1. What is the Human Relations Commission?
2. Who may file a complaint?
3. What can the Commission do if they find discrimination?
4. What are some remedies that may be ordered by the Commission?
5. What is the difference between "Human Resources" and
"Human Relations"?
6. How can I find out more about the Commission on Human Relations?
1. What is the Human Relations Commission?
The Human Relations Commission is a city agency whose mission is
to eliminate discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations
through education and the enforcement of civil rights law.
The Commission also investigates civil rights violations involving
City employees and any incident or circumstances which adversely
affect intergroup relations within the City of Pittsburgh.
The 15 persons who are members of the Human Relations Commission
serve without pay and are appointed to four-year terms of office
by the Mayor. The Human Relations Commission employs a director
and staff. In addition to reviewing the findings of staff,
the Commission may hold public hearings, subpoenas witnesses and
compel their attendance, require the production of evidence, make
findings of fact, issue orders and publish such findings of fact
and orders.
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2. Who may file a complaint?
Any person, group of persons or organization(s) claiming to be
harmed by an alleged unlawful discriminatory act may file a complaint.
Complaints must be filed within one year from the date of the alleged
unlawful act. There is no charge for filing a complaint with
the Commission on Human Relations.
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3. What can the Commission do if they find discrimination?
If, after an investigation, the Commission finds that an unlawful, discriminatory act may have taken place, it tries to resolve the complaint. This may be achieved by having all parties to the
complaint attend a conference where each party has an opportunity to tell their side or by means of conciliation and persuasion. If its attempts at resolving the problem are unsuccessful, the case is scheduled for
a public hearing.
A public hearing is a formal judicial process at which all parties
are present. The parties may be represented by an attorney,
if they choose. Evidence is presented and testimony is taken
under oath, in much the same way as in a court trial. The
public hearing is presided over by one or more Commissioners who
are responsible for reviewing the evidence and testimony and then
issuing a decision.
If
it is determined that, indeed, one of the parties has engaged in an unlawful discriminatory practice, the Commission issues an order for that party to cease such practice and to provide remedies which will help resolve
the harm which resulted in the initial complaint being filed. A Commission order is fully enforceable and may be appealed in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County.
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4. What are some remedies which may be ordered
by the Commission?
In employment cases, remedies may include, but are not necessarily
limited to, repayment of wages or benefits lost, reinstatement,
promotion or transfer to the position being sought, or admission
to or restoration of membership in any labor organization, as well
as reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees.
Possible housing remedies may include the purchase, rental or lease
of the home or apartment sought, upon equal terms, conditions, facilities,
services and privileges, reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
and reimbursement of reasonable attorney fees.
In public accommodation cases, a charging party, upon final determination
of a case, may receive the advantages, facilities, services, privileges,
product or goods of the Respondent place of resort, recreation,
or amusement, payment of verifiable and reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses, and other legal, affirmative or equitable actions which
may be determined by the Commission.
5.
What is the difference between "Human Resources" and "Human
Relations?"
"Human
Resources" is another term for personnel -- the people who
work for an employer. Many organizations view their employees
as "resources" needed to accomplish the goals and objectives
of their organization. Therefore, they changed their organizational
framework from "personnel" to "human resources."
"Human
Relations" is a term having to do with state or local government
agencies which are charged with the administration and enforcement
of laws prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing and public
accommodations. In addition, the Human Relations Commission conducts
educational programs and studies and investigates any conditions
having an adverse affect on intergroup relations.
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6. How can I find out more
about the Commission on Human Relations?
For more information, please contact the Commission. Our
offices are located at 908 City-County Building, 414 Grant Street,
Pittsburgh, PA 15219-2464. Or call (412) 255-2600.
Our office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The phone answers 24 hours a day. Professional staff are available
to assist you during normal business hours.
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