August 20, 2026
The New York State Division of Human Rights today announced that Commissioner Denise M. Miranda has been recognized by the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies (IAOHRA) with the Bill Hale Award. This award honors distinguished leaders who have worked to progress equal civil and human rights. The award follows successful transformations at the Division forged by new modernization initiatives.
“The honor of the Bill Hale Award directly reflects the tireless dedication of Division staff, who work countless hours to safeguard the human rights of all New Yorkers. Protecting the dignity and civil rights of every individual in our state is a collaborative effort, and I am incredibly proud to lead a team so deeply committed to this vital work," New York State Division of Human Rights Commissioner Denise M. Miranda, Esq. said. “I have dedicated my life and career to the pursuit of justice and equality for all, and as Commissioner, I am reminded daily that this vital work is far from finished. IAOHRA plays an important role in coordinating and advancing these efforts, and I deeply appreciate their recognition of our work here in New York State. This honor serves as a powerful reminder of our ongoing mission, and I am proud to continue leading this fight."
IAOHRA provides opportunities and forums for the exchange of ideas and information among member agencies and human rights advocates. The organization assists in developing programs for eliminating illegal discrimination in employment, housing, education, public accommodations, public services, and commercial transactions, including banking and lending practices.
Each year, IAOHRA recognizes individuals and organizations whose leadership, dedication, and impact have advanced the cause of civil and human rights. The Bill Hale Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated leadership in promoting civil and human rights and developed innovative programs to safeguard the rights of all people.
Under Commissioner Miranda, the Division launched the state’s first-ever civil rights call center for reporting discrimination to make the reporting process easier and more accessible; overhauled the agency’s case intake process; created a groundbreaking new early intervention unit to assist New Yorkers facing source of income discrimination; and dedicated resources to public education and engagement with stakeholders around the state—significantly improving how the agency interacts with and serves New Yorkers while safeguarding their rights. These efforts have led to a massive increase in annual case resolutions, millions of dollars in relief for victims of discrimination, and a huge expansion in the Division’s public presence throughout the state.
About the New York State Division of Human Rights
The New York State Division of Human Rights is the state agency that enforces the New York State Human Rights Law, the country’s oldest state-level anti-discrimination law and one of the most comprehensive sets of civil rights protections in the nation.
Anyone who believes they have experienced discrimination can report it to the Division by calling (844) 697-3471 or visiting dhr.ny.gov. Individuals can report systemic issues of discrimination to the Division Initiated Action Unit at [email protected]. All Division proceedings are conducted free of charge.
For more information about the New York State Human Rights Law or to report discrimination, please visit dhr.ny.gov, and follow the Division of Human Rights on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, X, and YouTube.