WEST VIRGINIA'S HUMAN RIGHTS HERO RETIRES

Yodora Booth was an Honoree at the Governor’s Civil Rights Day in recognition of her career of service to the cause of human rights. Ms. Booth’s decades of professional leadership enabled the HRC to evolve, survive, and administer justice throughout her career and into the future after her retirement. She was more than a mentor and friend to scores of current and past employees of the HRC. 

On October 8, 2021, the HRC celebrated the well-deserved retirement of Director of Operations Yodora Booth. “Doe” came to the Commission as an intern from Garnet Career Center in 1980 for on-the-job training to complete her studies in accounting and a new technology, word processing. She worked part-time for the HRC in several roles until she was hired into a full-time position in 1988 and quickly worked her way into a job as an employment and public accommodation Investigator. In 1993 Ms. Booth switched over to the housing investigation unit and coordinated the HRC’s annual Fair Housing Conference and other outreach events.

Ms. Booth was promoted into her final job, Director of Operations, in 2006 and given primary responsibility for supervising all Investigators, coordinating with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, processing and assigning cases, and helping with outreach and education. Importantly, Booth frequently represented West Virginia and the HRC at numerous trainings and conferences that took her literally from coast to coast, from Orlando to Seattle, San Diego to Cape May, and many places in between. Human Rights professionals from all over the country know and admire Yadora “Doe” Booth.

“If there is a more committed and dedicated civil right worker and professional than Yodora Booth I do not know him or her. Doe’s work ethic and commitment to do the work the right way speaks volumes of her constant desire to insure equal justice and fair treatment for everyone. I have known Doe well over twenty years and she has always been the consummate professional and, just as important, a wonderful person. Our friendship is one I treasure. The world of human and civil rights enforcement will miss her, and her space can only be filled by someone who is equally committed. All the best, my friend, in the next chapter of your journey.” 

- Jim Stowe, Director of Montgomery County MD Office of Human Rights & Former President of the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies.

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In February 2015, Yodora was an Honoree at the Governor’s Civil Rights Day in recognition of her career of service to the cause of human rights. Ms. Booth’s decades of professional leadership enabled the HRC to evolve, survive, and administer justice throughout her career and into the future after her retirement. She was more than a mentor and friend to scores of current and past employees of the HRC.​

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REMEMBERING ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU

Reactions to the death Sunday of Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former Archbishop of Cape Town Desmond Tutu:
“Archbishop Tutu was a towering global figure for peace and an inspiration to generations across the world. During the darkest days of apartheid, he was a shining beacon for social justice, freedom and non-violent resistance. ... Although Archbishop Tutu’s passing leaves a huge void on the global stage, and in our hearts, we will be forever inspired by his example to continue the fight for a better world for all.” — U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres.
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“Archbishop Desmond Tutu was a mentor, a friend, and a moral compass for me and so many others. A universal spirit, Archbishop Tutu was grounded in the struggle for liberation and justice in his own country, but also concerned with injustice everywhere. He never lost his impish sense of humor and willingness to find humanity in his adversaries, and Michelle and I will miss him dearly.” — Former U.S. President Barack Obama.
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“I’m saddened to learn of the death of global sage, human rights leader, and powerful pilgrim on earth. ... A great, influential elder is now an eternal, witnessing ancestor. And we are better because he was here.” — Dr. Bernice King, youngest daughter of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
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“I remember with fondness my meetings with him and his great warmth and humour,’’ the tweet from Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II on The Royal Family site said. “Archbishop Tutu’s loss will be felt by the people of South Africa, and by so many people in Great Britain, Northern Ireland and across the Commonwealth, where he was held in such high affection and esteem.”
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“The death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu (always known as Arch) is news that we receive with profound sadness — but also with profound gratitude as we reflect upon his life. ... Arch’s love transformed the lives of politicians and priests, township dwellers and world leaders. The world is different because of this man.” — Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.
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“I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He was a critical figure in the fight against apartheid and in the struggle to create a new South Africa — and will be remembered for his spiritual leadership and irrepressible good humor.” — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
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“No words better exemplify his ministry than the three he contributed to a work of art at The Carter Center: love, freedom, and compassion. He lived his values in the long struggle to end apartheid in South Africa, in his leadership of the national campaign for truth and reconciliation, and in his role as a global citizen. His warmth and compassion offered us a spiritual message that is eternal.” — former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.

