[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the Township
of Haverford 2-18-2011 by Ord. No. 2626. Amendments noted where
applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Agencies, boards and commissions — See Ch. 8.
A.
In order to ensure that all persons, regardless of race, color, religious
creed, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, handicap or disability,
use of guide or support animals because of the blindness, deafness
or physical handicap of the user or because the user is a handler
or trainer of support or guide animals, or because of a person's
sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression enjoy the
full benefits of citizenship and are afforded equal opportunities
for employment, housing, commercial property, and the use of public
accommodations, it is necessary that appropriate legislation be enacted.
B.
It is hereby declared to be the public policy of Haverford Township
to foster the employment of all individuals in accordance with their
fullest capacities regardless of their race, color, religious creed,
ancestry, age, sex, national origin, handicap or disability, use of
guide or support animals because of the blindness, deafness or physical
handicap of the user or because the user is a handler or trainer of
support or guide animals, or because of a person's sexual orientation,
gender identity or gender expression.
C.
It is the intention of this chapter that all persons be treated fairly
and equally, and it is the express intent of this chapter to guarantee
fair and equal treatment under the law to all people of the Township.
D.
This chapter shall be deemed an exercise of the police power of Haverford
Township for the protection of the public welfare, prosperity, health
and peace of the Township, its residents and the Haverford Township
community.
E.
No power or duty granted hereunder to the Haverford Human Relations
Commission is intended to exceed nor shall it be construed as exceeding
those powers and duties granted to the Pennsylvania Human Relations
Commission by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, the Act of October
27, 1955[1] as amended.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 43 P.S. § 951 et seq.
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall
have the meanings given to them in this subsection. To the extent
words and phrases appearing in this chapter are not expressly defined
herein, their meaning for purposes of this chapter shall be the same
as such words are defined in the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act,
and such words, if not therein defined, shall be construed consistently
with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.[1]
The duly elected Board of Commissioners of Haverford Township.
Any discriminatory act(s) taken by any person, employer,
entity, employment agency, or labor organization, with respect to
or involving a transaction related to employment, public accommodations,
commercial property or housing accommodations, on the basis of a person's
race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, sex, national origin,
handicap or disability, use of guide or support animals because of
the blindness, deafness or physical handicap of the user or because
the user is a handler or trainer of support or guide animals, or a
person's actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity
or gender expression.
All acts or actions defined in the Pennsylvania Human Relations
Act as unlawful discriminatory practices as related to employment,
public accommodations, commercial property or housing accommodations,
when those acts or actions are taken on the basis of a person's
race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, sex, national origin,
handicap or disability, use of guide or support animals because of
the blindness, deafness or physical handicap of the user or because
the user is a handler or trainer of support or guide animals, or a
person's actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity
or gender expression.
Any person, including the Township, its departments, boards
and commissions, and any other government agency or school district
within its jurisdiction, and any person employing four or more persons
within the Township, but except as hereinafter provided, does not
include religious, fraternal, charitable or sectarian corporations
or associations, except such corporations or associations supported,
in whole or in part, by governmental appropriations. The term "employer"
with respect to discriminatory practices based on race, color, age,
sex, national origin, non-job-related handicap or disability, includes
religious, fraternal, charitable and sectarian corporations and associations
employing four or more persons within the Township. The term "employer"
excludes persons acting in a supervisory capacity unless they are
an owner of the entity employing the complainant.
The manner in which a person's gender identity is communicated
to or perceived by others, through appearance, behavior, or physical
characteristics that may be in accord with, or opposed to, one's
physical anatomy, chromosomal sex, or sex at birth, and shall include,
but is not limited to, persons who are undergoing or have completed
sex change.
The gender(s), or lack thereof, a person self-identifies
as, whether or not based on biological fact or sexual orientation.
Includes:
Any building, structure, mobile home site or facility, or portion
thereof, which is used or occupied or is intended, arranged or designed
to be used or occupied as the home residence or sleeping place of
one or more individuals, groups or families whether or not living
independently of each other; and
Any vacant land offered for sale, lease or held for the purpose
of constructing or locating thereon any such building, structure,
mobile home site or facility.
