Human Rights and Equity Programs

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our office is open 8AM-4:30PM. To file a complaint, call (703) 324-2953 to be scheduled for an intake appointment via telephone or videoconference.
703-324-2953 TTY 711
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 318
Fairfax, VA 22035
Michael L. Simms
Director

June 3, 2020 Commission Meeting (Recording)

Commission Meeting
6/03/2020 7:30 pm


Recording of Meeting:  https://soundcloud.com/fairfaxcounty/human-rights-commission-june-3-2020

 

MINUTES

Present:

Commissioner Crawford (Home, Fairfax, VA)

Commissioner Alber (Home, Centreville, VA)

Commissioner Shipman (Home, Springfield, VA)

Commissioner Salinas (Home, Fairfax, VA)

Commissioner Conde (Home, Alexandria, VA)

Commissioner Bell-Krasner (Home, Fairfax, VA)

Commissioner Bhinge (Home, Fairfax, VA)

Commissioner Hudson (Home, Fairfax, VA)

Commissioner Malik (Home, Fairfax, VA)

Director Saunders (Home, Washington, D.C.)

 

Absent:

Commissioner Solon

 

CALL TO ORDER

Commission Chair Gloria Crawford called the Wednesday, June 3, 2020 Commission meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

Approval of AgendaIt was moved by Commissioner Salinas and seconded by Commissioner Shipman that the June 3, 2020 agenda be approved as presented.  The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Approval of Minutes:  It was moved by Commissioner Salinas and seconded by Commissioner Alber that the March 4, 2020 minutes be approved as presented.  The motion passed by majority vote with Commissioner Hudson and Commissioner Malik abstaining.  

 

STAFF ISSUES:  There were no staff issues. Director Kenneth Saunders informed the commissioners that the next scheduled meeting will be on June 17th. It is essential that there is a quorum, due to housing matters.

 

COMMISSION BUSINESS:

HRC #2019130H – CONCILIATION.  The complaint in this matter listed Morningside Ground Holdings, LLC and Lerner Enterprises, LLC as the Respondents.  The correct Respondents are Morningside Communities, LLC, and Lerner Corporation.  The corrections have been made in OHREP’s database (IQ) and in HUD’s computer system (HEMS).

It was moved by Commissioner Hudson and seconded by Commissioner Malik that the Conciliation Agreement in this matter be accepted as presented.  The motion passed by unanimous vote.

 

HRC# 2020024H - CONCILIATION.  It was moved by Commissioner Salinas and seconded by Commissioner Alber that the Conciliation Agreement in this matter be accepted as presented.  The motion passed by unanimous vote.

HRC# 2019105H - FIR.  It was moved by Commissioner Alber and seconded by Commissioner Shipman that a finding of reasonable cause based on evidence sufficient to establish that a violation of Human Rights Ordinance has occurred consistent with the recommendation of the OHREP.  The motion passed by unanimous vote.

HRC# 2019114H - FIR. - It was moved by Commissioner Alber and seconded by Commissioner Hudson that this complaint be dismissed due to insufficient evidence that a violation of Human Rights Ordinance has occurred consistent with the recommendation of the OHREP.  The motion passed by unanimous vote.

HRC# 2019076H - FIR. - It was moved by Commissioner Alber and seconded by Commissioner Malik that this complaint be dismissed due to insufficient evidence that a violation of Human Rights Ordinance has occurred consistent with the recommendation of the OHREP.  The motion passed by majority vote, with Commissioner Salinas abstaining.

 

Community Concerns.

Commission Crawford stated that former Commissioners Daoud Khairallah and Michel Margosis have passed.  Condolence cards have been sent out on behalf of OHREP and the Human Rights Commission.  Commissioner Crawford will give any further updates regarding services.

Commissioner Crawford advised the Commissioners that the Virginia Association of Human Rights (VAHR) applications are open. Commissioner Hudson is currently the Commission’s Representative. Commissioner Crawford will send out information regarding applications to OHREP staff to provide to anyone who is interested in joining the VAHR.

Commissioner Salinas inquired on a new group photo for the county’s website.  Michael Simms will update the Commission regarding standards on meeting to take new group photo.

The commission would like to make a statement on recent protest (it is not stated in the ordinance.) Director Saunders will enquire with the chairman’s office and will follow up either via email or at the June 17th Commission meeting.

Commissioner Hudson would like to recommend for the Finial Investigative Reports to be include person-first language. So instead of “disabled resident, as was in report, it becomes “resident with a disability.”

 

PENDING BUISNESS.  

Vote for Secretary of the Commission.  Commissioner Bell-Krasner has volunteered to serve as the Commission Secretary.  It was moved by Commissioner Salinas and seconded by Commissioner Conde that Commissioner Bell-Krasner be elected to serve as the Secretary of the Human Rights Commission.  The motion passed with unanimous vote.

 

 

NEW BUSINESS.  There was no New Business.

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:16 p.m.

 

 

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