Tampa Attorney Singer to Chair Commission on Human Relations; Wilson Appointed as Executive Director

TALLAHASSEE – Members of the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) today unanimously selected Tampa attorney Gilbert M. Singer to serve as the chairman for the next two years. Commissioners also appointed Michelle Wilson to serve as the Commission’s executive director, overseeing the daily operations of the state’s leading anti-discrimination agency.

Singer, who is a shareholder in the Marcadis Singer law firm, has served on the Commission since his appointment by Governor Jeb Bush in 2002. Chairman Singer was reappointed in 2007 by Governor Charlie Crist, and last month was reappointed to another term by Governor Rick Scott. As chairman, Singer will provide broad policy guidance to the Commission office and will provide a visible face for FCHR at the Capitol and around the state.

“The Commission plays an important role protecting Floridians from the destructive effects of discrimination where they work and live,” Chairman Singer said. “FCHR has done a tremendous job of doing more with less over the past several years, meeting its statutory duties while maintaining vital services to the public. I look forward to working with Commissioners and staff to make sure citizens’ needs continue to be met in the future.”

Singer is a long-time member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Tampa and is a past Kiwanian of the Year. He has been extremely active as a board member for Joshua House, Kids Charity of Tampa Bay and LifeLink, and has served on the Citizens Advisory Commission to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners. He is a past recipient of the Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award.

Commissioners also unanimously named Wilson as permanent executive director. She has served as an interim co-executive director since the retirement of Derick Daniel in June. Previously, Wilson served as FCHR’s budget director. A Gainesville native who spent most of her childhood in Tampa, Wilson earned a bachelor’s degree in business economics from Florida A&M University. Before joining FCHR as budget director in 2001, Wilson held budget-related positions for the Senate Appropriations Committee, the Governor’s Office and the Department of Management Services.

Larry Kranert, who had been the Commission’s other interim co-executive director, will serve as deputy executive director while also continuing in his role as FCHR general counsel.

Also during the meeting, Commissioners honored the service of Dr. Donna Elam, who completed two terms as Commission chair. Elam, an Orlando resident who is a nationally recognized authority in diversity and cultural competence training, is Associate Director for Program Development and External Affairs at the David C. Anchin Center, housed in the University of South Florida College of Education.

FCHR works to prevent unlawful discrimination by investigating and working to resolve complaints of discrimination in the areas of housing, employment and public accommodations, as well as whistle-blower retaliation against state employees and contractors. Since its creation in 1969, the Commission has investigated and closed more than 74,000 cases while enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act, the Florida Fair Housing Act and the Florida Whistle-blower’s Act. Since 2006, Florida businesses have saved at least $12 million per year by participating in FCHR mediation services, thus avoiding costly lawsuits.

Governor Rick Scott Appoints Seven to Florida Commission on Human Relations

Governor's Office Press Release

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced four reappointments and three appointments to the Florida Commission on Human Relations.

Michael G. Keller, 33, of Brandon, is the chief technology officer and co-founder of International Direct Selling Technology Corporation. He is reappointed for a term beginning November 15, 2011, and ending September 30, 2014.

Joanna L. Sharp, 40, of Wellington, is the City Clerk for the City of West Palm Beach. She is reappointed for a term beginning November 15, 2011, and ending September 30, 2013.

Gilbert M. Singer, 56, of Tampa, is an attorney and shareholder with Marcadis Singer P.A. He is reappointed for a term beginning November 15, 2011, and ending September 30, 2014.

Mario M. Valle, 44, of Naples, is the relationship manager for PBS Construction. He is reappointed for a term beginning November 15, 2011, and ending September 30, 2014.

Dr. Onelia A. Fajardo, 57, of Miami, is the founder and principal of NetHealthConsultants L.L.C. She succeeds Darcell L. Streeter and is appointed for a term beginning November 15, 2011, and ending September 30, 2013.

