Kalamazoo Civil Rights Board elects chair, names new vice chair and aims to speed complaint referrals

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Kalamazoo City Civil Rights Board elected Kathy Faizon as chair and named Director Sippling as vice chair at its Feb. 4 meeting, and directed staff and subcommittees to tighten complaint-handling steps so referrals to state authorities occur sooner.

The board adopted the meeting agenda and unanimously approved minutes from its Dec. 3, 2025 meeting before moving to leadership elections. A motion to approve Faizon as chair passed after board members cited community support; the board then voted to elect Director Sippling as vice chair.

Why it matters: board leaders set agendas and shape outreach and complaint-handling priorities for the advisory board. Several speakers said the board should be more active in early steps of the complaint process so cases that require state review reach the Michigan Board of Civil Rights within the agency’s statutory timeframe.

Board members reviewed recent work by the education subcommittee, which has met three times and is seeking co‑leadership that includes a board member, a housing advocacy agency and an impacted community member. Director Lukman said the subcommittee is “still seeking a com‑impacted community member to join” and asked the board for recommendations.

Vice chair Sippling presented two trifold brochures — one for renters and one for landlords — that include a process map, QR codes and instructions for filing complaints online or by other methods. Sippling said the brochures are intended to increase accessibility and noted some layout issues that will be corrected before printing.

Board members requested clearer language about the 91‑day timeline listed on the tenant brochure. Director Calderon cautioned that stating ‘‘you have 91 days to file a complaint’’ could be jarring to readers and suggested adding a short explanation of interim steps so people understand what happens before any 91‑day deadline elapses. The board agreed to revise the wording and review proofs before authorizing printing.

The ordinance review subcommittee will consider integrating the process map and examine whether earlier internal steps could shorten delays that risk pushing cases past the Michigan Board of Civil Rights’ investigation window. Vice chair Sippling noted the concern that a 91‑day internal timeline plus reporting delays could exceed state limits and said the subcommittee will explore earlier referral points.

Director Hewitt Smith told the board staff will draft procedures and provide reports to the board after meetings so members hear updates without having to request them.

Votes at a glance: the agenda and minutes were adopted; Kathy Faizon was elected chair; Director Sippling was elected vice chair; the board adjourned at 5:54 p.m.

The board also discussed committee commitment and an open seat on the education subcommittee following a recent resignation; Faizon said interviews are scheduled and she will temporarily fill the role until a replacement is appointed.