Social Services, Disabilities & Human Rights Committee Meeting - May 5, 2026

The Social Services, Disabilities and Human Rights Committee of the Westchester County Board of Legislators met on May 5, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the Michaelian Office Building, White Plains, and via WebEx. Chairwoman Nancy Barr called the meeting to order at 10:05 AM (the minutes note 10:05 AM, though the agenda listed 11:00 AM). The committee received an update from the Westchester County Human Rights Commission (HRC) on its enforcement, education, and outreach activities. Present were Legislators Barr, Williams, Williams Johnson, and Pierce; Legislator Imamura was absent; Legislator Puja attended remotely. Guests included HRC Executive Director Tejash V. Sanchala, Deputy Director Julia De Persia, and Housing Director Joshua Levin Fair.

Discussion Items

• HRC Overview and Systemic Enforcement: Executive Director Sanchala described the HRC's dual mission of enforcement and education. For enforcement, complaints can be filed individually or initiated by the Executive Director for pattern-or-practice cases. Three recent Executive Director-initiated complaints were highlighted:

  • A low-income housing case involving a superintendent who allegedly sexually harassed multiple tenants over seven years, including a minor, resulting in a private settlement of approximately $12.5 million. The property management company failed to take effective action despite complaints. The HRC also uncovered discriminatory hiring practices (preference for married men) and lack of a non-fraternization policy; training and policy improvements were implemented.
  • A condominium case where the pool and recreational area were inaccessible to people with disabilities for decades. The resolution required two construction projects to provide accessibility, a $50,000 payment to the county, and policy improvements.
  • A cooperative housing case with accessibility barriers at the front entrance and building entry. A ramp was constructed, a five-figure payment was made to the county, and policies were improved. The HRC noted that proposed alternative access (a steep driveway) was unsafe and inadequate.
  • Committee members asked clarifying questions about the interaction of criminal investigations and HRC investigations.

• Education and Outreach: The HRC conducts a film education series on discrimination history, including a recent screening on Yonkers segregation and one on slavery during Black History Month. An upcoming Asian American Heritage Month program featuring Judge Denny Chin (U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit) will be held on May 16 at 2 PM at the White Plains Library. The HRC also partners with community organizations (e.g., Neighbors Link, El Centro Hispano) for bystander-intervention workshops and participates in cultural festivals, street fairs, and school outreach. Legislator Puja thanked the HRC for its training and requested a bystander workshop in her district.

• Housing Discrimination and Fair Housing vs. Affordable Housing: The HRC explained the distinction between fair housing (addressing discrimination and equal access) and affordable housing (addressing cost and availability). Housing Director Levin Fair noted that the HRC deals with discriminatory treatment during housing applications, threats of ICE involvement by landlords, and cooperatives' compliance with disclosure laws. Chairwoman Barr asked about threats of ICE involvement; Sanchala replied that citizenship status is a protected basis under the Human Rights Law, but referrals to legal clinics may be the first step. The HRC works with the District Attorney's office on hate incidents.

• AI and Discrimination: The HRC is monitoring the use of artificial intelligence in employment screening and housing applications, which may produce discriminatory outcomes without the applicant's knowledge. The committee agreed that the HRC should assess whether emerging patterns require additional education, enforcement, or policy responses.

• Visibility and Collaboration: Committee members stressed the importance of the HRC's community presence, noting that it helps residents feel comfortable reporting concerns. The HRC regularly tables at events, partners with houses of worship (including follow-up with county staff member Kim), and provides materials in English and Spanish. Legislators requested advance notice of events, even with tentative details, to improve attendance.

• Cooperatives and Disclosure: Housing Director Levin Fair noted that Westchester County is the only jurisdiction in New York State requiring cooperatives to provide rejection reasons. He cautioned that the HRC has limited data on compliance and cannot control how cooperatives respond. Some legislators expressed that earlier calls to weaken the law have diminished.

Key Outcomes

• The HRC will complete and distribute its 2025 Annual Report to all legislators and post it prominently on its website.
• The HRC will monitor discriminatory developments in AI-based employment and housing systems.
• The HRC will continue implementing training and policy improvements for housing providers identified through Executive Director-initiated complaints.
• The HRC will coordinate with the Office for People with Disabilities on accessibility-related referrals.
• A flyer for the May 16 Judge Denny Chin program will be distributed to participants; advance notice of future events will be provided when possible.
• The HRC will follow up with community leaders on potential bystander-intervention workshops and with Kim on outreach opportunities with houses of worship.
• The committee and HRC will continue discussing opportunities for legislative cooperation.
• The meeting was adjourned at 12:02 PM.