The Syracuse/ Onondaga County Human Rights Commission is trying to reach out to residents who feel their rights might have been compromised as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The commission is holding a virtual public hearing Wednesday along with non-profit human service agencies like the United Way.
Commission member David Pasinski says they’re hoping to connect to those who can benefit the most from area resources, though he acknowledges the irony of reaching out remotely.
“We have mixed thoughts about it in terms of how effective it is, honestly. It is an attempt to reach out especially to the other agencies asking 'what have you heard and can you distribute this information?' in terms of how they are suffering or struggling with COVID-19, especially if it has any particular dimension of affecting the sense of their rights.”
Pasinski hopes the commission can serve as a clearing house of sorts for issues people might be facing.
“Housing and employment certainly are ones that we are wondering about; if people have experienced any other discrimination. We know that there is a moratorium on people being evicted, but we wanted to make sure that if people have had that experience there is some recourse.”
He says other struggles might include food insecurity and mental health issues caused by the pandemic. Pasinski hopes the commission can attend its usual events and resume in-person community meetings next year once COVID dies down. Wednesday’s virtual public event will be held at 5:30 via Zoom. More information is at hrcpublichearing@gmail.com.