Jim Johns, 69, of Jacksonville, is the president of The Johns Group Inc. He succeeds Dr. Patty B. Thomas and is appointed for a term beginning November 15, 2011, and ending September 30, 2014.

Michell J. Long, 48, of Jacksonville, is a facility manager at Florida State College at Jacksonville.
She succeeds Watson L. Haynes II and is appointed for a term beginning November 15, 2011, and ending September 30, 2015.

The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

Study Shows Florida Commission on Human Relations Saved Florida Businesses $61 Million Over Past Five Years

TALLAHASSEE – A new study by the Florida Commission on Human Relations, the state’s leading anti-discrimination agency, has found that the Commission saved Florida businesses $60.7 million over the past five years by preventing costly litigation in hundreds of discrimination cases. The Commission’s mediation services produced outcomes that typically cost businesses 89 percent less than if the cases had ended up in court, figures show.

The study reveals that the Commission (FCHR) provided Florida with an average return on investment of 144 percent over the past five years. In other words, for every $1.00 provided by taxpayers to fund FCHR’s annual operations, the Commission returned an additional $1.44 in benefits to Florida businesses through avoided costs associated with discrimination lawsuits.

“We’re extremely proud of the Commission’s record resolving cases that allege discrimination,” said Interim Co-Director Michelle Wilson. “While ensuring the rights of individuals is of paramount importance, the less money and time a business has to spend defending itself in court, the more that business can focus on creating jobs for Floridians.”

Over the span of the 2006-07 through 2010-11 fiscal years, FCHR’s free mediation process helped individual complainants in 508 cases reach a mutually agreeable resolution with those they had accused of illegal discrimination. During that same time period, FCHR issued “no cause” determinations in 3,571 cases. Without FCHR closing these cases quickly, a portion of them likely would have gone to court and required businesses to incur attorney costs, court fees, investigative and deposition expenses, and other court-related expenses – even though the actual complaints may not have been substantiated.

While the extensive savings from these no-cause findings cannot be firmly established, the mediation cases offer clear evidence of FCHR’s value to the business sector:

• According to a 2006 analysis by the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics, the average court-ordered damage award in discrimination cases was $134,125 .
• Since mid-2006, the average settlement amount in cases successfully mediated by FCHR is $14,527 .
• Therefore, the average cost avoided per case resulting from FCHR mediation services is $119,598 .
• This average savings multiplied by the number of successful mediations (508) equals $60,755,784 , or an average of $12,151,156 per year.
• These figures do not include additional expenditures, such as attorney fees or court costs.
• Although average damage awards have likely risen significantly over the past five years, FCHR’s study reflects a more conservative estimate based on the last documented federal study of discrimination case awards. Avoided court costs to businesses could in fact be substantially higher than what has been estimated by FCHR, but this cannot be determined conclusively.

The study also establishes FCHR’s return on investment for the taxpayers of Florida, based on the successful resolution of cases through mediation. Over the past five fiscal years, the Legislature has appropriated just under $5 million per year, on average, for FCHR’s entire annual budget. In the same period, businesses have realized, conservatively, more than $12.1 million per year in avoided costs. Thus businesses saved an additional $1.44 beyond each $1.00 spent to fund FCHR.

Over the past five fiscal years:

• The Legislature has appropriated, on average, $4.99 million per year for FCHR operations.
• Businesses have realized, conservatively, more than $12.15 million per year in avoided costs (as documented above).
• Return on Investment: 144% to taxpayers/businesses above the level of FCHR funding.

FCHR Partners With Central Florida Organization to Seek Fair Housing Grant

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Commission on Human Relations is partnering with Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida to help obtain $1.3 million in grant funds to help Central Florida residents overcome barriers to fair housing, including mortgage rescue scams.

