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

Meetings

The Commission has regularly scheduled meetings the third week of every month. Community members are invited to attend meetings in person or virtually via YouTube (City of Albany, NY Public Meetings).

January 2023 Meeting: Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
February 2023 Meeting: February 16, 2023 6:00pm
March 2023 Meeting: March 16, 2023 at 6:00pm

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	Appointment Expiration	Appointed By
Aaron Moore, Chair	8/21/21	Common Council
Thomas Mueller		Common Council
Rosie Love, Vice Chair	9/1/24	Mayor
Natisha M. Alexander	8/21/23	Common Council
Thomas Richards, Jr.	10/29/23	Mayor
Kate Shelly	5/13/24	Mayor
VACANCY		Common Council
Celia Evers	10/29/23	Mayor
Valerie Alexander-Moseley	5/13/2023	Mayor

Join the City's Commission on Human Rights on Facebook to stay informed of activities in your neighborhood!

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:

Names, titles and contact information for all persons alleged to have discriminated against
Documentation or evidence that supports your claim
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.

Meeting Minutes

Meeting Agendas & Notices

Resources

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.

Commission on Human Rights

Contact Us

Human Rights Commission