Division of Human Rights Releases Statewide PSA Campaign Entitled "Fair Housing Protects, Knowledge Empowers" to Inform New Yorkers of Their Right to be Free from Housing Discrimination

State Will Host Fair Housing Conference in New York City on April 5; Fair Housing Conference in Albany on April 25

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that as a part of Fair Housing Month this April, the New York State Division of Human Rights - in partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - will release a public service announcement media campaign, "Fair Housing Protects, Knowledge Empowers." This campaign will educate the public about their right to be free from discrimination in housing and will air over the radio, in public transit spaces, on social media, and on billboards in Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo.

"This Fair Housing Month, my administration remains committed to ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to a safe, affordable home," Governor Hochul said. "Through this campaign, we'll inform New Yorkers of their right to be protected from housing discrimination - helping create a more equitable, stable, and affordable New York for all."

In addition to the public service campaign, the Division of Human Rights in partnership with New York State Homes and Community Renewal, and the New York State Department of State will host two in-person fair housing conferences in New York City and Albany to educate the public and real estate professionals about the Human Rights Law as it relates to fair housing and the associated rights and responsibilities. The in-person conferences will include expert panels covering legal protections against discrimination that are afforded to renters and homebuyers. There will also be continuing education credit and continuing legal education credit offered for real estate professionals and attorneys through panels on impact litigation and the legal obligations of the real estate industry.

Fair Housing Protects, Knowledge Empowers: New York City
Increasing Equity Through Policy, Practice, and Education
WHEN: April 5, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Doors open at 9:00 AM)
WHERE: National Museum of the American Indian, 1 Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004
REGISTER HERE

Fair Housing Protects, Knowledge Empowers: Albany
Increasing Equity Through Policy, Practice, and Education
WHEN: April 25, 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM (Doors at 10:00 AM)
WHERE: New York State Museum, Huxley Theater, 222 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY 12230
REGISTER HERE

Division of Human Rights Commissioner Maria Imperial said, "Housing is a human right. The Division is dedicated to rooting out housing discrimination across our state. Governor Hochul has signed several expansions of the state's fair housing laws enabling us to advance human rights for all. Our agency will continue to educate New Yorkers about their rights and build community through events such as our fair housing conferences."

Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, "Every New Yorker deserves access to fair and equitable housing in our state free from discrimination. Governor Hochul has been a tireless champion in her efforts to help usher in a new era of equity and justice for homebuyers and renters by promoting transparency and accountability in the housing industry."

Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "The federal Fair Housing Act and New York's own statutes make it illegal to discriminate against people seeking to buy or rent a home. Breaking down barriers to housing is critical work requiring collaboration across industries and sectors. New York State Homes and Community Renewal is pleased that these Fair Housing Month events bring together such a diverse set of stakeholders—from real estate and banking to lawyers—to learn about important fair housing issues today. New York is a leader in protecting renters and homeowners. We will continue to work and spread the word to ensure that New Yorkers can live in a home of their choosing without discrimination."

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, "Everyone deserves access to housing that is safe and affordable. Albany is home to an Omnibus Human Rights Law that further ensures residents are protected from housing discrimination and helps provide resources to those who have been subjected to these despicable practices. I commend Governor Hochul for leading this effort to remind New Yorkers of their rights and connecting residents with housing that they can be proud of."

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said, "We want people to know what to do if they believe they are being discriminated against in housing. I thank Governor Hochul for including Syracuse in the Fair Housing Protects, Knowledge Empowers campaign. Public service announcements in traditional and digital media will help give people information they need to protect themselves and their families."

Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans said, "I want to thank and commend Gov. Kathy Hochul for bringing much-needed attention to the injustice of housing discrimination and for her commitment to providing all New York State residents with access to safe, quality and affordable housing. Delivering the fundamental human right of housing security is a critical component of our work to create a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester."