Final Audit Letter Report on the Compliance of the New York City Commission on Human Rights with Local Law 25 of 2016 Regarding Website Translations

Executive Summary

Final Audit Letter Report concerns the New York City Comptroller’s audit of the New York City Commission on Human Rights’ (CCHR’s) compliance with Local Law 25, which governs the translation of websites of New York City (City) agencies. Local Law 25 is intended to make City agencies, and ultimately the City as a whole, more accessible to foreign-born residents whose primary language is not English. This audit of CCHR is one in a series of audits the Comptroller’s Office is conducting on the City’s compliance with Local Law 25.

CCHR is the agency responsible for enforcing the New York City Human Rights Law (City Human Rights Law), educating the public about their rights and responsibilities under the law, and encouraging positive community relations.[1] CCHR is divided into two major bureaus: Law Enforcement and Community Relations. The Law Enforcement Bureau is responsible for the intake, investigation, and prosecution of complaints alleging violations of the City Human Rights Law, while the Community Relations Bureau works to provide public education about the City Human Rights Law and to help cultivate understanding and respect among the City’s many diverse communities through its borough-based Community Service Centers and numerous educational and outreach programs.

Audit Finding and Conclusion

The auditors found that CCHR complied with Local Law 25. CCHR’s website includes a translation feature at the top of the page for viewing text and essential information of the website in various languages, including the top 10 designated NYC LEP languages. Specifically, the translation feature provides users with LEP adequate access to the pertinent information provided on CCHR’s website including CCHR’s services/programs, the Community Relations Bureau and the Law Enforcement Bureau, its Community Service Center locations, contact information, getting help, workshops/events, scheduling appointments, the City Human Rights Law, reporting discrimination, and the discrimination complaint and mediation process.

Audit Recommendations

The auditors recommend that CCHR continue to maintain its compliance with Local Law 25 to ensure that it effectively meets the needs of residents with limited English proficiency who access City services online.

Agency Response

In its response, CCHR agreed with the audit’s finding and recommendation, stating, “The Commission agrees with the audit’s recommendation, and to continue to maintain its compliance with Local Law 25 to ensure that it effectively meets the needs of residents with limited English proficiency who access its services online.”

[1] The City Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on race, color, religion/creed, age, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, gender (including sexual harassment), gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, marital status, and partnership status among other protections.