Ban the Box

Officially The Philadelphia Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance (Bill No. 110111-A), prohibits employers from inquiring about criminal convictions during the application process and in the first interview, and from making personnel decisions based on arrests or criminal accusations that do not result in a conviction.

For more info and Ban The Box FAQ, click here

Click here to read press release of report.

Landmark Legislation Overhauling Philadelphia's Civil Rights Law
The New Fair Practices Ordinance, Effective June 21, 2011

Philadelphia, March 24, 2011- Mayor Michael A. Nutter signed legislation introduced by Councilman Bill Greenlee to update and amend the city's Fair Practices Ordinance, which prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, use of public accommodations, and the delivery of City services. The legislation was passed by City Council unanimously. The comprehensive update of the law, the first since 1963, accomplishes three primary goals: creating greater capacity for enforcement by the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR), extending protections to new classes of Philadelphians, and updating the language of the ordinance to make it more accessible. The PCHR was established in 1951.

"I am honored to sign this legislation today, which extends protections and recognizes that all Philadelphian's deserve to live and work without the threat of discrimination. I would like to thank Councilman Greenlee for his dedication to passing this legislation," said Mayor Nutter. Today's bill signing is historic as we overhaul how Philadelphia fights discrimination for the first time since 1963."

Councilman Bill Greenlee added, "I'm proud to sponsor the modernization of the Fair Practices Law. This legislation allows a Philadelphian that experiences discrimination to have it addressed by a city agency. It is particularly noteworthy that the LGBT community's civil rights are further protected under this law."

The Fair Practices Ordinance was amended with changes included:

• Streamlining the PCHR's procedures for accepting, investigating and adjudicating complaints;
• Increasing penalties for discrimination from $300 to the maximum allowance of $2,000;
• Expanding remedies available to victims of discrimination;
• Extending protections to cover discrimination based upon genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, or familial status;
• Providing greater protections for members of the LGBT community who lack protection under federal and state law;
• Extending existing housing protections to cover all property, including commercial uses; and
• Provides greater consistency with federal and state anti-discrimination laws.

"This historic legislation will serve as a model for other human rights agencies around the country," said Rue Landau, Executive Director of the PCHR. "Extending protections to cover discrimination based upon domestic or sexual violence victim status, genetic information, and familial status are groundbreaking areas that are now covered under the law." Ms. Landau added, "Increasing penalties from $300 to the maximum of $2,000 sends a clear message that discrimination is costly and it will not be tolerated in the City of Philadelphia."

About the PCHR:

Mission of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations

Established in 1951 under the City Charter, the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations is the quasi-judicial agency empowered by the City to enforce its civil rights laws and to deal with all matters of inter-group conflict within the City. Through its Compliance Division, the Commission investigates claims of unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The Commissioners decide disputed claims through adjudicatory public hearings. Through its Community Relations Division, the Commission mediates to ease inter-group tensions and conducts public hearings for informational and educational purposes.

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City of Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and Fair Housing Commission Center City Office 601 Walnut Street Suite 300 SouthPhiladelphia, PA 19106 Phone: 215-686-4670TTY: 215-686-3238 Fax: 215-686-4684 E-mail: faqpchr@phila.gov

North Philadelphia Field Office 601 W. Lehigh Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19133 Phone: 215-685-9761 Fax: 215-685-9768