Human Relations Commission
Mission Statement: The Human Relations Commission of Lower Makefield Township is dedicated to ensuring that all residents have equal access to opportunities and resources and are committed to the elimination of unlawful discrimination and harassment within the township. Our mission is to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where every individual is respected and valued, regardless of age, color, race, religion, sex, ancestry, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, marital status, veteran status, mental or physical disability, or use of guide or support animals and/or mechanical aids. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, we aim to build a community that celebrates its diversity and works together for the common good.
Members
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
| Tara Friedman | Chair |
| Cathy Hanville | Vice - Chair |
| Byron Fiman | Member |
| Amanda Soloway | Member |
| Stanley Cheiken | Member |
| Melody Yau | Student |
| Paul Bamburak | Alternate |
|
Victoria Schweder |
Alternate |
| Kellie Frain | Township Liaison |
| John Lewis | Supervisor Liaison |
Laws:
State and federal guidelines, laws, and resources used by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC).
Policies and Nondiscrimination Guidelines
How the HRC Can Help:
The HRC serves as a vital resource to eliminate unlawful discrimination and harassment within the township, ensuring that all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The HRC also can help those who may have been discriminated against to navigate the process of filing complaints and seeking justice.
Education:
Providing a respectful Workplace Guidance (EEOC)
Training-Harassment Prevention and Respectful Workplaces Training
HRC Resource Links:
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) enforces state laws that prohibit discrimination. In general, Pennsylvania law prohibits discrimination based on race; color; religious creed; ancestry; age (40 and over); sex; national origin; familial status (only in housing); disability; the use, handling, or training of support or guide animals for disability; or retaliation. The PHRC can help you file discrimination complaints in education, employment, housing & commercial property, and public accommodation.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions, transgender status, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
The Bucks County Human Relations Council is dedicated to promoting the value of diversity and addressing discrimination based on age, race, color, gender, religion, creed, culture, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin and disability.
Local Legal Resources:
The Bucks County Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS)
Free legal information and referral.
https://bucksbar.org/lawyer-referral/
Legal Aid of Southeastern PA
Free civil legal aid for low-income, vulnerable people in Bucks, Chester, Delaware & Montgomery counties
https://www.lasp.org/legalhelp
SeniorLAW Center Helpline 1-877-727-7529
A statewide free and confidential telephone-based legal service, staffed by attorneys, providing legal information, advice, and/or referrals as well as brief services for certain areas of law, to older Pennsylvanians (60 years and older).
The HelpLine is open Monday through Thursday, 10 AM to 12 PM. Services are available in 150 languages through Language Line.
https://seniorlawcenter.org/projects/pennsylvania-seniorlaw-helpline/
Disability Rights PA
Help for disability related issues such as employment and obtaining government services.
https://www.disabilityrightspa.org/get-help/
Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania
Assist individuals who have experienced housing discrimination based on their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, or disability.
ACLU of PA
Pursue civil liberties violations.
https://www.aclupa.org/our-work/courts/file-complaint/
Access Services-behavioral health support
LGBTQ+ Resources
Trevor Project-phone counseling for LGBTQ+ youth
Trans lifeline-peer support line run by and for trans people