The term "housing accommodation" shall not include any personal
residence offered for accommodation by the owner or lessee thereof
or by his or her broker, salesperson, agent or employee.
One or more individuals, partnerships, associations, organizations,
corporations, limited liability entities, legal representatives, trustees
in bankruptcy or receivers, including by not limited to any owner,
lessor, assignor, builder, manager, broker, salesman, agent, employee,
independent contractor, lending institution and the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, and all political subdivisions, authorities, boards
and commissions thereof.
Any accommodation, resort or amusement which is open to,
accepts or solicits the patronage of the general public, but shall
not include any accommodations which are in their nature distinctly
private.
Actual or perceived homosexuality, heterosexuality and/or
bisexuality.
The Township of Haverford, County of Delaware, Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 43 P.S. § 951 et seq.
A.
Discrimination in housing, commercial property transactions, employment
or public accommodations is prohibited under this chapter.
B.
Retaliation against any individual because such individual has opposed
any practice forbidden by this chapter, or because such individual
has made a charge, testified or assisted in any manner in any investigation,
proceeding or hearing under this chapter is prohibited under this
chapter.
C.
Aiding, abetting, inciting, compelling or coercing the doing of any
act declared by this chapter to be an unlawful practice, or obstructing
or preventing any person from complying with the provisions of this
chapter is prohibited under this chapter.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, it shall
not be an unlawful practice for a religious corporation or association,
not supported in whole or in part by governmental appropriations,
to refuse to hire, employ, house or otherwise accommodate an individual
on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity
or gender expression, nor shall an employer be prevented from enforcing
a dress code which is reasonably related to the business or profession
being conducted.
A.
Pursuant to Section 962.1 of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act,[1] there is hereby established a Human Relations Commission
in and for the Township of Haverford (hereinafter referred to as the
"Haverford Township Human Relations Commission" or the "Commission").
[1]
Editor's Note: See 43 P.S. 962.1.
B.
The Commission shall consist of seven members who shall serve overlapping
terms of three years each. All members of the Commission shall be
appointed by the Board of Commissioners. Members shall be residents
of Haverford Township. No member of the Commission shall hold any
office in any political party. Members of the Commission shall serve
without salary but may be paid expenses incurred in the performance
of their duties, as approved by the Board of Commissioners. Paid staff
may be hired, as approved by the Board of Commissioners, to assist
in the performance of the duties of the Commission.
C.
One of the Commission's members shall be appointed by the members
thereof as Chairperson. The Chairperson will be responsible for setting
Commission meetings, coordinating with the Township Manager regarding
received complaints and answers, and generally ensuring that the duties
of the Commission are fulfilled. The Chairperson may delegate responsibility
for Commission duties to specific Commissioners or to paid staff,
if applicable.
D.
The Commission shall have jurisdiction over discriminatory acts committed
within the Township of Haverford.
E.
The Board of Commissioners hereby grants to the Commission, with
respect to discriminatory acts as defined herein, all of the powers
necessary to the execution of its duties as set forth below, provided
that those powers shall not exceed those exercised by the Pennsylvania
Human Relations Commission under the Pennsylvania Human Relations
Act.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: See 43 P.S. § 951 et seq.
F.
The Commission shall be empowered to promulgate such additional procedures
to those set forth herein as it determines to be necessary or desirable
to implement the intent of this chapter.
A.
Filing a complaint.
(1)
Any person(s) claiming to be aggrieved by a discriminatory act may
make, sign and file a verified complaint alleging violations of this
chapter, which shall include the following information:
(a)
The name and address of the aggrieved person(s);
(b)
The name and address of the person(s) alleged to have committed
the prohibited practice;
(c)
A concise statement of the facts, including pertinent dates,
constituting the alleged discriminatory act;
(d)
If applicable, the address and a description of any property
which is involved; and
(e)
Such other information as may be required by the Commission.
(2)
Complaints may be filed in person or by mail at the Township Manager's
office. All complaints must be received by the Township Manager's
office within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory act, or the complaint
will not be considered timely.
(3)
The Township Manager shall convey each original complaint received
by the Township to the Chairperson of the Haverford Township Human
Relations Commission within 10 days of the receipt of such complaint.
B.
Notification and answer.
(1)
Within 30 days of its receipt of a complaint, the Haverford Township
Human Relations Commission shall determine if it has jurisdiction
hereunder to hear the complaint. If the Commission determines that
it does not have such jurisdiction, it shall dismiss the complaint
and notify the aggrieved party. If the Commission determines it has
jurisdiction to hear the complaint, it shall proceed as follows:
(a)
Send a copy of the complaint to the person(s) charged with a
discriminatory act (the "respondent") and to the Pennsylvania Human
Relations Commission; and
(b)
Send a notice to the person(s) aggrieved (the "complainant"),
informing them that the complaint has been received. If the complaint
alleges discrimination on a basis proscribed under state or federal
law, the notice shall advise the complainant and shall also inform
them of their right to cross-file with the Pennsylvania Human Relations
Commission and/or Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
(2)
The respondent shall file with the Township Manager a written verified
answer to the complaint within 30 days of the respondent's receipt
of the complaint from the Township. It shall be conveyed by the Township
Manager to the Chairperson of the Haverford Township Human Relations
Commission within 10 days of its receipt by the Township Manager.
The Commission shall promptly send a copy of the answer to the complainant.
C.
Mediation.
(1)
After the answer has been received, the Commission shall, within
15 days, invite the parties to voluntarily participate in the mediation
of their dispute. The parties shall respond to the invitation to mediate
within 15 days of being invited to mediate. Mediation shall be conducted
in accordance with procedures promulgated by the Commission.
(2)
If mediation is elected by the parties, the parties may jointly select
a mediator, in which case they shall be jointly responsible for all
financial costs and expenses associated with mediation. If the parties
do not jointly select a mediator, pursuant to procedures promulgated
by the Commission, the Chairperson of the Commission shall select
a mediator, who may be a member of the Commission, a volunteer from
the community, or a contracted mediation service. The Commission shall
use cost-free volunteer mediators only, unless funds are approved
for contracted mediation services by the Board of Commissioners, or
are obtained from an outside funding source.
(3)
The parties shall notify the Commission as to whether the mediation
successfully resolved the complaint. Mediation proceedings shall otherwise
be confidential. Neither the results thereof nor any record made in
connection therewith shall be made public unless agreed to in writing
by both parties to the dispute.
(4)
Dismissal of the complaint following mediation.
(a)
If the mediation has successfully resolved the complaint, the
Commission shall promptly notify the parties that it has dismissed
the complaint.
(b)
If the mediation has not successfully resolved the complaint,
and if the complaint alleges only a violation(s) proscribed under
the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act,[1] the Commission shall notify the parties that the complaint
has been dismissed, but that the complainant has the right to pursue
the complaint before the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 43 P.S. § 951 et seq.
(c)
Provided the Commission has not elected under Subsection D below to use expanded procedures, the Commission shall, following unsuccessful mediation of a complaint which does not allege a violation under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, promptly notify the parties that it has dismissed the complaint. This notice shall also indicate that the complainant has a right to pursue the matter in court for any violations of this chapter, and shall have available rights and remedies at law and in equity, including those set forth in § 183-6D(10) hereafter.
D.
Expanded procedures. If mediation was not successful in resolving
the complaint, and the Commission has adopted expanded procedures,
the Commission shall not dismiss the complaint but shall instead undertake
the following procedures.
(1)
Investigation. The Commission shall, in a timely fashion, investigate
the allegations of a discriminatory act set forth in the complaint
by designating an investigator, who may be a member of the Commission.
The Commission may, in the conduct of such investigation and upon
request of the investigator, issue subpoenas to any person charged
with a discriminatory act, commanding such person to furnish information,
records or other documents, as necessary to assist in the Commission's
investigation.
(2)
Finding of no cause. If it shall be determined after the Commission's
investigation that there is no basis for the allegations of the complaint,
the Commission shall cause to be issued and served upon the parties
written notice of such determination and dismissal of the complaint.
