Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.

ohr

Office of Human Rights
 

DC Agency Top Menu

-A +A
Bookmark and Share

Federal Civil Rights Attorney Joins OHR as New General Counsel

Monday, September 22, 2014
Brings over a decade of experience in employment law

CONTACT: Elliot Imse, Director of Policy and Communications – 202.481.3773; [email protected]

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Today the DC Office of Human Rights (OHR) announced Sunu P. Chandy as the new General Counsel to spearhead the agency’s case review and legal sufficiency process. Ms. Chandy previously served as an attorney with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s New York District Office for over a decade, litigating discrimination cases based on race, national origin, religion, disability, sex and age. Ms. Chandy will lead the agency’s legal team as OHR continues expanding education and outreach work so that all District residents are aware of the robust civil rights protections available under the District’s human rights statute.

“Ms. Chandy brings years of experience in employment law and we are very pleased she has decided to join our team,” said OHR Director Mόnica Palacio. “Whether fighting for equality for people of color, accommodations for individuals with intellectual disabilities, or fair treatment of South Asians and Arab Americans, she has proven to be a fierce ally for those who face discrimination.” 

Throughout her 15-year legal career, Ms. Chandy has lent her expertise in labor and employment law to a variety of local and national audiences, and through presentations before bar associations, legal services attorneys, community groups, schools and religious organizations.  She led a nationwide training that explained how gender identity and sexual orientation claims may be covered under federal law, and has organized panels addressing the intersection of domestic violence and federal, state and city employment law protections. 

“I am elated to contribute to this historic city and push forward the principles of inclusivity and equality it has strived for many decades to achieve,” said Ms. Chandy. “It is the innovative work of the DC Office of Human Rights that drew me to this position. I feel fortunate that my partner and our family can join me in calling such a welcoming place our new home, and that I have an opportunity to work for an office doing such progressive work on protecting human rights.”

Ms. Chandy earned her J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law and her B.A. magna cum laude from Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana. She will be sworn-in and join the office in her official capacity on September 22, 2014.

For the full biography of Ms. Chandy, visit ohr.dc.gov/page/chandy.

###

About the District of Columbia Office of Human Rights
The District of Columbia Office of Human Rights (OHR) was established to eradicate discrimination, increase equal opportunity and protect human rights for persons who live in or visit the District of Columbia. The agency enforces local and federal human rights laws, including the DC Human Rights Act, by providing a legal process to those who believe they have been discriminated against. OHR also proactively enforces human rights in the District through Director’s Inquiries, which allow it to identify and investigate practices and policies that may be discriminatory.