The Commission (FCHR) this week sent the legal services organization letters formally committing its support for two grant applications, through the federal Fair Housing Initiatives Program. If Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida is awarded grant funds, FCHR has pledged to provide technical assistance, assist program staff with investigation and conciliation of fair housing complaints, and provide yearly training on investigating complaints of housing discrimination.

“With so many Floridians facing an uncertain housing future, we all have a stake in preventing illegal housing discrimination and scams,” said FCHR Interim Co-Director Michelle Wilson. “We’re delighted to support such an important community-based effort to ensure that everyone has equal access to the housing of their choice.”

Community Legal Services is applying to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for two grants:

· A three-year grant of $325,000 per year to the organization’s Daytona Beach office. Using the grant funds, Community Legal Services would collaborate with local governments in Citrus, Flagler, Hernando, Lake, Marion, Putnam, Sumter and Orange counties area to target obstacles to fair housing and to assist with investigations and enforcement of fair housing complaints referred to federal authorities or other agencies.

· A one-time award of $325,000 to the organization’s Orlando office, to look for possible discriminatory patterns in mortgage servicing. The funds would be used to receive and investigate complaints involving mortgage rescue and fair lending issues and for community outreach efforts including workshops for the public. The grant would serve residents in Orange, Osceola, Lake and Seminole counties.

FCHR, the state’s foremost anti-discrimination agency, has agreed to provide up to $18,800 in staff services in support of the two grants over the three-year period.

FCHR works to prevent unlawful discrimination by investigating and working to resolve complaints of discrimination in the areas of housing, employment and public accommodations. In the 2010-11 fiscal year, one in five complaints investigated by the Commission was for housing discrimination.

Learn more about FCHR at http://fchr.state.fl.us

FCHR Partners With Brevard-based Organization to Seek Fair Housing Grant

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Commission on Human Relations is partnering with the Brevard County-based Fair Housing Continuum, Inc., to help obtain almost $1 million in grant funds to investigate and stop housing discrimination in a six-county area.

The Commission (FCHR) this month sent the Continuum a letter formally committing its support for a $962,000 three-year grant under the federal Private Enforcement Initiative program. If the Fair Housing Continuum is awarded the grant funds, FCHR has pledged to work with the organization to provide essential educational materials and services to expand fair housing outreach in the Central Florida area.

“With so many Floridians facing an uncertain housing future, we all have a stake in preventing illegal housing discrimination,” said FCHR Interim Co-Director Michelle Wilson. “We’re delighted to support such an important community-based effort to ensure that everyone has equal access to the housing of their choice.”

The Fair Housing Continuum is seeking the federal funds to conduct investigations into possible housing discrimination against deaf/hearing impaired residents throughout the six-county territory and involving the maintenance of Real Estate Owned (REO) properties, typically foreclosed homes, in Orange County. The Continuum is a private non-profit fair housing agency dedicated to eliminating housing discrimination in Brevard, Indian River, Seminole, Osceola, Orange and Volusia counties.

FCHR, the state’s foremost anti-discrimination agency, has agreed to provide up to $14,100 in staff services in support of the grant over the three-year period.

The Florida Commission on Human Relations works to prevent unlawful discrimination by investigating and seeking to resolve complaints of discrimination in the areas of housing, employment and public accommodations. In the 2010-11 fiscal year, one in five complaints investigated by the Commission was for housing discrimination.

Learn more about FCHR at http://fchr.state.fl.us

Commission Earns Renewed Certification From Feds

TALLAHASSEE – Allegations of illegal housing discrimination against Floridians will continue to be investigated at the state level, following notification to the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) that it has earned continued certification as a “substantially equivalent agency” by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

FCHR, the state’s foremost anti-discrimination agency, received a flawless evaluation of its performance and procedures for reviewing housing discrimination complaints over the past year. As a result, FCHR will remain authorized to conduct housing investigations backed by state-level legal protections equivalent to those ensured by federal housing laws. Without that certification, housing discrimination complaints could only be investigated by federal authorities.

