Hearings

DHR investigates, prosecutes, and adjudicates complaints of unlawful discrimination. If a DHR investigation determined that there is probable cause to believe that unlawful discrimination may have occurred, the complaint will move forward to our public hearing process. A public hearing, pursuant to the Human Rights Law, is a trial-like proceeding at which relevant evidence is placed in the hearing record. It is a hearing de novo, which means that the Commissioner’s final decision on the case is based solely on the content of the hearing record. The public hearing is presided over by an Administrative Law Judge, and a verbatim transcript is made of the proceedings. The hearing may last one or more days, not always consecutive. Parties are notified of all hearing sessions in advance, and the case may be adjourned to a later date only for good cause. At the conclusion of the hearing sessions, a proposed Order is prepared by the Administrative Law Judge and is sent to the parties for comment.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the New York State Division of Human Rights (DHR) will be holding public hearings via a videoconference platform. Anyone who wishes to attend a public hearing, including members of the public, press, and other non-participating observers ("attendees") should email [email protected]. Attendees will be able to see and/or hear the public hearing in the same manner as the participants and will have a similar experience to sitting in a hearing room. Please note that you must email your intent to attend a hearing, to the email above, at least one business day in advance of the start of the hearing. IMPORTANT: Any recording of a Division proceeding held by video or teleconference, including “screen-shots” or other audio or visual copying of a hearing, is absolutely prohibited. Technical Support: The Division will not provide technical support for participants or attendees. Please contact your local IT support, and you may let us know if you are having technical difficulties by email at [email protected].

December 2024 Schedule 
Updated: November 27, 2024 

12/2/2024 – 12/3/2024, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Hancy P. Joseph v Maimonides Medical Center 
Administrative Law Judge: Alexander Linzer

Amber N. DeWitt v Monroe County Legislature; Ernest Flagler-Mitchell; Rachel Barnhart 
Administrative Law Judge: Sharon A. Sorkin

12/4/2024 – 12/5/2024, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Gene Pesola v Physician Affiliate Group of New York, P.C. 
Administrative Law Judge: Alexander Linzer

12/6/2024, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Elisha Sherry Smiley v New York City Transit Authority 
Administrative Law Judge: Robert M. Vespoli,

Anissa E. Pritchett v New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision; Lisa Butler 
Administrative Law Judge: Rebecca A. Clancy

Anil Khan v New York City Housing Authority 
Administrative Law Judge: Alexander Linzer

12/6/2024, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Richard Plotkin v New York State, State University of New York, University at Buffalo 
Administrative Law Judge: Martin Erazo, Jr.

12/9/2024 – 12/10/2024, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Charles W. Grupe v Innovative Glass Corp. 
Administrative Law Judge: Robert M. Vespoli,

Robert Threlkeld a/k/a Jessica Threlkeld v Evergreen Health Services of Western New York; Meghan Canfield; Willliam Dimmig 
Administrative Law Judge: Rebecca A. Clancy

Michael Nieves v La Peninsula Community Organization, Inc.; Johanna De Jesus Cortes 
Administrative Law Judge: Alexander Linzer

12/11/2024 – 12/12/2024, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Najah Travis v Buffalo Board of Education; Marin Lyonga; Patrick Doyle 
Administrative Law Judge: Rebecca A. Clancy

Melody Angela Paton-Vitiello, on behalf of her minor grandchild, Valentina Vitiello v Southampton Union Free School District 
Administrative Law Judge: Robert M. Vespoli

12/16/2024 – 12/17/2024, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Ann Marie Dritschel v Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center; Nikkeya Bradley; Jeanine Miller 
Administrative Law Judge: Rebecca A. Clancy

Alicia R. Miller v City of Rochester 
Administrative Law Judge: Sharon A. Sorkin

12/18/2024 – 12/19/2024, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Suzanne Berotti v Steven Bachmann & Co; Steven Bachmann; Steven Silberman 
Administrative Law Judge: Robert M. Vespoli

Lee Waterman v Safespan Scaffolding, LLC; Jason Harrison 
Administrative Law Judge: Sharon A. Sorkin

12/23/2024 – 12/24/2024, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Matthew M. Morreale v The Pierce Arrow Lofts; Gregory F. Daniel 
Administrative Law Judge: Rebecca A. Clancy
 

A final Order is issued by the Commissioner. The Commissioner either dismisses the complaint or finds discrimination. If discrimination is found, Respondent will be ordered to cease and desist and take appropriate action, such as reinstatement, training of staff, or provision of reasonable accommodation of disability. The Division may award money damages to Complainant including back pay and compensatory damages for mental pain and suffering, attorney’s fees, and civil fines and penalties. A Commissioner’s Order may be appealed by either party to the State Supreme Court within 60 days. Orders after hearing are transferred by the lower court to the Appellate Division for review.

​Inquiries regarding public hearings may be directed to the:
Office of Administrative Law Judges
NYS Division of Human Rights
One Fordham Plaza, Fourth Floor
Bronx, NY 10458
Tel: (718) 741-8255
eFax: (718) 741-8333
Email: [email protected]