Human Relations Commission
Purpose
It is found that prejudice and discrimination against any individual or group because of race, color, creed , national origin, ancestry, sex place of birth, age, marital status or handicap is inimical to American tradition of equality of opportunity for all, and menaces peace and public welfare; that to eliminate such prejudice and discrimination an instrumentality of government should be established through which the residents of the City may be kept informed of denials within the City of such equality of opportunity and may seek enforcement of the rights secured by Section 547.01 and 547.07 and developments which promote such equality. From this instrumentality the elected and appointed officials, and the departments of this City may obtain expert advice and assistance in adopting those measures to keep peace and good order and harmony among the residents of the City, to bring about and maintain harmony, to avoid inter-group tensions, to promote tolerance and goodwill and to insure equality of treatment and opportunity to all regardless of race, color, sex, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, age, marital status or handicap. (Ord.86-142).
Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Complainant
The Youngstown Human Relations Commission accepts complaints of discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or ancestry of birth in the areas of:
- Fair Employment
- Fair Housing
Any persons who believe themselves hurt by a discriminatory act or practice may phone or visit the Human Relations Commission office, and tell us the facts regarding the discriminatory complaint. Complaints may be filed within 180 days or six months of the date the discriminatory act occurred. If the Human Relations Commission has jurisdiction we will proceed.
How to File a Complaint
To file a complaint of discrimination with the Human Relations Commission please call our office at (330) 259-9063 or visit the Greater Warren-Youngstown Urban League at 1350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 100 Human Relations Commission office.
You may also download the following
form, fill
it out and mail or FAX (330.259.9064) it to our office.
The Human Relations Commission staff will assist you in writing a brief outline describing the facts, and word a charge of violation of local civil rights law or policy, on a form, which requires your notarized signature. At this time, you would give the Commission staff person all the details and answer all questions as fully as you can. Names, dates, places, addresses and details of what happened should be as accurate as possible. Documents such as employee handbooks, policy/procedures, and documented facts can help to support charges of discrimination. If you have witnesses, it's important to give full names, and how the Commission staff can contact them.
The Investigation
The Commission staff will seek a response from persons you name in your complaint, who become the
"Respondent". Staff interviews witnesses who have been specified, and others who have knowledge of the facts. Support documents are also collected. The Commission staff may ask that you clarify some aspects of your complaint in regard to new information gathered. Should you learn or remember any additional information, notify the Commission staff immediately.
Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Respondent
You, as the "Respondent" (that is, the person or organization responding to the charge of discrimination made in the complaint) will be given every opportunity to ask questions, provide information and offer witnesses. The Human Relations Commission attempts at all times to protect you from unfounded charges of discrimination.
The Human Relations Commission procedure is administrative. In an investigation, the Human Relations Commission may request access to premises, records, and documents relevant to the complaint, and has the right to examine, photograph and copy evidence. Your cooperation in an objective investigation can assure you of a fair decision on the complaint.
The Human Relations Commission prefers to work with you, but reserves the right to refer complaints to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC).
YOU AS THE RESPONDENT CANNOT, ACT IN ANY ADVERSE WAY AGAINST A PERSON WHO HAS FILED A COMPLAINT, AGAINST A WITNESS FOR THE COMPLAINANT, OR RESIST, INTERFERE WITH THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION STAFF IN THE LAWFUL PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTY.
What to Expect
The Human Relations Commission has the authority to decide whether or not the complaint is justified. After studying a written report of the investigation, the Commission may find:
- Probable Cause, and begin a conciliation process.
The Commission holds informal meetings with the respondent and the complainant to work out terms and conditions to eliminate discriminatory practices. If a satisfactory voluntary agreement can be reached, the respondent is required to sign a written conciliation agreement. When there is no satisfactory voluntary settlement, the Commission staff may call for a hearing officer to hear the complainant and respondent. Documents are filed as evidence, and testimony under oath is heard.
- No Probable Cause, and dismiss the complaint.
During the formal hearing:
- No discrimination occurred and dismiss the complaint; or
- Discrimination occurred and issues a request that the respondent end the discriminatory practice.
