The County’s Human Rights Law and Fair Housing Law were amended effective June 6, 2023. The amendments, among other things, (i) add existing protections under federal and state law and (ii) also clarify and make the Human Rights Law and Fair Housing Law consistent.

Legislative changes include:

  1. Employers of all sizes are covered under the County’s Human Rights Law.
  2. All employees working in Westchester County are protected by the Human Rights Law including domestic workers and interns. Notwithstanding, employees of the County of Westchester are excluded under the employment provisions of the Human Rights Law.
  3. Discrimination is prohibited against independent contractors, subcontractors, vendors, consultants or other persons providing services pursuant to a contract in the workplace or who are an employee of such contractor, subcontractor, vendor, consultant or other person providing services pursuant to a contract in the workplace.
  4. Discrimination is prohibited based on military status.
  5. Discrimination is prohibited based on an individual’s relationship or association with another person based on that person’s group identity.
  6. The definition of “race” is amended to include anti-discrimination protections for hair texture and protective hairstyles (e.g., braids, locks and twists).
  7. The term “pregnancy-related condition” is defined as “a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth that inhibits the exercise of a normal bodily function or is demonstrable by medically accepted clinical or laboratory diagnostic techniques, including but not limited to lactation.” Pregnancy related conditions shall be treated as temporary disabilities.
  8. Harassment is prohibited based on any protected category and harassment means inferior terms and conditions, privileges based on actual or perceived group identity.
  9. The deadline to file an administrative complaint with the Commission alleging sexual harassment in the workplace is extended from one year to three years for allegations that accrue after June 6, 2023.
  10. Under the Human Rights Law, aggrieved individuals may file a lawsuit in a court of competent jurisdiction based on allegations that accrue after June 6, 2023.
  11. The term “sexual orientation” is defined as “an individual’s actual or perceived romantic, physical or sexual attraction to other persons, or lack thereof, on the basis of gender.”
  12. The term “source of income” in the Fair Housing Law is amended to, among other things, include “child support, alimony, foster claim subsidies, income derived from social security or any form of federal, state or local public assistance or housing assistance, including a Housing Choice Voucher (colloquially referred to as “Section 8”).”
  13. Discrimination based on source of income is treated similarly to other protected categories under the Fair Housing Law and is subject to the same exemptions.
  14. Similar to State law, the owner-occupied exemption is limited to premises with not more than two families living independently of each other, so long as the owner actually resides in one such housing accommodation.
  15. The provisions of the Human Rights Law and Fair Housing Law are to be construed liberally.
  16. The damage provisions in the Human Rights Law and Fair Housing Law are harmonized.

The amendments can be found here:
The Human Rights Law can be found here
The Fair Housing Law can be found here

Pursuant to Executive Order 1-2019, the County has prepared the Language Access Plans listed below. The County endeavors to comply with all applicable civil rights laws and EO 1-2019, which seeks to increase language access to County programs and services. The County is committed to ensuring that language access services are implemented in a cost effective and efficient manner.

Community Mental Health

Consumer Protection

Correction

Emergency Services

Health

Human Rights Commission

Parks and Recreation

Probation

Public Safety

Office for People with Disabilities

Office for Women

Senior Programs and Services

Social Services

Public Works and Transportation

Youth Bureau

The Westchester County Human Rights Commission is operating and continuing to accept new complaints by e-mail at , fax at (914) 995-7720, mail and hand delivery. The Commission is continuing to conduct investigations. All hearings dates and mediations sessions have been temporarily postponed. Call our office at (914) 995-9500 if you have any questions or concerns. The Commission does not ask an individual’s immigration status.

In the wake of COVID-19, over 10,000 acts of hate, bias, and discrimination against people based on actual or perceived race, national origin, religion, age, disability or a perception about exposure to COVID-19 have been reported nationwide.

Threats and harassment based on a person’s protected class may constitute a hate crime. If you believe your safety is at risk, you should call 911 or contact your local law enforcement agency immediately. You may also contact the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office Bias and Hate Crimes hotline at (914) 995-TIPS.

As of Dec. 7, 2021, the Westchester County Human Rights Law prohibits acts of Discriminatory Harassment. If you have been injured, harmed, or your property has been damaged due to your actual or perceived group identity, contact the Human Rights Commission to discuss your options. Read more about Discriminatory Harassment.

For Information on the coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • Read the Frequently Asked Questions for workers regarding paid sick leave for COVID-19 related issues.
  • Call the New York State Department of Health at (888) 364-3065.
  • Go to the Westchester County Department of Health COVID-19 Updates.

Viruses don’t discriminate and neither should we.
If you've been subject to discrimination, bias, or hate contact the Westchester County Human Rights Commission. You may report by:

  • E-mail:
  • Phone: (914) 995-9500

Know your rights.