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Alaska StateCommission For Human Rights

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Public Hearing Summaries

In Lynn Dowler vs. Paul Kopf dba Goldstream Store, complainant alleged that respondent’s owner subjected her to a hostile work environment by making derogatory comments about her religion and proselytizing about his own religious beliefs. Complainant alleged that respondent made her working conditions so intolerable that she was forced to resign. After a public hearing, the ALJ issued a recommended decision on November 5, 2010, finding that respondent created a hostile work environment and constructively discharged complainant. On April 8, 2011, the Commission adopted the recommended decision. The Commission awarded complainant $76,853 in damages, plus post-judgment interest, and ordered respondent’s owner and managers to undergo anti-discrimination training and that respondent adopt a nondiscrimination policy.

In Paula M. Haley vs. Harbor Crown Seafoods, Inc., complainant alleged that respondent retaliated against him for complaining that his Filipino coworkers had been discriminated against. Commission staff did not find substantial evidence to support the retaliation allegation, but did find that respondent had discriminated against Filipino employees by subjecting them to a hostile work environment. After an Accusation was filed, Commission staff filed a motion for a default judgment because respondent failed to participate in the hearing process. On September 24, 2010, the ALJ granted the motion and issued a recommended decision requiring respondent to refrain from discriminating against Filipino employees and to obtain training for its managers and employees. On April 7, 2011, the Commission adopted the recommended decision in a final order.

In Nazary J. Buterin Jr. vs. Anchorage Plumbing and Heating, complainant alleged that respondent discriminated against him because of his race, Alaska Native, when it subjected him to different terms and conditions of employment. Complainant also alleged that a coworker made disparaging comments about Alaska Natives, and that after he complained about the comments respondent retaliated against him by terminating his employment. The parties reached a settlement in which respondent agreed to pay complainant $3.850 in damages and to adopt and disseminate a nondiscrimination policy.