Urbana OHRE reports two open race-based employment complaints, MLK events planned

Carla, speaking for the Office of Human Rights and Equity, reported to the Human Rights Commission on Jan. 13 that the office has two open formal employment complaints, both alleging race as the basis for the complaint.

"For formal complaints this month, there are still 2 open complaints. Both are for employment with the basis of race," Carla said. She added that the first case has received an initial response and the complainant will submit rebuttal documentation; in the second case the respondent requested a 30-day extension to provide requested documents and the complainant has been informed.

Carla also described other office activity: an informal housing inquiry in which an inquirer is working with the Champaign Urbana Tenant Union to collect documents and decide whether to file a formal complaint, and one public-accommodation inquiry in which the individual opted not to file a complaint after staff explained the relevant standards. Carla noted that the employer in that public-accommodation query is outside Urbana’s jurisdiction and that staff guided the person to the appropriate venue.

The office announced outreach and events: Chair Anne Panthen and staff will speak to the DEI committee at Clark-Lindsey on Jan. 16; the MLK advocacy-for-justice countywide celebration will be held Jan. 18 at 5 p.m. at Krannert Center Foellinger Hall; and the Unity Breakfast will be Jan. 19 at 8 a.m. at Vineyard Church (Lincoln and Bradley). Staff also noted a BPAC ADA working-group meeting Jan. 20 and said a conference room at City Hall is reserved for commissioners who wish to attend together.

Carla closed the report with a short set of moments in human-rights history read for the day.