FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, March 4, 2014
CONTACT: Elliot Imse, Director of Policy & Communications – 202.481.3773; [email protected]
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The Council of the District of Columbia today confirmed Acting Director Mónica Palacio as the new Director of the DC Office of Human Rights (OHR) in a unanimous vote. Ms. Palacio, who brings 20 years of experience working on civil rights and access to justice issues, has served as Acting Director since being appointed by Mayor Vincent C. Gray last November. She previously served as Director of the District-wide Language Access Program, which is housed at OHR.
“It is my great honor to serve as the leader of an agency whose mission is completely aligned with my belief in justice and equal opportunity for all,” said Ms. Palacio. “I accept this challenge with deep appreciation and look forward to leading our professional staff in preventing and investigating discrimination in the District.”
Ms. Palacio is committed to addressing the needs of the District’s most vulnerable populations and ensuring OHR continues to deliver exceptional work. In the coming months, she plans to oversee a series of campaigns and efforts focused on improving quality of life for individuals with disabilities, transgender and gender non-conforming people, and those who speak limited or no English. Under her leadership, OHR has already launched an investigation into race and disability-based discrimination in taxicabs.
More information about Ms. Palacio, including her biography, is available at ohr.dc.gov/monica.
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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.