Case Summaries

Complainant alleged she was subjected to unwanted comments of a sexual nature, which caused a hostile work environment. A Resolution Conference was held May 26, 2022, wherein both parties entered into a Pre-Determination Settlement Agreement with Respondent compensating Complainant $1,000.00, adopting a non-discrimination policy, and training all employees. Efforts to enforce the Pre-Determination Settlement Agreement failed April 13, 2023. Given the amount of time that has passed since Respondent stopped complying with the Pre-Determination Settlement  Agreement, and the fact that Complainant has received their monetary relief, it was decided that further enforcement efforts would not be a good use of Commission resources. This case is now closed.

Complainant’s mother filed a complaint on behalf of her minor daughter alleging she was sexually harassed by a male co-worker her first week of employment. Management spoke to the co-worker
and placed him on leave. The harassment continued when he returned. The second time Complainant reported harassment, management informed her they didn’t know what to do. A Resolution Conference was held on November 14, 2022, with both parties agreeing in principle to enter into a Pre-Determination Settlement Agreement. However, after the Resolution Conference, Complainant withdrew her oral acceptance of the Pre-Determination Settlement Agreement because she wanted greater financial compensation. On August 31, 2023, the Commission entered into a two-party agreement with Respondent. All terms and conditions of the agreement have been met and the case is closed.

Complainant alleged Respondent discriminated against their non-binary child on the basis of their sex when Respondent’s manager refused to refer to their child by their chosen name and told them
they were unwelcome, resulting in the child’s resignation. The parties entered into a Pre-Determination Settlement Agreement in which Respondent agreed to compensate Complainant $500, provide a written apology, adopt a non-discrimination policy, and appropriately train its employees. The Commission was informed on May 19, 2023, that only management staff had been trained. On or about August 2, 2023, Respondent filed Articles of Dissolution with the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. A closing order was issued March 6, 2024, after research by Commission staff found no successor to the business entity.

Complainant alleged she was discriminated against because she was pregnant. Complainant reported that during a job interview she told Respondent she was pregnant and would need to attend doctor appointments occasionally. Respondent terminated the interview telling Complainant it would not hire pregnant people. Staff conciliated the case and are monitoring compliance with the terms of the agreement.

Complainant alleged she was prohibited from accompanying their minor child into an exam room with Complainant’s service dog. When Complainant offered to show proof their service animal is
legitimate, Respondent refused stating that “the dog will introduce bacteria” into the exam room and refused to offer a reasonable accommodation. A Resolution Conference was held on March 30, 2023, with neither side coming to an agreement. An investigation determined there was substantial evidence, and a determination was issued June 30, 2023. Both parties entered into an agreement on December 1, 2023, agreeing to issue an apology letter to Complainant. Respondent had previously performed training and refreshed their public accommodations training outside of an agreement and agreed that they would continue annual training. Respondent completed the terms of the agreement and the case was closed January 25, 2024.