DCR’s Education and Training Unit
DCR Anti-Discrimination Trainings
The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) offers trainings aimed at preventing and addressing discrimination through its Education and Training Unit. These interactive sessions educate participants about their rights and responsibilities under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, the New Jersey Family Leave Act, the Fair Chance in Housing Act as well as raise awareness about current anti-bias issues.
All trainings are currently being offered for FREE to the public.
**If you have many people hoping to attend a training together, please CONTACT US to request a private training for your group.
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Training Requirements
DCR uses Zoom for all virtual trainings. Zoom is a free platform for participants that can be accessed on the web or downloaded as an app. All trainings are interactive and require the following guidelines:
- Cameras are requested to be turned on
- Each attendee must individually register
- Each attendee must be on a separate device (smartphone, tablet or computer)
- Attendees must log onto zoom using the same name used for registration
- Full attendance is required to receive a certificate of completion
Trainings with insufficient registration may be subject to cancellation. If so, registrants will be notified at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled training date and can then register for a different training date.
Code of Conduct
Participants may be removed from virtual trainings or events, or asked to leave in-person trainings or events, if they engage in threatening, intimidating or harassing conduct toward anyone in attendance; engage in irrelevant or overly long verbal or written remarks that detract from purposes of the training or interfere with the operation of the training; or if they threaten, intimidate or harass any DCR employee, whether it be during the training or any time in between trainings.
Rights and Responsibilities
These trainings educate participants about their rights and responsibilities under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, the New Jersey Family Leave Act, and the Fair Chance in Housing Act.
The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination in the Workplace
All employees are entitled to a workplace that is inclusive and free from discrimination. This training will provide an overview of how the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) protects employees from harassment and discrimination. Through case studies and other interactive exercises, participants will examine the rights afforded to all employees and the responsibilities of employers to protect those rights. Topics include what constitutes a hostile work environment, workplace accommodation requirements, employer liability, and reporting processes. Participants will also explore the ways in which implicit biases can lead to discrimination, and how to foster respectful environments in which discrimination and harassment are not tolerated.
Click on a date to register
| October 18, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
| November 16, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
| December 14, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
| January 17, 2024 – 9:30am-11:30am |
The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination in Housing
All New Jersey residents and those seeking housing have the right to an experience that is free from discrimination. This training will provide an overview of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) and review housing protections under the LAD. Through case studies and other interactive exercises, participants will examine topics including source of lawful income discrimination, steering, sexual harassment, reasonable accommodations, and service and support animals.
NOTE: This training provides a broad overview of housing protections under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. For an in-depth exploration of how criminal history may be considered during the housing application process, sign up for our training, NJ Division on Civil Rights Fair Chance in Housing Act.
NJ Real Estate CE Approved- 2 credits
Click on a date to register
| October 24, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
| December 7, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
| January 30, 2024 – 9:30am-11:30am |
Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace and the Law Against Discrimination
The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) requires employers to make adjustments to job or work requirements that make it possible for employees to perform the essential functions of their job and enjoy equal employment opportunities. Under the NJLAD, reasonable accommodations apply to disability, religion, and pregnancy and breastfeeding/bodyfeeding. This training will provide an overview of what reasonable accommodations are, who is eligible for them, and how requests for accommodations are initiated and carried out. Through case studies and other interactive exercises, participants will examine topics including the interactive process, undue hardship, non-apparent disabilities, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and telework as an accommodation.
Click on a date to register
| September 20, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
| November 28, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
| January 25, 2024 – 9:30am-11:30am |
NJ Division on Civil Rights Fair Chance in Housing Act
Today, nearly one-third of the adult working age population in the U.S. has a conviction record. Many of these people have been denied housing, though most pose no threat to their communities. New Jersey’s Fair Chance in Housing Act (FCHA) remedies this form of discrimination by establishing a fair process for consideration of conviction histories during the application process. Join us for this interactive training that will provide an overview of FCHA, including effective implementation strategies and model forms that can be utilized by housing providers. Participants will also explore how conviction record screenings have disproportionately impacted communities of color, and consider ways to create discrimination-free housing environments.
NOTE: This training focuses specifically on the Fair Chance in Housing Act and consideration of criminal history during the housing application process. For a more general overview of housing protections, sign up for our training, The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination in Housing.
NJ Real Estate CE Approved- 1 credit
Click on a date to register
| November 21, 2023 – 9:30am-11:00am |
| January 9, 2024 – 9:30am-11:00am |
Hair Discrimination and the NJ Law Against Discrimination
This training will focus on race discrimination based on hairstyle. It will cover the history of this type of discrimination and the Division on Civil Rights (DCR) investigation into a hairstyle-related incident at a high school wrestling match. It will also cover a guidance document issued by DCR explaining that race discrimination includes discrimination based on a trait inextricably intertwined or closely associated with race, such as hairstyle, and the CROWN Act, which codifies these protections into law in NJ and in other states.
