In March, Northampton County Council unanimously adopted a Human Relations Ordinance intended to resolve claims of discrimination in a timely manner pursuant to the county's police powers. The 34-page document is the handiwork of Council member Jason Boulette.
The purpose of the ordinance is to "declare [the county's intent] to promote the rights and opportunities of all persons to participate in the social, cultural, recreational, and economic life of the County and to assure equal opportunity for all persons concerning employment, housing, education, health care, and use of public accommodations without regard to actual or perceived race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical marital status, familial status, GED rather than high school diploma, or mental disability, relationship or association with a disabled person, source of income, age, height, weight, veteran status, use of guide or support animals and/or mechanical aids, or domestic or sexual violence victim status."
The Commission envisaged by this ordinance consists of seven members appointed by the Executive, which County Council can confirm or reject. Members will reflect the diversity of protected classes. If the commission finds that a complaint of discrimination is substantiated, it can fine the offender up to $600.
Yesterday, Northampton County Deputy Administrator Jessica Berger issued a call for volunteers who are NorCo residents "with an interest in public service, community engagement, civil rights, human relations, education, advocacy, mediation, or related fields are encouraged to apply for consideration."
If you'd like to be a "Commissioner," send your resume and home address to Berger at JBerger@norcopa.gov. Your application is due May 27.
12 comments:
Sultana - the obvious choice
Isn’t a courtroom with an impartial judge or jury the proper place to resolve such claims?
Instead, they are setting up a commission of seven people with an agenda do determine guilt or innocence.
This is nothing but the latest scheme to undermine our judicial system.
More government bureaucracy that is not needed.
Who will perform investigations for the Commission? Do they need volunteers for that function too?
I like Jason's approach to his office-thoughtful and considered. But this seems like a solution in search of a problem
When you actually think about this legislation, it is nuts. For example, "denying education" because of all of these criteria could lead to private institutions or co-ops being forced to to take students diametrically opposed to their mission or religion. My children attend a hybrid education service and one of the perks is that they do not support trans propaganda or behavior promoting such from parents or students. Is this kangaroo court now going to come after them?
You should tell us who you are so we know you’re a bigot!
You are absolutely right, this is just Jason trying to make a name for himself for his next office run. What district does he live in? What state seat will he be chasing?
This likely will not go well and be full of nonsense cases. Since this will be a quasi-judicial bodyI’ll presume it will be banned by law from recording and being televised, so if you want watch this disaster, you’ll have to travel to the courthouse at watch it person. Another way to limit people from really knowing whats going on.
Hahahahaha…yes, oblivious !!!
“Members will reflect the diversity of protected classes.” What could possibly go wrong? How is this even legal?
Some replies to a few of the comments here.
"This is nothing but the latest scheme to undermine our judicial system."
This doesn't really qualify as a "latest scheme." The local commission is authorized under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act of 1955, which created the state's Human Relations Commission and specifically empowered lower level governments to create their own. Aside from being on the books for 71 years, this law has been repeatedly updated and affirmed by the state legislature and the governors on a bipartisan basis.
"Isn’t a courtroom with an impartial judge or jury the proper place to resolve such claims?"
The Human Relations Commission doesn't foreclose anyone's rights to an impartial judge or jury. If someone feels aggrieved by the actions or inactions of the Commission, the Court of Common Pleas is still available as a recourse.
"Instead, they are setting up a commission of seven people with an agenda do determine guilt or innocence."
It's not really about guilt or innocence. In the other counties that have implemented commissions in recent years, they've yet to actually level penalties against anyone -- each case has been able to be resolved through mediation. And I'm hopeful that's the outcome we'll get here in Northampton County.
"Since this will be a quasi-judicial bodyI’ll presume it will be banned by law from recording and being televised, so if you want watch this disaster, you’ll have to travel to the courthouse at watch it person. Another way to limit people from really knowing whats going on."
The meetings are required to conform to the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act. The ordinance authorizes virtual meetings, and the Commission will be encouraged to meet virtually (with open access to the general public) precisely because it's easier for people to attend. It is not, in fact, banned by law from being recorded or televised. On the contrary, it is required to maintain minutes of meetings and recordings of any hearing.
"I like Jason's approach to his office-thoughtful and considered. But this seems like a solution in search of a problem"
I appreciate the kind words. I don't expect the caseload for the Commission to be massive, but I do think this ordinance is needed. Further, the past two years have seen similar ordinances passed in Lehigh, Montgomery, and Delaware Counties. So I don't see any reason for Northampton not to join their ranks in prohibiting discrimination.
"Who will perform investigations for the Commission? Do they need volunteers for that function too?"
The members of the Commission can serve as investigators with limited (and discretionary) assistance from county personnel.
"You are absolutely right, this is just Jason trying to make a name for himself for his next office run."
I have a full time job I'm happy with and I'm not looking any further ahead than the office I was elected to.
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