Meet the Commission
Jonathan Huff, Executive Director
(2007 to present)
He is a native of Youngstown, Ohio, and earned his Bachelors of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Cincinnati and his Masters of Arts in Conflict Resolution from Antioch University. Prior to this position, Mr. Huff served on the Human Relations Commission actively hearing fair employment and fair housing issues in the city. Mr. Huff is trained in mediation and various Alternative Dispute Resolution techniques. Mr. Huff looks forward to serving the citizens of this community.
Darlene L. M. Hightower, Secretary
(1982 to present)
A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Darlene L. M. Hightower served the Human Relations Commission from 1982 to present. She began her employment with the City of Youngstown on March 27, 1978 and worked in the offices of Finance Department (Computer Room), Community Development Agency (CDA) (Housing Rehabilitation), Health Department (Nursing Division/Vital Statistics), Youngstown Police Department (Emergency Desk) and the Affirmative Action Office, the office changed it name to Fair Employment Practice Commission (FEPC), as well as to Compliance, and is currently named Human Relations Commission (HRC). Ms. Hightower also served as secretary for the Youngstown Charter Review Committee 2004-2005.
Herman L. Hill, Director of Business Development and Compliance
(2007 to present)
Herman L. Hill is the Director of Business Development and Compliance for the Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership (MYCAP). In his capacity, Mr. Hill serves as the City of Youngstown's EEO Compliance Officer/Affirmative Action Coordinator. Mr. Hill also serves as the Director of the Youngstown Minority Contractors and Business Assistance Program which is funded by the Ohio Department of Development Division of Minority Business Affairs. Mr. Hill earned his undergraduate degree from Kent Sate University in Mathematics and graduate degree from Cleveland State University in Public Administration. Mr. Hill and his wife Tajauna L. have
four children, Toni, Chelsea, Bryson and Caleb.
Commission Members
Rev. Kenneth L. Simon, Chairperson
(Appointed: 2/13/01 - 2/13/05; Re-appointed: 2/22/05 - 2/22/09; Acting Chairperson: 2/14/06 - 12/12/06; Chairperson: 12/12/06 - 12/12/08)
Rev. Kenneth L. Simon, son of Rev. Lonnie A. and Mrs. Florence H. Simon and the grandson of the late Rev. William Simon, was born on June 15, 1955 in Youngstown, Ohio.
He accepted Christ at the age of eight and was baptized in the New Bethel Baptist Church. He was called to the ministry in 1990 and was ordained in 1993. He served as Assistant Pastor and Director of Christian Education. In 1995 he was elected and called to the pastorate of the church where he currently serves after succeeding his father who pastored for 33 years.
He is a graduate of East High School and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Youngstown State University. He received his Biblical and Religious Training from the Evangelical Training Association, Wheaton, Illinois and the Christian Study Center.
Rev. Simon is currently serving as the Chairman of the Community Mobilization Committee, President of the School Board of Eagle Heights Academy, Board Member of the Mayor's Human Relations Commission, a member and former president of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, Financial Secretary for the Baptist Pastors' Council and a member of the Interfaith Dialogue. He has served as President of the Board of Directors for the Mahoning Valley Association of Churches and as a Board Member for the Western Reserve Port Authority.
Rev. Simon is married to the former Wendy Wainwright and they are the proud parents of three children; Keisha, Kenny, and David and two grandchildren. They reside at 133 Gypsy Lane in Youngstown, Ohio.
His favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."
His philosophy of life is "the most important thing in this life is knowing and doing the will of God."
Willie Willams, Vice Chairperson
(Appointed: 2/4/05 - 2/4/09; Vice Chairperson: 12/06/06 - 12/12/08)
Mr. Willie Williams is a retired Industrial/Reliability Engineer with General Motors. Mr. Williams received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and his MBA from Baldwin Wallace College. Currently Mr. Williams is the President of the Youngstown Branch of the NAACP and is actively involved in various social and community organizations. The organizations are The Mahoning Valley Coalition for Community Reinvestment, Community Mobilization Committee, Associated Neighborhood Centers, Youngstown State University Black Alumni Association and coaching Little League football & T-ball. Mr. Williams is a lifelong resident of Youngstown.
