Commissioner confirmed by Senate

Gov. Corbett announced recent Senate confirmations of his nominations; among them: Chester County Commissioners' Chairman Terence Farrell.

Farrell, a West Chester resident, will serve on the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. "I'm honored and  humbled by the trust placed in me by Governor Corbett and the Senate and eager to get started at the PHRC on behalf of the citizens of the Commonwealth," Farrell said.

According to the state web site, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission enforces commonwealth laws that prohibit discrimination:  the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, which encompasses employment, housing, commercial property, education and public accommodations; and the Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunities Act, which is specific to postsecondary education and secondary vocational and trade schools.

Eleven commissioners, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, act as public liaisons, set policies to be implemented by staff and resolve some cases that are not settled voluntarily.  The commission is independent and nonpartisan, with no more than six commissioners from one political party. The commission holds monthly public meetings around the commonwealth and invites the public to address issues of discrimination or civil tension in their communities at the meetings.  Find the PHRC public meeting schedule here.