2018_0221_HRIEC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Human Rights, Inclusion and Engagement Commission Minutes January 17, 2018 —Draft Minutes Page 3 of 11 states if they believe there is sufficient evidence to support discrimination. If there is sufficient evidence, they will pursue some type of settlement with the employer. Ninety-eight percent of their cases settle at this time, but some employers choose not to, and the case is then forwarded to the Attorney General's office. Of the cases that have gone this far, they have all settled and none have gone to court. Commissioner Reyerson inquired what the primary reasons are for determining non-probable cause. Commissioner Lindsey responded in the employment setting, the employer usually has a reasonable basis for why an employee was terminated or why they decided not to hire an individual. Commissioner Groff inquired if there was a way for them to track cases from Roseville. Commissioner Lindsey responded they can track them when they are closed but, open cases are protected by the Data Practices Act. They published a summary of probable cause cases from 2011 to 2015. Commissioner Manke requested advice on what a City should or should not do within potential cases or avoidance of issues. Commissioner Lindsey stated local Human Rights Commissions do not have the ability to conduct investigations. If they choose to do so, it is expensive, and they need to make sure the originating governmental unit will support their effort to support the law. In response to questions from the Commission, Commissioner Lindsey confirmed they could request a report from the Minnesota Department of Human Services that provides a summary of closed cases in Roseville. He noted the average length of time from investigation to close is a little over a year. They anticipate more sexual harassment cases and national origin cases. Disability cases will remain consistent but will become more of an issue as the City and State grows older. Commissioner Manke inquired about concern with data privacy. Commissioner Lindsey responded once the case is closed, it is the wisdom of the Legislature that requested information of an administrative agency should be provided. Chair Holub inquired what they should advise residents about the process when filing a complaint. Commissioner Lindsey stated it is a free process and people do not need to know the "magic words" to file a complaint. He encouraged them to contact the MN Department of Human Rights, even if they are unsure if it is a chargeable offense.