At the recent Conference of the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies (IAOHRA), the Westchester County Human Rights Commission (HRC) Executive Director Tejash Sanchala was recognized for outstanding leadership with IAOHRA’s prestigious Bill Hale Award. The award recognized Sanchala’s dedication and commitment to safeguarding human and civil rights by enforcing Westchester County’s Human Rights and Fair Housing Laws and educating and empowering the Westchester County community.
Each year, IAOHRA recognizes individuals and organizations whose leadership, dedication and impact have advanced the cause of civil and human rights. Now in its 76th year, the IAOHRA Annual Training Conference brings together human and civil rights leaders and advocates from across the country. The theme of this year’s conference was “Strength in Unity: Human Rights in the Present.” The location of Anchorage, Alaska, provided an inspiring setting for meaningful dialogue, collaboration and learning.
Under Sanchala’s leadership, the HRC achieved several landmark settlements that highlight the success and commitment of the commission in achieving substantial and life-changing relief for the Westchester County community:
In a landmark settlement for victims of sexual harassment, the commission resolved a matter involving an alleged seven-year pattern of sexual harassment in a building of low-income tenants, mandating the owners and managers to implement policy changes and pay over $100,000 to the county and a fair housing community partner. Separately, individual victims of the community reportedly reached private settlements totaling $12.5 million dollars.
In a win for residents with disabilities in a condominium community, the HRC achieved a settlement resolving a years-long complaint by multiple residents with disabilities by requiring the condominium to make their pool and other recreational facilities accessible, change policies and practices and pay the county $50,000.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “Discrimination has no place in our county. I applaud Executive Director Tejash Sanchala for his well-deserved recognition and the HRC for its recent successes, and long-term commitment of upholding the robust protections in the county’s Human Rights Laws. The HRC’s work is essential to ensuring equal treatment under the law and dignity for our community members.”
Sanchala said, “I am honored to accept this award from IAOHRA, an organization of human rights organizations nationwide. As the HRC celebrates its 25th anniversary, our message is clearer and stronger than ever – discrimination is unlawful and unacceptable and has no place in Westchester County. The county’s Human Rights Laws are more than words on a page. No one should face discrimination in any form, whether it is in their home, their place of work or when accessing publicly available services and goods. We will continue to exemplify Westchester County’s commitment and unwavering dedication to protecting communities from discrimination, dismantling discriminatory practices, obtaining meaningful relief and ensuring that Westchester County is a welcoming haven for our diverse community and visitors.”
The Human Rights Commission combats discrimination by implementing and enforcing the County’s Human Rights and Fair Housing Laws and by empowering the community through its education and outreach efforts regarding discrimination and hate-related issues. If you have experienced or witnessed discrimination or retaliation in Westchester County, call (914) 995-9500 or email HumanRights@WestchesterCountyNY.Gov.
