Pennsylvania
When federal protections retreat, Pennsylvania stands firm on fair housing | Opinion
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Senators Carolyn Comitta, D-Chester County, third from left, and Timothy Kearney, D-Delaware County, take part in the rally. Legislators and supporters rally for the LGBTQ House ‘Fairness Act’ bill. The bill would protect an individual against discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
April 26, 2023.
Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com
By Caroline Griffin
America stands for the promise of equal opportunity for all. Unfortunately, at a time when America should be working to fulfill that promise, we are faced with concerning rollbacks of key federal housing protections—especially for our most vulnerable neighbors within our communities.
Recent policy shifts by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) signal a retreat from the federal government’s long-standing commitment to fair housing enforcement. This includes the sidelining of the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule—an essential safeguard meant to ensure that communities proactively dismantle segregation and expand affordable housing opportunity.
Equally alarming is HUD’s recent track record of dismissing housing discrimination complaints, particularly those filed by transgender Americans, whose right to safe and stable housing is increasingly under threat.
Additionally, HUD proposed regulations last year that aimed to change how criminal backgrounds are considered in public housing, including guidelines on look-back periods. These regulations were withdrawn earlier this year, reflecting the ongoing debate and reconsideration of policies related to criminal history screening in housing.
These changes have real consequences. For those among us seeking stable housing or in need of more affordable housing – possibly just trying to make ends meet – in many states will find themselves out of luck and out of options for housing.
For transgender Americans—who already face disproportionate rates of homelessness, eviction, and housing denial—turning a blind eye to discrimination is not just bad policy; it’s a matter of survival. When our federal institutions withdraw from enforcing the Fair Housing Act, they send a dangerous message: that some people’s rights are negotiable.
However, Pennsylvania will not echo that message.
Under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, all Pennsylvanians are protected from housing discrimination—regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and other protected characteristics. While federal enforcement falters, our commitment remains firm. In Pennsylvania, it is illegal for yout to be refused housing, charged different rates, or be subjected to unequal terms because of who you are. That includes transgender individuals and members of other marginalized communities.
To those who have faced discrimination in seeking a place to live: you are not alone, and you are not without recourse. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) urges you to file a complaint. Our mission is to investigate and, when necessary, litigate housing discrimination claims to ensure fair treatment for all residents of the commonwealth. We are here to listen. We are here to act.
In a just society, the right to safe and equitable housing cannot be selective. It must be defended—especially when federal protections falter. Pennsylvania will continue to lead with integrity, enforce the law, and protect the dignity of every person who calls Pennsylvania home.
If you or someone you know has experienced housing discrimination, contact the PHRC. You can call the PHRC at 717-787-4410 or email PHRC at phrc@pa.gov. Learn more about your rights and protections at www.pa.gov/agencies/PHRC.
Your voice matters—and we are ready to hear it.
Caroline Griffin is Director of Fair Housing and Commercial Property, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
Pennsylvania
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Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Gov Josh Shapiro’s neighbor accuses him of stealing land in ‘outrageous abuse of power’
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s neighbors are suing the Democrat, accusing him of stealing a slice of their land to erect an eight-foot-high security fence around his private residence in an “outrageous abuse of power.”
The neighbors, Jeremy and Simone Mock, are currently duking it out with the governor in court over a 2,900 square foot parcel of land located between their two homes in Abington, Montgomery County, court papers show.
The Mocks alleged in a lawsuit filed last month that Shapiro and his wife, Lori, unlawfully seized the stretch of land after initial negotiations to buy it from them went up in flames.
Shapiro claimed in a countersuit that he owns the disputed land due, citing an “adverse possession” loophole that makes it his because he has maintained the sliver of property for decades.
The land-grab tit-for-tat kicked off last year when the Shapiros first sought to erect the huge fence and upgrade security following an arson attack on the governor’s official residence in Harrisburg while they were all sleeping inside on April 13.
Shapiro initially offered to pay the Mocks for the 2,900-square-foot section of land, which he for decades had believed was his, to be able to build the fence, the suit said.
The negotiations, however, fell through when the neighbors couldn’t agree on a price.
The Mocks allege that’s when Shapiro and his wife unlawfully claimed ownership of the property — even planting trees and having State Troopers stationed there.
“What followed was an outrageous abuse of power by the sitting Governor of Pennsylvania,” the Mocks’ lawsuit argues.
“To begin, the Shapiros suddenly claimed, without evidence, they owned the Mock Property through ‘adverse possession’ despite their previous acknowledgments that the Mock Property was owned by no one other than the Mocks and despite having never been awarded the Mock Property through adverse possession by a court,” the court filing states.
The law allows for an occupant to legally acquire the title of someone else’s property if they’ve occupied the area for over 21 years.
The Shapiros purchased their home in 2003 and long believed the disputed 2,900 square foot section of land was part of their property, meaning they had maintained it for more than the required 21 years, their countersuit claims.
As the issue continues to play out in court, Shapiro’s office suggested the entire saga was a political stunt.
“The Governor looks forward to a swift resolution and will not be bullied by anyone trying to score cheap political points, especially at the expense of his family’s safety and wellbeing,” his office told NBC when the dueling suits were filed.
The funeral arrangements for Corporal Timothy O’Connor, who was shot and killed in Chester County on Sunday, have been announced.
The viewing for O’Connor will be Tuesday, March 17, from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Church located at 338 Manor Avenue in Downingtown, Pa., according to the Parkesburg Police Department.
The funeral will be held at the same location on Wednesday, March 18, at 11 a.m., police said.
O’Connor was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Honey Brook on Sunday night. The suspect, Jesse Nathan Elks, took his own life after shooting O’Connor.
O’Connor was a 15-year veteran of the Pennsylvania State Police who leaves behind a wife, Casey, and a 6-year-old daughter, according to police.
Pennsylvania State Police Pennsylvania State Police
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