Human Rights Day Annual Celebration, Dec. 5 at Pace Law School

Oct. 31, 2018 -- This year, Westchester County Human Rights Commission will host its annual celebration of Human Rights Day with a keynote and panel discussion entitled, “Freedom of Speech – The Double Edged Sword.” The event will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018 at Pace Law School, Tudor Room, White Plains NY. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the program will begin at 9 a.m. This is a free event and a complimentary continental breakfast will be served.

George Latimer Westchester County Executive will bring welcoming remarks. John Nonna, Esq. Westchester County Attorney will introduce the keynote speaker, Kristin Clarke, Esq. President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ for Civil Rights Under Law.

A panel discussion moderated by Randolf M. McLaughlin, Esq., Professor of Law, Elizabeth Haub School of Law Pace University will follow the keynote address.

Panelists include:

  • Kristen Clarke, Esq., President and Executive Director of the Lawyers; for Civil Rights Under Law
  • Debra S. Cohen, Esq., Professor of Law
  • Elisabeth Haub School of Law
  • Bennett L. Gershman, Esq. Professor of Law
  • Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University
  • Melanie Robbins, Director of Community Engagement of the Anti-Defamation League, New York
  • Shannon Wong, Executive Director, Lower Hudson Valley Chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union

For event updates, go to the event, Freedom of Speech, on the county's Events Calendar under Human Rights.

The WCHRC is pleased to share its’ recommendations for Policy and Procedures in Reporting and Preventing Hate Incidents in Westchester County. We believe the implementation of these recommendations will effectively address the concerning rise of hate incidents, and begin to shift the culture of Westchester County to promote mutual respect, appreciation of differences and build stronger communities across the County. 

This implementation plan has several components, including:

  • Defining the term “hate incident”
  • Training community-based organizations, schools and law enforcement on implicit bias
  • Handling incidents that come to our attention
  • Education and Outreach Plan
  • Communications Campaign

There will be a Public Meeting on Dec. 17, 2018 at the White Plains Public Library 6 - 8 pm. We invite you to attend this meeting and look forward to a productive discussion.