OHR April 2026 Newsletter- Director's Message (English)

Dear Residents, Neighbors, and Friends:

April is a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to build communities rooted in justice, dignity, and opportunity for all. This month, we recognize Fair Housing Month, DC Language Access Month, and Second Chance Month, three observances that reflect the core mission of the Office of Human Rights (OHR) and the values we strive to uphold every day.

Fair Housing Month commemorates the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, a landmark federal law that prohibits discrimination in housing. More than five decades later, its promise remains unfinished. In the District, OHR continues to enforce the local and federal housing laws that protect communities of color, individuals with disabilities, families, and other protected groups from ongoing housing discrimination. Advancing fair housing requires not only enforcing the law, but also educating residents, housing providers, and stakeholders about their rights and responsibilities, and working collaboratively to dismantle systemic barriers that persist in our housing systems. This month, OHR partnered with the Equal Rights Center, the Department of Housing and Community Development of the District of Columbia, and the Department of Aging and Community Living of the District of Columbia to host our month-long workshop "Fair Housing Month Fridays" to share information about housing rights and resources in the District.

DC Language Access Month highlights our commitment to ensuring that all residents, regardless of the language they speak, can access essential government services and information. Through the Language Access Act of 2004, the District has taken significant steps to reduce language barriers, enabling residents to fully understand and engage with the government. Additionally, our Language Access Program held multiple Office Hours across the District to share information on accessing interpretation services and other available language access resources.

Second Chance Month highlights the importance of creating pathways for individuals returning from incarceration to rebuild their lives with dignity and support. OHR enforces two key laws that protect the rights of returning citizens: e the Fair Criminal Record Screening Amendment Act, often referred to as "Ban the Box", and the Fair Criminal Record Screening for Housing Act. OHR will continue working to expand access to employment and housing by reducing unnecessary barriers for returning citizens. OHR will be joining the Mayor's Office on Returning Citizen Affairs (MORCA) at the Second Chance Expo on Thursday, April 30 , at 555 12th St NW. You can register for the free event here.

Together, these observances challenge us to reflect on how systems can both exclude and empower, and how we, as public servants and community members, can be agents of change. Whether it is ensuring equitable access to housing, removing language barriers to governmen services, or supporting second chances for our returning citizens, our work must be intentional, intersectional, and rooted in justice.

This month and every month, let us renew our commtment to creating a District where everyone, regardless of identity, background, or language, has a fair and meaningful opportunity to succeed.

In partnership and purpose,

Elizabeth Fox-Solomon

OHR Interim Director