Stairway to Heaven September 25, 2019 A Juneau resident with a disability signed a residential lease for an apartment in respondent’s multi-unit property. Complainant later questioned the safety and accessibility of the exterior staircase, which provided the only access to the apartment, and requested that she be allowed to access the unit using an interior staircase. Respondent contended that the interior staircase was for the exclusive use of another tenant and rescinded the lease. Investigation found that the property owner did not engage in good faith interactive dialogue with complainant to determine whether she could be reasonably accommodated. The parties entered into a settlement agreement requiring that respondent undergo anti-discrimination training.
Taken to the Cleaners September 25, 2019 A custodian alleged that her former employer discriminated against her on the basis of her sex and retaliated against her for complaining of discrimination when the employer allegedly subjected her to derogatory and offensive comments and conduct on the basis of her sex, and later subjected her to different terms and conditions than her male colleagues when she complained of discrimination. The parties mediated the complaint and a settlement was reached. Under the settlement, the employer agreed to pay the custodian a total of $45,000.
Lessons Learned September 25, 2019 Complainant filed a complaint on behalf of her minor daughter, alleging that the respondent school district subjected her daughter to less favorable treatment than male athletes. Complainant alleged that after a school board member complained that the girls’ volleyball uniforms were inappropriate following an impromptu poll of parents and spectators, respondent reallocated money and ordered new girls’ volleyball uniform shorts without consulting the team’s head coach or players. Investigation found that respondent does not unilaterally alter the uniform guidelines of the male athletic teams based on impromptu opinion polls. The respondent and the Commission reached a settlement in which respondent agreed to adopt a non-discriminatory policy and provide anti-discrimination training to its school board members, superintendent, principal, vice principal and coaches.
Milk for the Baby September 25, 2019 A medical worker alleged that her employer discriminated against her on the basis of her pregnancy when the employer failed to provide the appropriate time and a designated space for the employee to pump breast milk while at work. The parties mediated the complaint and a settlement was reached. Under the settlement, the employer agreed to pay the employee $1,500 and agreed to immediately provide the time, as well as a designated space, for the employee to pump breast milk while at work. The employer also agreed to update their policy on this matter.
Mistreated Machinist September 25, 2019 A machinist alleged that his former employer discriminated against him by treating him as disabled when the employer terminated the machinist’s employment after he experienced non-work-related injuries and returned to work with restrictions. The parties mediated the complaint and a settlement was reached. Under the settlement, the employer agreed to pay the former employee the sum of $20,000.00.