Informs community about how Ulster County’s Human Rights Protection Act can protect all residents

KINGSTON, N.Y. – Ulster County Executive Patrick K. Ryan joined members of the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Center and the Ulster County Human Right’s Commission, to affirm that Ulster County has zero tolerance for any form of discrimination and to educate residents on how Ulster County’s Human Rights Protection Act can assist those who have been a victim of discrimination. 

The Human Rights Protection Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of a person’s race, color, religion, ethnicity, creed, age, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, gender (including gender identity, gender dysphoria, transgender status), group identity, marital status, sexual orientation or disability. Under the law signed in 2018, the Human Rights Commission is empowered to mediate and settle complaints of discrimination locally, whereas previously cases had to be heard in Albany.

In addition, the Ulster County law creates a way for complainants unsatisfied with the results of mediation to take their case to an administrative law judge, who can assess damages if the claim is upheld.

“In Ulster County, we have zero tolerance for any form of bigotry or hate,” said County Executive Ryan. “As County Executive, I am committed to ensuring that our communities are welcoming places and that our residents have the tools that they need in the event that they are targeted in a discriminatory way.”

“This Ulster County Human Rights Law was a huge step forward in protecting the human rights of all residents of the county,” said Jeff Rindler, Executive Director of the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Center and a member of the Ulster County Human Rights Commission. “Now that we have this local law it is imperative that we let the community know exactly what their rights are, and if violated, how to file a complaint right here in Ulster County. We thank County Executive Pat Ryan for ensuring that Ulster county residents know and understand their human rights.”

“The Jewish Federation of Ulster County appreciates County Executive Ryan taking a strong, unambiguous stand against hate and bigotry in Ulster County,” said Neil Millens, Jewish Federation of Ulster County. “Given the rise of anti-semitism, Islamophobia, racism, and attacks against those who are targeted as being different, we must all speak up if we see someone being harassed or oppressed. We must also recognize that it is our diversity, our differences, that make us stronger; and it is with unity that we learn, survive, and succeed.” said Miller. 

“Ensuring that human rights for all of Ulster County residents are respected is essential to having a united community,” said Tyrone Wilson, Ulster County Human Rights Commissioner. “The Human Rights Commission is here to improve relations among all people and to also lend a hand to those who may have experienced discrimination.” 

Individuals wishing to make a complaint can do so by filling out a form at ulstercountyny.gov/human-rights-commission/ or by calling Tyrone Wilson, Ulster County’s Human Rights Commissioner, at 845-334-5492. 

County Executive Ryan’s 2020 budget included the funding for a full-time Human Rights Commissioner. Previously, this position was only part-time. This change will allow for the Human Rights Commission to have devoted staff to address and advocate for residents. 

The mission of the Human Rights Commission exists to foster respect for the rights of all people and to explore opportunities for improving relations among everyone in Ulster County. The current Ulster County Human Rights Commissioners are: Joseph Donaldson, Carl Brown, Maria Elena Ferrer-Harrington, Alice Cook, JoAnne Myers, Shari Gold, Jeff Rindler, and Anne Roschelle. 

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