OHR August 2026 Newsletter Director's Note (English)

OHR August 2026 Newsletter Director's Note

Dear Residents, Neighbors, and Friends:

As summer draws to a close, it is a time to reflect on the connections we have built, the communities we have celebrated, and the shared responsibility we all have to ensure every person is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. Protecting civil rights extends beyond responding to discrimination. It also means working alongside residents, schools, businesses, community organizations, and our government partners to help ensure that every person has the opportunity to participate fully in life across the District. By helping people understand their rights and responsibilities and supporting compliance with District law, we strengthen our communities and help ensure equal opportunity for everyone. Throughout the summer, we have celebrated the diverse communities that make Washington, DC stronger while reaffirming our shared commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity.

One example of that commitment is Access to Expression: Celebrating Inclusive Arts in the District, held to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). ( Click here to check out our social media recap. ) In partnership with the Office of Disability Rights , the DC Developmental Disabilities Council, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities , the DC Public Library , and Art Enables , the event highlighted how accessibility strengthens our cultural institutions and creates more opportunities for artists with disabilities to participate fully in community life. Bringing residents together through art, conversation, and shared experiences reflected the ADA's enduring legacy and reinforced our shared responsibility to build a District where everyone can contribute and belong.

As we prepare for the new school year, that same commitment to inclusion remains especially important for students, families, and educators. Every student deserves to learn in an environment where they feel safe, respected, and supported. Through OHR's Youth Bullying Prevention Program (YBPP), we work proactively with schools and youth-serving organizations to help prevent bullying, strengthen compliance with District law, and provide educators, students, and families with the resources needed to foster safe and inclusive learning environments. A few highlights include When Bullying Targets Who You Are: A Quick Guide for LGBTQIA+ Youth, our Cyberbullying Tipsheet, and our printable Youth Bullying Prevention Poster.

This summer, YBPP partnered with Horton's Kids and the National Center for Children and Families to deliver eight workshops for students across elementary, middle, and high school grade levels. Together, we helped equip young people with practical tools to recognize, prevent, and respond to bullying while promoting kindness, inclusion, and respect within their schools and communities.

That work continues throughout the school year. Schools and youth-serving organizations can access technical assistance, educational resources, model policies, and guidance that support compliance with District law and help create positive learning environments for every student. We encourage families, educators, and community members to visit the Youth Bullying Prevention Program webpage to learn more about the resources and support available.

Protecting civil rights is a shared responsibility. As we look ahead, we remain committed to working alongside residents, schools, businesses, community organizations, and our government partners to expand opportunity, strengthen trust, and help ensure that every person can live, work, learn, and thrive free from discrimination. Together, we can continue building a more inclusive, welcoming, and equitable District for all.