This notice shall inform the person aggrieved that he/she has the
right to pursue the matter in court.
(3)
Conciliation. If the Commission, after investigation, determines
that probable cause exists for the allegations of the complaint, the
Commission shall immediately endeavor to eliminate the discriminatory
act complained of by persuasion, conference and conciliation. If it
determines that conciliation may be a useful approach, the Commission
shall designate one of its members as a conciliator, who shall undertake
conciliation following procedures promulgated by the Commission.
(4)
Public hearing.
(a)
If the Commission finds it is not possible to eliminate the
discriminatory act by persuasion, conference and conciliation, the
Commission, in its discretion, shall cause to be issued and served
a written notice scheduling a hearing before the Commission at a time
and place to be specified in such notice.
(b)
The Commission may designate one or more of its members to preside
at such a hearing or it may, at its election, conduct such hearing
en banc. Any Commission member who acted as an investigator or conciliator
shall not participate in such hearing except as a witness to present
the results of the investigation.
(c)
At the public hearing, both the complainant and the respondent
shall be given the opportunity to appear, with or without counsel,
to provide testimony and submit evidence. Formal rules of evidence
shall not apply, but irrelevant or unduly repetitious evidence may
be excluded by the Commission in its discretion. In addition, both
the complainant and the respondent may introduce the testimony of
additional witnesses and may submit documentary evidence.
(d)
At the public hearing, the Commission shall be represented by
the Township Solicitor. A court reporter shall make a formal record
of the proceedings.
(5)
Findings and award. If, upon all the evidence at the hearing, the
Commission shall find that a respondent has engaged in or is engaging
in any unlawful discriminatory act as defined in this chapter, the
Commission shall state its findings of fact and shall issue and cause
to be served on such respondent an order requiring such respondent
to cease and desist from such unlawful discriminatory act and to take
such affirmative action, including, but not limited to reimbursement
of certifiable travel expenses in matters involving the complaint,
compensation for loss of work in matters involving the complaint,
hiring, reinstatement or upgrading of employees, with or without back
pay, admission or restoration to membership in any respondent labor
organization, the making of reasonable accommodations, or selling
or leasing specified housing accommodations or commercial property
upon such equal terms and conditions and with such equal facilities,
services and privileges or lending money, whether or not secured by
mortgage or otherwise for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation,
repair or maintenance of housing accommodations or commercial property,
upon such equal terms and conditions to any person discriminated against
or all persons, and any other verifiable, reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses caused by such unlawful discriminatory practice. Back pay
liability shall not accrue from a date more than three years prior
to the filing of a complaint charging violations of this chapter.
(6)
Civil penalties. The Commission's order may also assess a civil
penalty against the respondent in an amount not exceeding $10,000.
(7)
Attorney's fees. If, upon all the evidence at the hearing, the
Commission finds that a respondent has engaged in or is engaging in
any unlawful discriminatory act as defined in this chapter, the Commission
may award attorneys' fees and costs to prevailing complainants.
If, upon all the evidence at the hearing the Commission finds that
a respondent has not engaged in or is not engaging in any unlawful
discriminatory act as defined in this chapter, the Commission may
award attorneys' fees and costs to a prevailing respondent if
the respondent proves that the complaint was brought in bad faith.
(8)
Finding of no discrimination. If, upon all the evidence, the Commission
shall find that a respondent has not engaged in any unlawful discriminatory
act, the Commission shall state its findings of fact and shall issue
and cause to be served on the parties an order dismissing the complaint
as to such respondent.
(9)
Appeal. Any order of the Commission may be appealed to the Court
of Common Pleas of Delaware County within 30 days of its date as provided
by law.
(10)
Enforcement. When the Commission has heard and decided any complaint
brought before it, enforcement of its order shall be initiated by
the filing of a petition in court, together with a transcript of the
record of the hearing before the Commission, and issuance and service
of a copy of said petition as in proceedings in equity.
Having exhausted the administrative remedies set forth herein,
nothing in this chapter shall limit the right of an aggrieved person
to pursue any other rights or causes of action at law or in equity
to which such person may be entitled.
