Third Annual Employment Law Conference (Press Release)

The Florida Commission on Human Relations to hold an informative conference for

HR managers, business owners, employers and lawyers

Orlando – The Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) and the Association to Preserve African American Society, History and Tradition are presenting the third annual Florida Employment Law Conference. The conference will be held December 8th – 10th at the Florida Hotel and Conference Center in Orlando.

“In these times of economic hardship, this year’s Employment Law Conference is more important than ever. The Commission received more discrimination complaints during the last fiscal year than we have in each of the past four years, “said Dr. Donna Elam, Commission Chairperson. “It is essential to provide individuals with the information they need to maintain discrimination-free workplaces, increase productivity and avoid costly lawsuits.”

Conference speakers will include representatives from FCHR, the Department of Financial Services, the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities, FSU’s Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, various Florida law firms and the No Fear Coalition based in Washington D.C. Topics include sexual harassment, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Florida Whistle-blower Act, navigating the FCHR complaint process, a comprehensive diversity training of trainers workshop and much more. A full schedule of events can be found at FCHR’s website: http://fchr.state.fl.us/ .

“Recently, Congress and President Bush signed new amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act into law,” said Derick Daniel, Executive Director of the FCHR. “We are pleased that the Employment Law Conference allows the Commission to serve as a valuable resource for the people of Florida by providing information to keep individuals and organizations on top of critical changes to state and federal anti-discrimination laws.”

The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education, outreach and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination through teaching best practices and fostering cultural understanding in communities statewide. For more information, visit http://fchr.state.fl.us

Third Annual Employment Law Conference (Media Advisory)

The Florida Commission on Human Relations to hold an informative conference for

HR managers, business owners, employers and lawyers

Who: The Florida Commission on Human Relations and the Association to Preserve African American Society, History and Tradition

What: Florida Employment Law Conference:

An educational event designed to keep human resources professionals, employers, managers and lawyers knowledgeable about state and federal anti-discrimination laws. This year’s conference will include educational workshops about the recent amendments made to the Americans with Disabilities Act, sexual harassment, the Florida Whistle-blower Act, navigating the FCHR complaint process, a comprehensive diversity training of trainers workshop and much more. A full schedule can be found at http://fchr.state.fl.us .

When: December 8-10, 2009 (early registration begins on Sunday, December 7th at 3:00 pm)

Where: Florida Hotel and Conference Center

1500 Sandlake Rd.
Orlando, Florida 32809
407-859-1500

The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act. The purpose of these laws is to protect the people of Florida from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status or familial status. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education, outreach and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination and fostering cultural understanding in communities statewide.

For more information visit http://fchr.state.fl.us

FAU and the Florida Commission on Human Relations Present ‘Interfaith Symposium 2008’ (Media Advisory)

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (October 27, 2008) - Florida Atlantic University, in partnership with the Florida Commission on Human Relations, will host “Interfaith Symposium 2008” on Wednesday, October 29 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at FAU’s Higher Education Complex, 111 E. Las Olas Blvd., 11th floor, Room 1110, Fort Lauderdale campus.

The intent of the program is to educate attendees about the growing trend of hate crimes and religion-based discrimination occurring in South Florida, and inform the audience about the consequences of these issues.

“This Symposium is uniquely significant because it will give attendees an opportunity to develop a plan for taking positive action in stopping discrimination in their communities regardless of their own religion,” said Dr. Maria Santamarina, diversity officer within the university’s department of human resources, and assistant professor in FAU’s department of communications and multimedia studies.

Rev. James Eaton, Rabbi Zev Katz and Imam Sayfayet Mohamed will make up the panel that will debate these issues, as well as lead an interactive discussion with attendees to develop community solutions for religious discrimination and hate crimes in their own communities.

“We are deeply concerned about the increase in discriminatory acts taking place in Florida,” said Derick Daniel, executive director of the Florida Commission on Human Relations. “It is our hope that opening the lines of communication between people of varied faiths will not only create a sense of unity, but will also lead to solutions in preventing future discrimination.”

The Florida Commission on Human Relations is a state agency responsible for enforcing the state’s civil laws and serves as a resource on human relations for the people of Florida. The Commission is responsible for promoting fair treatment, equal opportunity and mutual respect among members of all economic, social, racial, religious and ethnic groups, and works to eliminate discrimination against groups and their members.

