Monday, August 18, 2025
OHR August Newsletter – Director’s Message
Dear Residents, Neighbors, and Friends:
Earlier this year, I had the privilege of joining the Office of Human Rights (OHR) as General Counsel. I’m now honored and excited to serve as Interim Director, appointed by Mayor Bowser. Our former Director, Kenneth Saunders, recently retired after years of dedicated public service. Throughout his tenure, Director Saunders served in various capacities, continually working to advance equal opportunity and civil rights. Under his leadership, OHR strengthened its enforcement efforts, streamlined procedures, and increased community engagement through a variety of exciting outreach programs.
While we will greatly miss Director Saunders’ leadership and unwavering commitment, I want to reaffirm our shared dedication to OHR’s mission. Together, OHR will continue to advance civil rights in the District through robust enforcement, accessible education, and proactive public engagement. We remain committed to listening to your voices and meeting you where you are.
The Returning Citizens Resource Portal, the latest addition to our ongoing Resource Portal Series, reflects this commitment. This resource is designed to support District residents who were previously incarcerated as they reintegrate into the community, easing their transition and lowering barriers. It builds on our earlier portals focused on fair housing and LGBTQIA+ resources.
As the District prepares for a new school year, OHR is also doing its part to support students and families. We’ve created and launched a Youth Bullying Prevention Act Complaint Questionnaire to better address complaints involving bullying at schools and youth-serving organizations that receive District funding. This new tool is designed to ensure that bullying is taken seriously and addressed appropriately.
I’m energized by the vital work already underway and excited for the initiatives ahead. I invite you to connect with us – follow us on social media for the latest updates, share your thoughts through our public survey, or join us during upcoming office hours for live conversations. All this information can be found in this newsletter. Our impact is only stronger when we work in partnership with you, the public we serve.
In Solidarity,
Elizabeth Fox-Solomon