Posted Dec, 2021

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EEOC ANNOUNCES NEW RESOURCES ABOUT SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY WORKPLACE RIGHTS

Federal Agency Continues Its Work in Forefront of LGBTQ+ Rights

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is observing LGBTQ+ Pride Month, and the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County, by announcing the release of new resources to educate employees, applicants and employers about the rights of all employees, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workers, to be free from sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in employment. The materials include a new landing page on the EEOC website that consolidates information concerning sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination and a new technical assistance document to help the public understand the Bostock decision and established EEOC positions on the laws the agency enforces.

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The new landing page consolidates information the public needs to know about the scope of protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as information about harassment, retaliation and how to file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC.  Additionally, there are links to EEOC statistics and updated fact sheets concerning recent EEOC litigation and federal sector decisions regarding sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination. 

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“All people, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity, deserve an opportunity to work in an environment free from harassment or other discrimination,” EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows said. “The Supreme Court’s decision in Bostock v. Clayton County is a historic milestone that resulted from the struggle, sacrifice, and vision of many brave LGBTQ+ individuals and allies who had championed civil rights for the LGBTQ+ communities. The new information will make it easier for people to understand their rights and responsibilities related to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.”
 

These materials are part of EEOC’s effort to ensure that the public can find accessible, plain language materials in a convenient location on EEOC’s website.  Neither the new landing page nor the new technical assistance document, titled “Protections Against Employment Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity” state new EEOC policy; rather, these resources rely on previously voted positions adopted by the Commission.  The technical assistance document:

 

• Explains the significance of the Bostock ruling;

• Compiles in one location information about sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination;

• Consistent with Bostock, reiterates the EEOC’s established positions on basic Title VII concepts, rights, and responsibilities as they pertain to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity; and

• Provides information about the EEOC’s role in enforcing Title VII and protecting employees’ civil rights.

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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.

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Posted June 23, 2021

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EEOC CONDEMNS ANTISEMITISM IN UNANIMOUS RESOLUTION

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has unanim­ously approved a resolution condemning the recent violence, harassment, and acts of bias against Jewish individuals in the United States, the agency announced today. The resolution reaffirms the Commis­sion’s commitment to combat all forms of harassment and discrimination against members of the Jewish community, and to ensure equal opportunity, inclusion, and dignity for all in the workplace.
“Hatred, bigotry, and antisemitism violate our nation’s core principles and impact all of us,” said EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows. “The recent violence and harassment against Jewish persons serve as a reminder of the challenges we face as a nation and the importance of the agency’s work. The Commission stands with the victims, their families and the nation’s Jewish communities.”

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

Posted May 27, 2021

 

IAOHRA Congratulates IAOHRA Alantic Region member…Rachel Wainer Apter

 

Rachel Wainer Apter nominated by Gov. Phil Murphy to be an associate justice of the state Supreme Court.
NEW JERSEY - Gov. Phil Murphy has selected a nominee to serve New Jersey's highest court, slated to fill the seat Supreme Court Justice Jaynee LaVecchia will leave behind later this year. Read more.

Posted March 21, 2021
 

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Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations Human Rights News
Read LA County Commission on Human Relations 2019 Hate Crime Report Here.  See Motion Establishing an Antiracist Los Angeles County Policy Agenda Here.
Posted Feb. 24, 2021

​Federal News | Whitehouse.gov - Memorandum Condemning and Combating Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States (Jan 26.2021)