Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and Advisory Council (PHRC)

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) enforces state laws that prohibit discrimination. These state laws include:

• Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA), which covers discrimination in employment, housing, commercial property, education, and public accommodations.

• Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunities Act (PFEOA), which is specific to postsecondary education and secondary vocational and trade schools.

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)

• Handicap or disability and the use, handling, or training of support or guide animals for disability

• Retaliation for filing a complaint, opposing unlawful behavior, or assisting investigations is also illegal.

Advisory Councils

The PHRC Advisory Councils serve as liaisons in their communities and work to raise public awareness of civil rights issues.

• Learn more about the Advisory Councils

Public Meetings

The PHRC holds monthly public meetings and encourages the public to address issues of discrimination or civil tension in their communities.

• Learn more about the Public Meetings.