Click on a date to register
| October 5, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
| December 20, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
The NJ Law Against Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation
All New Jersey residents have the right to be in spaces open to the public without experiencing discrimination. This training will provide an overview of what places of public accommodation are and are not, and how the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) regulates these entities. Through case studies and other interactive exercises, participants will examine topics including disparate treatment, disparate impact, sexual harassment and other types of hostile environment harassment, reasonable accommodations, and assistance animals.
Click on a date to register
| November 29, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
| January 23, 2024 – 9:30am-11:30am |
Discrimination and Harassment Prevention
These trainings offer a deeper dive into anti-bias topics. They proactively address discrimination and bias-based harassment by examining real world situations. Each training provides participants with practical strategies for preventing bias, harassment and discrimination.
Understanding Implicit Bias
This interactive, virtual training will introduce participants to the concept of implicit bias. Participants will consider how implicit bias manifests in our interactions with others and explore strategies for addressing implicit bias in ourselves and in the workplace. Participants will also learn about how the NJ Law Against Discrimination protects individuals from discrimination and bias-based harassment in the workplace.
NJ Real Estate CE Approved- 3 credits
Click on a date to register
| October 26, 2023 – 9:30am-12:30pm |
| December 12, 2023 – 9:30am-12:30pm |
| January 31, 2023 – 9:30am-12:30pm |
Recognizing and Responding to Microaggressions
Recently there has been much discussion about microaggressions, the subtle acts of exclusion that many people routinely experience. This interactive, virtual training will explore the ways that implicit bias – including microaggressions – manifest in our lives and impact our relationships with others. Through case studies and discussion, participants will deepen their understanding of implicit bias, learn how to identify microaggressions, and investigate strategies for responding effectively to microaggressions that they experience and commit. Participants will also learn about the NJ Law Against Discrimination and how microaggressions can contribute to a hostile work or school environment.
Click on a date to register
| October 31, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
| January 10, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
Strategies for Effective Bystander Intervention
This interactive, virtual training explores the factors that influence bystander intervention and strategies for intervening effectively in response to bias and discrimination. Participants will investigate the cognitive and psychological processes that inhibit and encourage bystander intervention. Then, using case studies and interactive media, participants will be introduced to and practice research-based strategies for responding to explicit bias, “everyday” or casual forms of bias, and bias expressed in digital environments.
Click on a date to register
| November 2, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
| January 24, 2024 – 9:30am-11:30am |
Walking on Eggshells: Navigating the Language of Diversity
A study by the organization, More in Common, shows that 80 percent of Americans believe “political correctness is a problem in our country.” Many people feel cynical about what they feel are the excesses of “wokeness” and “cancel culture.” Yet bias incidents are on the rise in many communities, and talking about issues related to diversity is more important than ever. In this training, participants will explore current research on inclusive language and why it is an important part of dismantling bias. Through interactive exercises, participants will unpack current terminology related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and practice strategies for using the “language of diversity” in ways that promote understanding rather than division.
Click on a date to register
| October 25, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
| November 16, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
| December 5, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
Youth Bias Prevention
These trainings are for participants who have an interest in protecting young people from discrimination and/or educating youth about anti-bias topics.
Affirming LGBTQIA+ Identities in School
This training explores the ways in which LGBTQIA+ people are silenced in school life, and examines strategies for fostering greater visibility and affirmation of LGBTQIA+ people and topics at K-12 schools. Through interactive exercises, video and audio clips, and large and small group discussion, participants will deepen their understanding of LGBTQIA+ identities and terminology, identify ways to respond effectively when anti-LGBTQIA+ bias is expressed, and integrate LGBTQIA+ content into instruction. Participants will also learn about how the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination protects the rights of LGBTQIA+ students.
Click on a date to register
| October 17, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
| December 13, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
Having Anti-Bias Discussions in Class
This virtual training will address the importance of discussing topics related to prejudice and discrimination in the classroom. Participants will explore guidelines for discussing sensitive topics, how to manage conflict, and pedagogical tools that facilitate critical thinking. Participants will also learn how the NJ Law Against Discrimination protects students and educators from biased-based harassment and discrimination.
Audience: Primary Educators
Click on a date to register
| November 14, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
| February 7, 2024 – 9:30am-11:30am |
Audience: Secondary Educators
Click on a date to register
| October 3, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
| December 6, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
| March 5, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
Understanding the Needs of LGBTQIA+ Youth
New Jersey has been at the forefront of fostering equality for its LGBTQIA+ young people, including strong protections in the NJ Law Against Discrimination, incorporation of LGBTQIA+ content in school curricula, and the extension of rights for transgender people. Yet LGBTQIA+ youth remain at disproportionate risk for bullying, harassment, homelessness, suicide, and involvement in the foster care and law enforcement systems. This interactive training will introduce participants to the varied identities and experiences of LGBTQIA+ youth, explore the types of bias and discrimination they face, and offer strategies for protecting their rights in various settings.
Click on a date to register
| October 11, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
| December 19, 2023 – 9:30am-11:30am |
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