyone can fulfill their potential and participate fully in the life of the state.

The EEOC advances opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. More information is available at www.eeoc.gov. Stay connected with the latest EEOC news by subscribing to our email updates. # # #