Human Rights Commission Accusations – Commission For Human Rights

An accusation is a formal complaint filed after Commission staff have investigated a case, determined that there is substantial evidence of discrimination, and the parties have been unable to conciliate the case. Listed below are recent cases in which accusations (formerly called complaints) have been filed.

The following accusations contain allegations that, unless otherwise indicated, have not been proven.

Click the case title to view the accusation document (pdf). In cases where the Commission has issued a decision, click on “Download Related Record” to view the decision in PDF format

Candice Gardner vs. North Slope Borough School District, Nuiqsut Trapper School

Type: Accusation
Date: November 17, 2017
Basis: Race, Retaliation
Resolution: Active Case
Pubic hearing summary:
a teacher filed a complaint alleging discrimination based on her race. She was the only black teacher at the school and in the community, and allegedly faced increasing race-related incidents, including a racial epithet spray-painted on the outside of the school. Complainant reported fear of returning to the community and school because while on approved leave she received a photo of a rope one of her students shaped into a circle and held over another student’s head claiming it was for Gardner. Complainant further alleged constructive discharge when her reports were not taken seriously. Commission staff reviewed both claims and found substantial evidence of discrimination and retaliation. Efforts to settle this matter failed and an Accusation was filed with the Commission on August 24, 2020. Complainant subsequently withdrew her claim to pursue a private action. The Executive Director substituted to pursue the Commission’s public policy concerns. Conciliation failed a second time, and an Accusation was subsequently filed. As of March 31, 2022, efforts to settle the matter were ongoing, and a hearing was scheduled to begin August 8, 2022.

Demetrie Alexander vs. Alaska State Commission for Human Rights

Type: Accusation
Date: August 9, 2017
Basis: Race
Resolution: Appeal
Pubic hearing summary:
Appellant alleged that the Alaska Court System discriminated against him based on his race, Alaska Native, when it terminated his employment as a magistrate judge. The Commission found no substantial evidence of discrimination and closed the case. On August 9, 2017, Appellant appealed to the Alaska Superior Court. The court stayed the administrative appeal on February 28, 2018, after Appellant filed a civil action (4FA-18-01372CI) based on the same facts as those alleged to the Commission. As of March 31, 2022, the appellate case remains stayed while the private civil action is ongoing.