The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) investigates claims of illegal discrimination in the workplace, in housing and property, and in public places and spaces.
Employment discrimination
Philadelphia law protects an individual’s basic right to fair and equal treatment in employment. The law protects against discrimination by former, current, and potential employers, labor unions, and employment agencies.
Employment discrimination may happen when employment opportunities are denied outright, such as when someone is rejected for a new job or promotion. It may also occur in other ways, such as when:
- Someone is given less favorable employment terms or condition than others.
- A physical barrier or other issue makes services inaccessible to someone who has a disability.
Discrimination against individuals based on specific categories is unlawful.
Housing and property discrimination
Philadelphia law protects an individual’s basic right to fair and equal treatment by landlords and other providers of housing and property. It also prohibits discrimination by providers of housing and property-related services, such as banks, insurance agents, and real estate brokers.
Property discrimination may happen when property or property services are denied outright, such as when someone’s application for tenancy or a loan is rejected. It may also happen in other ways, such as when:
- Someone is offered less favorable lease terms or interest rates than others.
- A physical barrier or other issue makes property inaccessible to someone who has a disability.
Discrimination against individuals based on specific categories is unlawful.
Public accommodations discrimination
Philadelphia law protects an individual’s basic right to fair and equal treatment by public accommodations.
Public accommodations discrimination may happen when services are denied outright, such as when someone is refused admission to a public place. It may also occur in other ways, such as when:
- Someone is offered less favorable service than others.
- A physical barrier or other issue makes services inaccessible to someone who has a disability.
Discrimination against individuals based on specific categories is unlawful.
Fair Chance Hiring law
In Philadelphia, it’s illegal for employers to ask about criminal backgrounds during the job application process. The Fair Chance Hiring law helps ensure that employers initially make hiring and other employment decisions based on work qualifications, without considering a person’s criminal record.
The law restricts when an employer can inquire about a person’s criminal history and how it can be used.