Public Hearing Summaries – Commission For Human Rights

In Candice Gardner vs. North Slope Borough School District, Nuiqsut Trapper School, In Candice Gardner v. North Slope Borough School District, Nuiqsut Trapper School, a teacher filed a complaint alleging discrimination based on her race as she was the only black teacher at the school and in the community. Complainant reported fear of returning to the community and school during an approved leave after receiving a photo of a rope one of her students shaped similar to a noose claiming it was for her. 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. A hearing has not yet been scheduled.

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. A hearing was held on May 21, 2018 and the ALJ issued a recommended decision on June 5, 2018. The Commission’s September 11, 2018 final order adopted the recommended decision requiring training for all employees and that complainant’s service animal be allowed access to the facility, subjection to state and/or federal restrictions.

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. . Prior to the scheduled hearing a settlement agreement was approved on April 30, 2018 and complainant received $45,000 for lost wages. Upon completion of all terms of the settlement, a motion to dismiss was granted on October 5, 2018 and the case was closed.

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. Prior to the scheduled hearing a settlement agreement was approved on April 30, 2018. Complainant was paid $224.64 and after respondent met all terms of the agreement, the case was closed.

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. The parties reached a settlement on September 10, 2018 and complainant was paid $8,000 as part of the agreement. Upon completion of the remaining terms of the agreement the case was closed.

In Boris Sar vs. Federal Express Corporation, complainant alleged that respondent discriminated against him based on his disability when it refused to hire him as a courier because he is deaf. On October 10, 2017, the parties reached a settlement under which complainant received $20,000 in supplemental wages. The Commission dismissed the case on November 9, 2017.