Nov 28, 2025 3 min read

Hit: We applaud the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission for its new statewide initiative to empower citizens to recognize, prevent and address discrimination in their communities.

Washington was the site of the first “Know Your Rights” clinics being offered across the state. The clinics are intended to promote equity and inclusion by providing legal education, conflict resolution skills and advocacy training. The goal is to help participants understand their rights and learn how to take action when discrimination occurs. “If you don’t think we have a lot of hate in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, think again,” state police Cpl. Aaron Allen, Heritage Affairs Liaison officer, told those in attendance at last week’s event. Said PHRC civil rights outreach director Sheryl Meck, “When individuals understand their rights and how to assert them, they not only protect themselves, but they also help create stronger, more just communities for everyone.” Through the clinics, the PHRC said it hopes to strengthen community awareness and empower Pennsylvanians to stand up for justice in their workplaces, schools and neighborhoods. To file a complaint, call 717-787-4410. Information and resources are also available on the PHRC website.

Hit: Despite the impending closing of Penn State Fayette, higher education may still be offered at the Eberly Campus. Fayette County commissioners voted last week to create the Fayette County Educational Authority, which will study ways to continue to use the property after it closes. “Our goal, ultimately, with the Penn State campus is to provide college education, training, trades and workforce development on that site, and simply this creates the entity to accept the property, should the Penn State Board of Trustees agree to transfer the property,” said Commissioner Scott Dunn. Created under the state Municipal Authorities Act, the educational authority will be used to plan, develop, operate, and support educational facilities, programs, and partnerships throughout Fayette County. The resolution approved by the Fayette commissioners lists several areas, including adult education and workforce development centers, early childhood education facilities, career and technical education infrastructure and partnerships with school districts, universities and other educational entities. Penn State announced in the spring its plans to close the Fayette branch and six other campuses at the end of the 2026-27 school year.

Hit: Kudos to a Fayette County youth whose photo was selected as among the best in the state, submitted to draw attention to the littering problem in Pennsylvania. First place in the student category of the Gene Capaldi Lens on Litter Contest went to Jacob Valente, a 10th-grade student at Laurel Highlands High School in Uniontown. The 15-year-old won a $500 award for his photo, “Let’s Jump Start Awareness on Pollution,” which shows a moss-covered battery in the woods below a discarded lightbulb illuminated by sunlight. The Pennsylvania Resources Council has sponsored the photo contest since 1984. In a release, the PRC said photos can help expose how litter threatens public health and safety, scenic beauty, property values, the environment, pets and wildlife. Prizes are awarded in both student and adult categories. For more information and to see more winning photos, visit prc.org/what-we-do/lens-on-litter-contest.