Commission on Human Rights

The City of Albany is a community rich in ethnic, racial, cultural and religious diversity. Such diversity contributes to the social fabric of our City and should be celebrated and respected. In that regard, the Commission on Human Rights was created to foster an atmosphere of respect and celebration of our diversity. In accordance with the objectives of the Omnibus Human Rights Law, the Commission on Human Rights seeks to assure that the residents of our City are safeguarded against all forms of discrimination in violation of state and local law. The primary objectives of the Commission are:

  • To foster mutual respect and understanding among all persons and racial, religious, and nationality groups in our community
  • To inquire into incidents of tension and conflict among or between various racial, religious, and nationality groups, and to take such action as may be designed to alleviate such tensions and conflict
  • To receive complaints of alleged discrimination because of race, creed color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, arrest and/or conviction record and to attempt to resolve such conflicts

Contact Us

  1. Human Rights

    Physical Address
    24 Eagle Street
    Room 301
    Albany, NY 12207

    Phone: 518-434-5296
    Fax: 518-434-5269

    Directory

Meetings

The Commission has regularly scheduled meetings the third week of every month. Due to the COVID-19 and social distancing measures, the Commission's meetings will be held via YouTube until further notice.

Thursday, January 20, 2022 at 6 PM. MEETING CANCELLED  

The next meeting will be held on: Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 6PM 

Commission Members

Pursuant to City of Albany Code, the Commission consists of nine members, five of whom are appointed by the Mayor and four of whom are appointed by the Common Council. Members of the Commission must reside in the City of Albany and possess a reputation for fairness, integrity and responsibility. Members are appointed to three-year terms.

Commissioner
Phone
Appointment Expiration
Appointed By
Aaron Moore, Chair 
8/21/21Common Council
VACANCY

Common Council
Rosie Love, Vice Chair
9/1/22Mayor
Natisha M. Alexander 
8/21/23Common Council
Thomas Richards, Jr.
10/29/23Mayor
Kate Shelly
5/13/24Mayor
VACANCY

Common Council
Celia Evers
10/29/23Mayor

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Complaint

You may file a complaint with the City of Albany Commission on Human Rights if you are member of the public and believe that you have been the victim of discrimination. U.S, N.Y.S Laws and City code prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, gender (includes gender identity), sexual orientation, disability, marital status, military status and any other class/characteristic protected by law.

Contact staff if you need one mailed to you for your completion.  When your complaint is completed and signed, the Commission will review your claim and determine the appropriate course of action, which may include referring your complaint to another agency.

To assist in expediting your complaint, please be prepared to provide us with the following information:

  1. Names, titles and contact information for all persons alleged to have discriminated against
  2. Documentation or evidence that supports your claim
  3. Names and contact information for any witnesses to the alleged discrimination

Note: Complaints must be filed within one year of the alleged unlawful discriminatory act.

City of Albany Commission on Human Rights Complaint Form

Applicable Laws

City of Albany General Code Chapter 42 Part 36 Article XLVII Sections 42-361 to 42-367 and Chapter 48 Articles I - III Sections 48-1 to 48-27. New York State General City Law Article 12-D Sections 239-O to 239-T.