Pursuant to Section 962.1 of the Pennsylvania Human Relations
Act[1] and ordinances of Haverford Township, 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") for the following purposes:
A.
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.
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.
To guarantee fair and equal treatment under the law to all people
of the Township.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 43 P.S. § 962.1.
A.
The Commission shall consist of seven members appointed by the Board
of Commissioners who shall be residents of Haverford Township. No
member of the Commission shall hold any office in any political party.
B.
Members shall serve overlapping terms of three years each.
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.
The powers and duties of the Human Relations Commission shall
be as follows:
A.
The Commission shall have jurisdiction over discriminatory acts committed within the Township of Haverford as defined in Chapter 183 of these General Laws,[1] provided that those powers shall not exceed those exercised
by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission under the Pennsylvania
Human Relations Act.[2]
B.
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, pursuant to Chapter 183 of these General Laws.
C.
The Commission shall cause to be issued and served upon the parties
written notice of a determination and dismissal of the complaint where
no discrimination is found; endeavor to eliminate the discriminatory
act complained of by persuasion, conference and conciliation, or schedule
a hearing before the Commission where a discriminatory act may have
been found.
D.
The Commission shall provide written notice of its determination and, in finding that an unlawful discriminatory act shall have occurred, the Commission shall state its findings of fact, shall issue and cause to be served on such respondent an order requiring the respondent to cease and desist from such unlawful discriminatory act and make such monetary award it deems appropriate pursuant to Chapter 183 of these General Laws including the assessment of civil penalties as prescribed therein.
E.
The Commission shall be empowered to administer oaths and issue subpoenas
to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of relevant
documents and papers in accordance with the provisions of the laws
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
F.
The Commission may, within the limits of funds appropriated by the
Board of Commissioners, hire paid staff to assist in the performance
of the duties of the Commission.
G.
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.