For more information, contact Dr. Maria Santamarina at 561-297-0938 or msantam3@fau.edu , or Leah Barber-Heinz at 850-528-1597 or Leah.Barber@fchr.myflorida.com , or visit http://fchr.state.fl.us.

FAU and the Florida Commission of Human Relations to Present 'Interfaith Symposium 2008'

View the calendar advisory for the 2008 Interfaith Symposium.

Governor Crist Appoints Patty Ball Thomas to the Florida Commission on Human Relations

Tallahassee – Governor Charlie Crist has appointed Patty Ball Thomas of Tallahassee as a Commissioner of the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR). Succeeding Mario M. Valle, Dr. Thomas was appointed for a term beginning May 30, 2008, and ending September 30, 2010.

“We are very pleased to welcome Patty Ball Thomas to the Commission,” said Derick Daniel, Executive Director of the Commission. “Her proven dedication to education and empowering young people to thrive through early education and community action will greatly benefit the people of Florida. Dr. Thomas will be instrumental in our efforts to ensure a safe and respectful Florida for everyone.”

Dr. Thomas has over 30 years of experience in Florida’s educational system and currently is an assistant professor of reading in the College of Education at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She is also the Project Director of the HBCU Head Start Grant. Dr. Thomas is the chairperson of the board for the Capital Area Community Action Agency and is actively involved in Whole Child Leon, Capital Women’s Network, National Even Start Association, Kappa Delta Phi: International Honor Society in Education and Zonta International: Advancing the Status of Women Worldwide.

The Commission consists of 12 commissioners of various racial, religious, ethnic, social, economic, political and professional groups within the state, all appointed to four-year terms by the Governor subject to Senate approval. The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education, outreach and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination through teaching best practices and fostering cultural understanding in communities statewide.

For more information, please visit http://fchr.state.fl.us

Governor Crist Appoints Watson Haynes to the Florida Commission on Human Relations

For more information, contact Public Information Director Leah Barber-Heinz at 850-528-1597 or by email at leah.barber-heinz@fchr.myflorida.com .

Tallahassee – Governor Charlie Crist has appointed Watson Haynes of St. Petersburg as a Commissioner of the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR). Upon Senate approval, Haynes will serve a four-year term expiring September 30, 2011.

“We are thrilled to welcome Watson Haynes to the Commission,” said Commission Chair Donna Elam. “His proven dedication to the many pressing issues facing our state will be a wonderful asset to the Commission and the people we serve. He will play an instrumental role in future efforts to ensure a safe and respectful Florida for everyone.”

Watson Haynes has over 30 years of experience in administration and executive management. He has served as chair of the Charter Review Commission and the Pinellas Community Foundation and as co-chair of the Concerned Organizations for Quality Education for Black Students. Haynes was appointed to the Governing Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District where he served as diversity chairman. Currently, Haynes works as an associate minister for a local Baptist church.

The Commission consists of 12 commissioners of various racial, religious, ethnic, social, economic, political and professional groups within the state, all appointed to four-year terms by the Governor subject to Senate approval.

The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education, outreach and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination through teaching best practices and fostering cultural understanding in communities statewide.

For more information, please visit http://fchr.state.fl.us

Governor Crist Reappoints Mario Valle to the Florida Commission on Human Relations

For more information, contact Public Information Director Leah Barber-Heinz at 850-528-1597 or by email at leah.barber-heinz@fchr.myflorida.com .

Tallahassee –Governor Charlie Crist has appointed Mario Valle of Naples as a Commissioner of the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR). Upon Senate approval, Valle will serve a four-year term expiring September 30, 2011.

”As an immigrant, I know firsthand the discrimination faced by individuals throughout our state,” said Commissioner Valle. “It is an honor to be appointed to this position and to have the opportunity to make Florida better place to work and live for all its residents.”

In 2004, Commissioner Valle was named to Gulfshore Business Magazine’s 40 under 40. In addition to serving as co-chair for the Naples Multiple Sclerosis Walk, Valle is a past president of the Golden Gate Estates Civic Association and past vice-chair for Collier County’s Affordable Housing Advisory Board. Currently, Commissioner Valle is project manager for Professional Building Systems.

