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Human Rights Commission logs new complaints, considers guidance and outreach on "right to sit" claims
Summary
At its Jan. 8 meeting the Human Rights Commission reported four new complaints, discussed a pending "right to sit" complaint and possible employer guidance, and considered outreach channels including flyers, CTN and county equity staff.
The Ann Arbor Human Rights Commission reported four new complaints since its last meeting and discussed how to handle a recently filed “right to sit” complaint and related outreach to local employers.
“ We had just 4 new ones,” Commissioner Judith said during the meeting, noting that two of those complaints were filed late last year and two were newly opened since the commission’s last meeting.
Commission members said they are researching legal precedents and outreach strategies. Commissioner Judith said she had found case law from California on a similar ordinance and that a lawyer had provided materials that will help the commission as the complaint develops. She recommended caution in contacting employers directly so complainants do not risk workplace retaliation; another commissioner suggested sending a general advisory letter about the law to employers so businesses receive guidance without knowing a complaint has been filed.
Members discussed who should receive outreach: large local employers, restaurants and host-based businesses, and contractors the city works with. Commissioners suggested working with city communications, the city’s Office of Organizational Equity, community business associations and Washington County equity staff to widen dissemination. Commissioners also asked staff to update the commission flyer and to coordinate an informational item for the city’s cable channel (CTN).
Why it matters: Commissioners said “right to sit” and other new responsibilities expand the commission’s outreach and education obligations and pose potential risks for complainants if employer contact is mishandled. The commission discussed using a general legal guidance letter and partnering with city and county communications staff to share information more broadly.
No formal enforcement action or vote on complaint investigation strategy was taken at the meeting; commissioners directed staff to continue outreach planning and to share relevant legal materials as the case develops.