Alphonso Curry, Member
(Appointed: 5/21/02 - 5/21/06; Reappointed: 5/21/06 - 5/21/10)
Mr. Curry brings 20 plus years of Human Resource/Diversity and Inclusion training to the Human Relations Commission. Currently Mr. Curry is the EEO Contract Compliance Officer with the Youngstown City School District. Mr. Curry is the Liaison with unions, contractors, community agencies to encourage diversity in employment opportunities. In a multi-year, $200 Million Dollar new school construction project. Mr. Curry has a degree in Labor Relations/Journalism from State University in New York and he is certified in Collective Bargaining/Grievance procedures.
Jacquelyn Daniel, Member
(Appointed: 10/2/07 - 10/2/11)
Jacquelyn Daniel, Commission member since 2007, is originally from Warren, Ohio and graduated from Warren Public Schools. She went on to attain her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a major in Fashion Marketing and a minor in African American Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. After completing her undergraduate work, Ms. Daniel worked for the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts as the assistant community relations coordinator managing the Friends of African and African American Art, and arts support group based at the Virginia Museum. From there, she worked as a Business Services Manager for the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce and as the Marketing Analyst for the Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise with the state of Virginia. Currently, Ms. Daniel is employed as the Annual Giving Coordinator for Youngstown State University.
An active member of the community, Ms. Daniel's volunteer involvements include the Warren Civic League and the Cradle Roll Committee at Third Baptist Church. She resides in the city of Youngstown.
Porfirio Esparra, Jr., Member
(Appointed: 11/6/07 - 11/6/11)
Mr. Esparra is the Director of Employee Relations with Humility of Mary Health Partners St. Elizabeth Health Center. Mr. Esparra is a trained Facilitator, having certifications in Effective Communications, Equal Employment Opportunity and Quality Improvement. Mr. Esparra attended Youngstown State University where he received a dual degree in Social Work & Spanish. When Mr. Esparra is not working he belongs to numerous civic community organizations. Currently Mr. Esparra sits on the Board of Turning Point Counseling, Ohio Society of Health Care Human Resources Administrators, Mollie Kessler Community School YSU Partners for work Place Diversity, Villa Maria Residential Services, Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Center Advisory Board, and a active member of St. Rose of Lima Parish. Mr. Esparra is a resident of Youngstown and enjoys spending time with family, playing guitar and congas, listening and dancing to Salsa music, fishing hunting and gardening.
Arlene Floyd, Member
(Appointed: 9/12/06 - 9/12/10)
Ms. Floyd earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Youngstown State University. She received her M.B.A., in marketing and finance from Columbia University Graduate School of Business. She has certification as an entrepreneurship instructor form the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship. Ms. Floyd relocated to Youngstown in 1997 to work for the School (College) of Technology at Kent State University, Kent Campus as director of enrollment management and student services. In 2000, she returned to her alma mater, Youngstown State University (YSU), as director of associate degree and tech prep programs. Presently, Ms. Floyd as director of associate degree and tech prep programs is responsible for managing the College Tech Prep program and facilitating the marketing and enrollment of the associate degree programs at YSU.
Philip Thomas Kidd, Member
(Appointed: 9/12/06 - 9/12/10)
Mr. Kidd was born and raised in the Pittsburgh area and moved to Youngstown to attend college at YSU. Upon graduation, he served as an officer in the US Army and then returned to Youngstown for his desire to assist the city's Youngstown 2010 plan and to make the city a better place to live. It was soon after his return that he began the "Defend Youngstown" movement, which currently comprises well over 10,000 supporters to include Youngstown's Mayor Jay Williams, Congressman Tim Ryan, and World Middleweight Boxing Champion Kelly Pavlik. In addition, his success as a community activist, Phil was recently appointed as the City of Youngstown's new Director of Events, Special Projects, and Community Outreach and hopes to continue the fantastic growth of downtown Youngstown.
Ina Madison, Member
(Appointed: 8/22/06 - 8/22/10)
Retired Labor Relations representative from General Motors. BS and MBA from YSU. Working currently with Mahoning County Training Association as a Workforce Development Liaison. Lifelong Youngstown resident.
Contact Information
Address:
City of Youngstown
Human Relations Commission
1350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 100
Youngstown, OH 44504
| 330.259.9063 |
| 330.259.9064 |