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Commission on Human Rights
Kentucky Human Rights Commission rules on discrimination complaints at June meeting
FRIDAY JUNE 24 2011 LOUISVILLE, KY - The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights Board of Commissioners yesterday at its Louisville headquarters ruled on discrimination complaints brought by people in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The board approved four conciliation agreements (similar to settlements), dismissed 41 cases with findings of no probable cause to prove that discrimination occurred, accepted one settlement withdrawal request granting the right for the complainant to file a private civil suit, and accepted eight settlements with private compensation dollar amounts and private terms.
The board approved four mediations, a process employed by the commission that provides face-to-face negotiations between complaints and respondents with commission attorneys acting as neutral mediators. One mediation case resulted in $42,000 for the complainant. One mediation case resulted in the complainant receiving his job back with back pay. Another mediation case resulted in a $1,000 lump sum to the complainant and unemployment benefits for the complainant.
Conciliation Agreements:
Complaint Number 1583-H, Sara Henry and Anthony Johnson v. Garry and Dianne Milton in Lexington, Ky.: Henry and Johnson alleged the property owners discriminated against them based on the protected class of race in the area of housing. This would be a violation of the U.S. and Kentucky Civil Rights acts. Henry and Johnson said the Miltons treated them differently than white tenants and evicted them because of their race. The Miltons asserted they evicted the tenants for non-payment of rent and property damage. The respondents denied any illegal discrimination and maintained they comply with the Kentucky Civil Rights Act. Before the commission staff investigation was complete, the parties agreed to resolve the matter with a conciliation agreement. The Miltons compensated the complainants in the amount of $1,373.38. The respondents agreed to undergo civil rights law compliance training and undergo compliance monitoring for one year.
Complaint Number 1595-H, Scott Swansegar v. Penny Wood in Bardstown, Ky.: Scott Swansegar alleged Penny Wood discriminated against him based on disability in housing. This would be a violation of the U.S. and Kentucky Civil Rights acts. Swansegar alleged Wood denied him the reasonable accommodation of having a service animal should he rent property from the respondent. Wood asserted the complainant became irate when she explained she does not allow pets at the rental property. The respondent denied any illegal discrimination and maintained she complies with the Kentucky Civil Rights Act. Before the commission staff investigation was complete, the parties agreed to resolve the matter with a conciliation agreement. Wood agreed to undergo civil rights compliance training and undergo compliance monitoring by the commission for three years.
Complaint Number 1596-H, Scott Swansegar v. Murray Properties LLC, James Murray, owner, in Harrodsburg, Ky.: The complainant alleged James Murray discriminated against him based on disability in the area of housing. This would be a violation of the U.S. and Kentucky Civil Rights acts. Swansegar alleged Murray denied him the reasonable accommodation of a service animal when he inquired about rental property. The landlord asserted the complainant disconnected the call before the respondent could discuss permitting the complainant to have his service animal in a rental. Murray denied any unlawful allegations and maintained he complies with civil rights laws. Before the commission investigation was complete, the parties agreed to resolve the matter in a conciliation agreement. Murray agreed to undergo civil rights compliance training and undergo compliance monitoring by the commission for three years.
Complaint Number 1590-H, KaJuan Kennedy v. Franklin Asset Mgt. as Willow Creek Apts. in Radcliff, Ky.: The complainant alleged she was discriminated against on the basis of race, African American, and familial status, a pregnant female. This would be a violation of the U.S. and Kentucky Civil Rights acts. Kennedy said Willow Creek sent her undeserved eviction and lease termination notices. She alleged the respondent and a white resident had a conversation in which disparaging remarks about her race were made. She believed she was treated differently than white residents in similar circumstances who were not given notices. The respondent alleged it served the notices to Kennedy because her lease application was deceptive and for disturbing the peace. The respondent denied any unlawful conduct. Before the investigation was complete, the parties agreed to conciliate. The complainant was moved from a one to a two bedroom apartment. The respondent agreed to undergo civil rights compliance training and monitoring.
The Kentucky Commission on Human Rights is the state government agency that enforces the Kentucky Civil Rights Act and the U.S. Civil Rights Act. These laws protect people from discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, age, and tobacco-smoking status. The classes are protected with varying stipulations in the areas of housing, employment, public accommodations and financial transactions.
People may contact the commission for help with discrimination by calling 1.800.292.5566. To learn more about civil rights, visit the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights website at www.kchr.ky.gov. From the homepage, find the links to the commission Face Book and Twitter pages to follow civil and human rights-related news stories.
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