“We are delighted to welcome Commissioner Valle back to the Commission. His experience and knowledge will serve as a valuable resource in protecting the rights of the people of Florida,” said Commission Chair Donna Elam. “I look forward to working with him as we continue in our quest to promote mutual respect and prevent unlawful discrimination throughout the state.”

The Commission consists of 12 commissioners of various racial, religious, ethnic, social, economic, political and professional groups within the state, all appointed to four-year terms by the Governor subject to Senate approval.

The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education, outreach and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination through teaching best practices and fostering cultural understanding in communities statewide.

For more information, please visit http://fchr.state.fl.us .

Governor Crist Appoints Dr. Elena Flom to the Florida Commission on Human Relations

For more information, contact Public Information Director Leah Barber-Heinz at 850-528-1597 or by email at leah.barber-heinz@fchr.myflorida.com .

Tallahassee – Gov. Charlie Crist has appointed Dr. Elena Flom of Cocoa Beach as a Commissioner of the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR). Upon Senate approval, Flom will serve a four-year term expiring September 30, 2011.

“We are honored to welcome Dr. Flom back to the Commission,” said Commission Chair Donna Elam. “Her previous experience with the Commission and her work on various human relations issues will provide us with a valuable perspective to integrate into our agency. I look forward to working with her to improve the quality of life for the people of Florida.” Dr. Flom also chairs the United States Commission on Civil Rights Florida Advisory Committee, which is a Department of Justice appointment.

Dr. Flom is a recipient of the Human Relations Statewide Education Award, which honors individuals for their work to eliminate barriers and provide equal opportunities in the field of education. She serves as a Trustee of the Civilian Military Community Relations Council and on the board of Cocoa Village Playhouse, Brevard Community College Foundation and Goodwill Industries, Inc, and the Cape Canaveral Hospital District Board. Dr. Flom was previously appointed as a Commissioner for the Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women (1978-1981) and the Florida Commission on Human Relations (1977-1978, 1978-1989 and 1994-2000).

The Commission consists of 12 commissioners of various racial, religious, ethnic, social, economic, political and professional groups within the state, all appointed to four-year terms by the Governor subject to Senate approval.

The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education, outreach and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination through teaching best practices and fostering cultural understanding in communities statewide.

For more information, please visit http://fchr.state.fl.us

Preventing Sexual Harassment in Workplaces

For more information, contact Public Information Director Leah Barber-Heinz at 850-528-1597 or by email at leah.barber-heinz@fchr.myflorida.com .

Tallahassee – In honor of the eighth annual National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Florida Commission on Human Relations is challenging businesses and organizations throughout Florida to take an active role in preventing sexual harassment. The Commission is asking local businesses and organizations to sign a sexual harassment pledge. This pledge is a symbolic representation of a business or organization’s commitment to fighting sexual harassment in the workplace.

“Sexual harassment is frequently viewed as a taboo and uncomfortable subject, meaning it often goes unmentioned,” said Commission Chairperson, Donna Elam. “It is important for business owners to realize that without implementing and maintaining policies against harassment, they may face costly law suits, suffer from low employee morale and lose valuable customers. The Commission’s new anti-harassment initiatives are designed to begin meaningful conversations that allow businesses, and their employees, to reach important decisions on maintaining safe and respectful workplaces.”

Sexual harassment is defined as unwanted sexual behavior in the workplace that is sufficiently severe or frequent to the point that it results in a hostile or abusive work environment. Sexual harassment can be verbal or involve physical touch, and can apply to a current or former employee or a job applicant. During fiscal year 2007, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigated 12,510 allegations of sexual harassment; of those allegations, 16% were filed by males.

“We would like to publicly acknowledge and thank the businesses which have already signed the pledge,” said Commission Executive Director, Derick Daniel. “Their commitment is critical in addressing the costly and unfortunate realities of sexual harassment. They are setting an important example for many others and we commend them!”

Businesses interested in learning more about the pledge or local anti-harassment initiatives can visit the Commission website at http://fchr.state.fl.us/outreach/sexual_harassment .

The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education, outreach and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination through teaching best practices and fostering cultural understanding in communities statewide.

