LOCH SHELDRAKE – A Roundtable on Human Rights was hosted last Wednesday at SUNY Sullivan by the Sullivan County Human Rights Commission (HRC). The event brought together two professional experts, five members of the HRC, and approximately 50 community members for an intense and emotional conversation about housing, discrimination and access to justice in Sullivan County. 

Despite the significance of the issues discussed, the room was only partially filled—a fact some speakers and attendees pointed to as part of a broader community problem of fear, fatigue and discouragement.

The panel was hosted and facilitated by Ramone Wilson, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Sullivan County Human Rights Commission, which has existed since 2005. The featured speakers were acting Supreme Court Justice Danielle Jose-Decker and civil rights attorney Matthew Puluso. HRC members Ari Mir-Pontier, Joel Santiago, Bill Liblick, Miranda Behan and Margaret Gans were also in attendance.

Among those who spoke from the audience was Gordon Jenkins, Village of Monticello Trustee. Jenkins spoke passionately about Sullivan County’s ongoing housing crisis and lack of affordability. 

“People can’t afford to work and live in Sullivan County,” he said. “Housing is expensive, it’s the same price as in Westchester. Wages are low here–it doesn’t add up for most people.” 

Jenkins pointed to the poor turnout as evidence of county “burnout” and suggested that many people fear retaliation and discrimination for speaking up about injustices.  

Puluso acknowledged that fear of retaliation is real, explaining that people who speak up often worry they will be fired, evicted, or socially ostracized. He cited what he described as predatory renting practices and alleged collusion among landlords to increase prices. Puluso emphasized that New York State has laws protecting tenants and that residents do have the right to fight unfair housing practices.

“There are many factors in how cases are ultimately ruled on,” Puluso said, noting the role of judges, evidence and procedure. However, he argued that the more people who resist unlawful practices, the harder it becomes to retaliate against any single “troublemaker.” He also encouraged civic engagement, telling those in attendance that real change requires “putting up good candidates and electing good representatives.”

In further personal testimony, Vanetta Lane of Monticello shared that she was evicted while in the hospital. Although she tried to fight the eviction, she said she had very little support. She recounted that legal aid attempted to assist her at that time but gave up when they encountered resistance from the landlord. 

“Our community is falling apart,” Lane stated. “Why should we continue to speak when nothing is being done?” Lane also shared her ongoing struggles with cancer and disability, affecting both her and her husband, while they were being evicted.

Another attendee, Annette Foy, said she was homeless for three years after her housing was condemned. She has been disappointed by how little support she got. “We have to stand up for ourselves,” she said, drawing applause from the audience.

Several participants expressed distrust in the local court system. One younger woman stated bluntly that she found it difficult to have faith in a system she sees as unfair to Sullivan County residents. In response, Puluso reminded the audience that individuals in housing or civil cases have the right to request a jury trial, and he encouraged them to do so whenever possible. “We are one of just a few countries who have this right,” he emphasized. 

In that same spirit, Justice Danielle Jose-Decker urged residents not to discard jury summons notices when they arrive in the mail. She emphasized the importance of community participation in the judicial process, noting that jury service remains one of the most direct forms of civic engagement in the American legal system. Judge Decker also directed the audience to resources provided on nycourts.gov, including step by step guidance on self-representation, open law libraries, and information on applying for court fee waivers. 

Speaking on the support his office provides to the public, facilitator Ramone Wilson encouraged community members to connect directly with the Human Rights Commission’s office. “Please stop by—we care,” he said. “Even if you feel overwhelmed, use the mechanisms that are there.”

While many speakers expressed frustration, despair and anger, the overall message of the panel was clear: collective action, endurance and engagement in the system are essential if meaningful change is to occur in Sullivan County.