Human Rights, Division of

Agency Web Site: http://www.dhr.ny.gov/

Mission

New York was the first state in the nation to enact a civil rights law, affording every individual an equal opportunity to enjoy a full and productive life, including in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and credit. Under the State’s Human Rights Law, discrimination based on race, sex, age, military status, sexual orientation, disability or membership in other specified classes is illegal. The Division of Human Rights is the State agency charged with enforcing the Human Rights Law and protecting the civil rights of New Yorkers. To fulfill these responsibilities, the Division: prosecutes unlawful discriminatory practices, investigates and resolves individual complaints of illegal discrimination, advances policies and legislation that expand and/or better protect the civil rights of New Yorkers, and promotes human rights awareness through education and outreach.

Budget Highlights

The Executive Budget recommends extending protections against discrimination, bullying, and harassment to members of protected groups attending public schools and universities.

The Executive Budget recommends $18 million for the Division, which is the same level of appropriation as the 2013-14 Budget.

The Executive Budget recommends a workforce of 164 FTEs for the Division.

For more information on this agency's budget recommendations located in the Executive Budget Briefing Book, click on the following link:

Briefing Book – Human Services (PDF)

Note: Most recent estimates as of 01/20/2014

Click for additional detailed appropriation tables