Fair Housing and Predatory Lending Summit

For more information, contact Public Information Director Leah Barber-Heinz at 850-528-1597 or by email at leah.barber-heinz@fchr.myflorida.com .

Orlando – In honor of the 40th anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act, the Florida Commission on Human Relations is hosting a two-day Fair Housing and Predatory Lending Summit for the Orlando area. This free event is open to the public and will focus on the Hispanic community.

“In an intensive national study conducted in 2000, the Department of Housing and Urban Development found that 1 out of 4 Hispanics were discriminated against and denied housing,” said Regina Owens, Housing Manager at the Commission. ”Florida currently leads the nation in mortgage fraud, which leads us to believe that these issues still plague our communities. The Fair Housing and Predatory Lending Summit will equip members of the housing industry and potential tenants with the information they need to prevent unjust discriminatory activity.”

Who: The Florida Commission on Human Relations (through a multi-year national grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development –HUD.)

What: Predatory Lending and Fair Housing Summit: an educational event that will cover a variety of topics including fair housing best practices, sub-prime vs. predatory lending and enforcement efforts. The conference will feature expert national and local presenters, including participation from the National Fair Housing Alliance and The Center for Responsible Lending.

When: March 31 (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) and April 1 (9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

Where: Lexington at Orlando CityPlace

304 West Colonial Drive

Orlando, Florida 32801

407-843-8700

The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education, outreach and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination through teaching best practices and foster cultural understanding in communities statewide.

For more information visit http://fchr.state.fl.us

Diversity Art Show

For more information, contact Public Information Director Leah Barber-Heinz at 850-528-1597 or by email at leah.barber-heinz@fchr.myflorida.com .

Tallahassee – The Florida Commission on Human Relations is hosting the 2008 Children’s Diversity Art Show, which aims to encourage young people to embrace cultural differences. The event will shine a light on the importance of mutual acceptance in the battle to stop discrimination and prejudice, which continue to plague Florida’s youth.

Derick Daniel, executive director of the Commission says, “We are pleased to present the 2008 Children’s Diversity Art Show! The art show strives to raise community awareness on the challenges facing ethnic groups, such as bullying and discrimination in our public schools. Intervening early in the lives of children is critical. This unique event allows children to use their creativity to express their differences and learn the benefits of acceptance and understanding.”

Who: The Florida Commission on Human Relations (host), Apalachee Tapestry School of the Performing Arts (partner) and Panhandle Area Educational Consortium (PAEC) Migrant Education Program (partner).

What: 2008 Children’s Diversity Art Show: Experience diversity through the eyes of a child.

Artwork from local children will reflect the theme “What is your favorite family activity?” The event will also include cultural music and dance.

When: March 7, 2008, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Where: Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science

350 S. Duval Street

Tallahassee, FL 32301

The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education, outreach and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination through teaching best practices and foster cultural understanding in communities statewide.

For more information visit http://fchr.state.fl.us

Disability Awareness Summit

For more information, contact Public Information Director Leah Barber-Heinz at 850-528-1597 or by email at leah.barber-heinz@fchr.myflorida.com .

Tallahassee – The Florida Commission on Human Relations is reaching out to organizations serving people living with disabilities through an event entitled: Disability Summit: Creating Awareness * Providing Resolutions .

Derick Daniel, Executive Director of the Florida Commission on Human Relations says, “Last year alone, 41% of our housing discrimination cases were based on disability. This summit will provide the perfect opportunity for disability organizations to join with the Commission to discuss important state and federal laws and the many resources offered by our agency. We are committed to forming long-lasting and effective partnerships with participating groups to ensure fairness and equal opportunities for people living with disabilities in Florida!"

Who: The Florida Commission on Human Relations (host) and statewide disability organizations (participants)

What: Disability Summit: Creating Awareness * Providing Resolutions: an educational event for disability organizations throughout the state.

When: February 25, 2008, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Where: Betty Easley Conference Center

Room 147

4075 Esplanade Way

Tallahassee, FL 32399

The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act and Fair Housing Act. Fair treatment, equal access and mutual respect are the benchmarks of the Commission’s commitment. Through education, outreach and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination through teaching best practices and foster cultural understanding in communities statewide.

For more information visit http://fchr.state.fl.us