DC Office of Human Rights Newsletter | Volume XI | April 2019
Happy All the Things Month!
April is a very busy month for the DC Office of Human Rights as we recognize several national month- and week-long observances. This includes Fair Housing Month, Language Access Month, Second Chance Month, Street Harassment Awareness Week (4/13 to 4/18), Sexual Assault Awareness Month, among many others.

We are excited to be hosting our 18th Annual DC Fair Housing Symposium: Intersections: Disability and Diverse Communities on April 18th at 10am . This year, we have partnered with the Office of Disability Rights and the DC Developmental Disabilities Council to examine different forms of discrimination against people with disabilities and the impact it has on diversity and community. The event will consist of a networking session, engaging workshops, and a keynote address.

The following week, we will be hosting a Language Access anniversary that will celebrate 15 years of the Language Access Act and those individuals and community organizations that are at the forefront of making DC more accessible to our linguistically diverse and immigrant communities. Join us for Language, Culture, Community: Celebrating 15 Years of Language Access in DC on April 24th at 6pm !

For additional information about these events, click the link below. Also, be sure to follow us on our social media channels for exclusive posts and content.
Trait of the Month : Status as a Victim of Intrafamily Offense
This protected trait makes it illegal to discriminate against someone in housing based on a person being subjected to domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking. For more information, visit our website; ohr.dc.gov .
This Month's Spotlight
Join Mayor Bowser for the DC Emancipation Day celebration, which includes a parade, concert, and fireworks on April 13th starting at 2pm at 10th and Pennsylvania NW . In April 1862, legislation ended slavery in the District, freeing over 3,000 people and giving them money to emigrate. This was eight months before the Emancipation Proclamation liberated Southern slaves.

Join OHR as we kickoff our Know Your Rights series held in libraries around the city on April 25th at Shaw Library at 5:30pm! In honor of Fair Housing Month, OHR will host a training on how to spot and report housing discrimination in the District.

No RSVP needed, this presentation is FREE and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.


Calling All Social Workers, Case Managers, Attorneys, and Human Rights Advocates
Human Rights Liaison Training is May 16th!
OHR will is hosting our next Human Rights Liaison Training on  Thursday, May 16th in our building (441 4th St NW) from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Attendees will participate in a free, daylong training on the discrimination laws OHR enforces, as well as the process on how to identify and file a complaint if a client(s) experiences illegal discrimination. If you work for an organization that serves vulnerable populations and are interested in learning more about our office, click the link below to sign up for the May HRL training.  Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Director's Note
Dear Neighbors and Partners,
 
Fifteen years ago this month, the District of Columbia pledged its support to the vibrant immigrant community by unanimously passing the DC Language Access Act. The Act aims to ensure all DC residents have equal access to government services, documents, and programs, no matter what language they speak or the level of their English proficiency.

By passing this monumental legislation on April 21, 2004, DC achieved a unique milestone in the history of language rights and accessibility that put our city at the forefront of inclusiveness. Language Access promotes a fair shot for the Limited English Proficient (LEP) and Non-English Proficient (NEP) communities by addressing language barriers that keep hard-working, everyday residents from accessing vital government services and/or programs. In 2019, together with Mayor Bowser, OHR, government agencies, community-based organizations, and residents, we hope that you can join us on April 24th to celebrate 15 years of tireless work in the advancement of Language Access in DC. In the coming years, the Language Access Program will continue our commitment to strengthen practices and policies that create welcome environments for immigrants and maximize their opportunities to access the city’s growing prosperity.

As interim Language Access Program Director in the Office of Human Rights, I am proud to be an immigrant and resident of a national leading city that has fostered, embraced, and implemented comprehensive Language Access policies that help all residents access the services they need to feel fully engaged and a part of their community.
 
Yours in service,
Rosa Carillo, Interim Director of the Language Access Program
DC Office of Human Rights | 202.727.4559 | ohr.dc.gov