WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights convened its March business meeting telephonically on Friday, March 20, 2026.
During the meeting, the Commission received presentations from three of its State Advisory Committees:
Diane Citrino, Member and former Chair of the Ohio Advisory Committee presented its report on Source-of-Income Housing Discrimination, examining the impact of housing policies on individuals who rely on non-wage income sources, including housing vouchers and other forms of assistance.
Andrés L. Córdova, Chair of the Puerto Rico Advisory Committee presented its report on the Effects of the Insular Cases and the Non-Incorporation Doctrine on the Civil Rights of the Residents of Puerto Rico. This report is the culmination of a multi-year study that included eight public briefings between 2023 through 2025 and the publication of four memorandums.
Leslie Ross, former Chair of the Arizona Advisory Committee presented its report on the Civil Rights and Disparities in Pediatric Healthcare Access for Racial and Ethnic Minority Families in Arizona. This report examined systemic inequities that contribute to unequal healthcare experiences and outcomes for Arizona families who identify as members of a racial and/or ethnic minority.
Congress requires the Commission to establish Advisory Committees in every state, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories. These bipartisan, volunteer committees serve as the Commission’s eyes and ears on the ground — studying civil rights issues in their communities and bringing those findings directly to the Commissioners. Their briefings and reports ensure the Commission’s national work is informed by what is happening at the local level.
The meeting concluded following the presentations and Commission business.
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