Public Hearing Summaries – Commission For Human Rights

In David Ponte-Thomas vs. K & G Enterprises, LLC, dba Evangelo's Restaurant, complainant alleged that respondent treated him as a person with a disability after he suffered an on-the-job injury. Although complainant provided a release from his doctor, respondent hired a new employee for the same position. The Notice of Commencement was received on January 30, 2018. A hearing date has not yet been scheduled.

In Russell Baker vs. Guardian Flight, complainant alleged that respondent discriminated against him based on his age when it terminated his employment while retaining younger, less experienced pilots. When respondent subsequently hired additional pilots, complainant was not considered for re-employment. Complainant also alleged that respondent retaliated against him for filing complaints of discrimination. The parties are currently in the process of negotiating the terms of a settlement.

In Thailando Linnear vs. Quantum Investments, LLC d/b/a Barratt Inn Anchorage Airport, complainant alleged that respondent discriminated against him based on his disability when it refused to allow complainant to stay at its hotel with his service animal. The parties have not been able to reach a settlement so the Executive Director has requested an expedited hearing.

In Steven Govatos vs. ASRC Energy Services Alaska, Inc., complainant alleged that respondent discriminated against him by refusing to accommodate his mental disability. When complainant refused to change his prescribed medication respondent terminated his employment. A hearing in this case is scheduled for May 7-10, 2018.

In Randall Danes vs. State of Alaska, Dept. of Corrections, Division of Institutions, complainant alleged that respondent discriminated against him based on his physical disability when it denied complainant’s requests for a sign language interpreter to allow him the same benefits offered to other inmates. A settlement was approved on April 12, 2017. Upon completion of all terms of the agreement, the file was closed on January 30, 2018.

In Charlie Kanayurak vs. North Slope Borough Fire Department, complainant alleged that respondent discriminated against him based on his parenthood and his association with a person with a physical disability. Complainant alleged he was not treated the same as other employees under similar circumstances. A hearing is scheduled for April 17-18, 2018.

In Francis Roach vs. Friendship Mission, complainant alleged that respondent discriminated against him based on his disability when respondent refused his service dog admission into its homeless shelter. The parties agreed that the case should be subject to summary adjudication and briefing. On July 18, 2017, the ALJ issued a recommended decision finding that respondent was not a “place of public accommodation” and recommending dismissal of the case. The Executive Director filed an objection on August 25, 2017, asserting that the obligation to interpret the Human Rights Law broadly, which would compel assessment of the relevant facts in each case. In a revised recommended decision issued on August 29, 2017, the ALJ reached the same conclusion. The Commission dismissed the case on October 30, 2017, noting that the decision was limited to the facts of this particular case and did not establish a broad rule regarding public accommodation provisions to homeless shelters.

In Jessica Walker vs. Trident Seafoods Corporation, complainant alleged that respondent discriminated against her based on her pregnancy when it terminated her employment after learning that she was pregnant. Although respondent offered complainant a different position, it was not comparable in terms of hours or compensation. A hearing has been scheduled for July 9-13, 2018.