Hearings Hero Image of a gavel on a table being by an individual.

Hearings

What is a Public Hearing

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.

Videoconference Public Hearings

The New York State Division of Human Rights (DHR) holds 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].

Schedule

February 2025 Schedule 
Updated: January 31, 2025 


2/3/2025 – 2/4/2025, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
LaRae Jones; Long Island Housing Services Inc. v Best Family Realty Inc.; Frances D’Alia 
Administrative Law Judge: Robert M. Vespoli

Krystyne Y. Kittle v Empire Coating, Inc. 
Administrative Law Judge: Sharon A. Sorkin


2/4/2025, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Janet Bridges v Erie County Medical Center Corporation 
Administrative Law Judge: Rebecca A. Clancy


2/5/2025 – 2/6/2025, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Christopher Michael Bigness v Onondaga-Cortlana-Madison BOCES 
Administrative Law Judge: Sharon A. Sorkin


2/10/2025 – 2/11/2025, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Jason John Caridi v Westchester County, Department of Human Resources 
Administrative Law Judge: Alexander Linzer

Kenneth D. Pitcher v New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs 
Administrative Law Judge: Rebecca A. Clancy

 

2/11/2025, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Elisha Sherry Smiley v New York City Transit Authority 
Administrative Law Judge: Robert M. Vespoli

Jasmine Anderson v New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision 
Administrative Law Judge: Sharon A. Sorkin


2/12/2025 – 2/13/2025, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Chad E. Reynolds v Maintenance & Management Associates, Inc.; Martha Horton 
Administrative Law Judge: Rebecca A. Clancy

Barbara Adu Gyamfi v Artis SLM of Chestnut Ridge, LLC; Glenn Baxter 
Administrative Law Judge: Alexander Linzer


2/12/2025 – 2/14/2025, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Nassima Abdelli-Beruh v Long Island University; Dr. Robert Domingo; Dr. Joyce Rubenstein; Lori Newman; Albert Inserra; Denise Walsh; Shannon Shakespeare 
Administrative Law Judge: Robert M. Vespoli


2/18/2025 – 2/19/2025, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Marian Katz Holdridge v Orange County; Mary Jackson 
Administrative Law Judge: Alexander Linzer


2/20/2025 – 2/21/2025, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Michelle Jollie v Garnet Health Medical Center 
Administrative Law Judge: Alexander Linzer


2/21/2025, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wanda Carmel v Primecare Medical of New York, Inc. 
Administrative Law Judge: Sharon A. Sorkin


Renee S. Lewis v New York City Health & Hospitals Corporation D/B/A NYC Health + Hospitals 
Administrative Law Judge: Rebecca A. Clancy


2/24/2025 – 2/25/2025, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
New York State, Division of Human Rights v Jacin Investors Corporation N.V.; Elliot Sohayegh; Silvia Bravo 
Administrative Law Judge: Alexander Linzer

Luis Gomez Pacheco v Wells Enterprises, Inc.; Robert Majak 
Administrative Law Judge: Rebecca A. Clancy


2/26/2025 – 2/27/2025, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tasha N. Jones v Nitrix Management Company, Inc.; Planet Fitness; Joel Hughes; Ron Critelli 
Administrative Law Judge: Rebecca A. Clancy

Alexander S. Renwart v Nassau County 
Administrative Law Judge: Robert M. Vespoli

Benedict John Feole v Saatchi & Saatchi North America, Inc. 
Administrative Law Judge: Alexander Linzer


2/26/2025 – 2/28/2025, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Pamela D. Bickford v Geneseo Central School District 
Administrative Law Judge: Sharon A. Sorkin

 

2/28/2025, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Ashley R. Harris v Independent Art Fair, LLC; Elizabeth Dee 
Administrative Law Judge: Alexander Linzer
 

 

What Occurs After the Public Hearing?

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.

Office of Administrative Law Judges

​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]