“Recertification means state investigators and attorneys – who certainly know Florida’s housing circumstances better than the federal government – will be able to make sure housing practices comply with all legal requirements,” said FCHR Chair Dr. Donna Elam. “Floridians won’t have to wait in line with residents of other states to have their complaints heard, and that means all parties will find justice sooner rather than later.”

Floridians anywhere in the state who believe they have been the victims of housing discrimination may file a complaint either with the federal government or FCHR. In most cases, even if they file directly with the federal government the case will be referred to FCHR to investigate.

The number of housing discrimination complaints received by FCHR has jumped by more than two-thirds since the 2005-2006 fiscal year, from 192 that year to 323 in 2009-2010 – a 68 percent increase. On average, FCHR receives a new housing discrimination complaint every working day of the year.

Since its creation in 1969, the Florida Commission on Human Relations has investigated and closed more than 74,000 cases in its role of enforcing the Florida Civil Rights Act, the Florida Fair Housing Act and the Florida Whistle-blower’s Act. Since 2006, Florida businesses have saved an estimated $52 million-plus by participating in the Commission’s mediation services, thus avoiding costly lawsuits that would waste time and resources that can instead be used for job creation.

For more information, contact the federal government or reach FCHR at http://fchr.state.fl.us .

Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame: The Commission is Accepting Nominations!

Press Release Contact:

March 30, 2011 Leah Barber-Heinz

Public Information Director

850-528-1597

Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame

The Commission is accepting nominations for the state’s first ever

Hall of Fame to honor civil and human rights heroes!

Tallahassee – The Florida Commission on Human Relations (Commission) is now accepting nominations for the Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame, which was signed into law last year. The deadline is April 15, 2011. The judges will be looking for individuals who have made significant contributions and provided leadership toward Florida’s progress and achievements in human and civil rights.

“We are so pleased that the Commission has been appointed to implement the state’s first ever Civil Rights Hall of Fame. This program will honor leaders and advocates who have tirelessly worked to protect the rights of various populations throughout Florida,” said Derick Daniel, Commission Executive Director. “It is extremely important to honor the trailblazers who came before us and use their heroic stories as a way to educate and empower our next generation.”

Contributions of nominees can include community empowerment, legislative advocacy, grassroots organizing, coalition building, authored publications, organizational leadership, private and governmental entity diversity efforts and multicultural educational initiatives in any area of human and civil rights or related areas. Please visit http://fchr.state.fl.us/outreach/florida_civil_rights_hall_of_fame to view the rules, criteria, nomination form and other relevant information.

The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with administering 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 and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination and costly litigation through teaching best business practices and fostering understanding amongst Floridians.

For more information, visit http://fchr.state.fl.us or on Facebook

Steep Budget Cuts to Civil Rights Hurts Businesses and Individuals

Steep Budget Cuts to Civil Rights Hurts Businesses and Individuals -

Florida cannot afford the unintended consequences of gutting the state’s only anti-discrimination agency

Tallahassee – The Florida Commission on Human Relations (Commission) learned this week that a 43% cut to the agency’s funding has been proposed by a House of Representatives’ appropriations subcommittee. This is an even more severe cut than the Governor’s 40% recommended reduction to the Commission.

“We are deeply troubled to hear of the proposed, steep cuts to the Commission. We understand the economic challenges facing our state; however, these cuts are so severe that we would not be able to function, “ said Dr. Donna Elam, Commission Chairperson. “Not only does the Commission protect the rights of all people in Florida, per our state Constitution, but it saves businesses millions of dollars in avoided litigation costs due to its mediation services.”

Since 2006, the Commission’s mediation services have helped businesses avoid paying out more than $51 million in litigation costs by keeping these cases out of an already overburdened court system. The Commission also partners with community groups to educate the public on pressing human and civil rights issues and is a member of the Florida Statewide Taskforce on Human Trafficking. Florida ranks 3rd in the nation in the number of documented hate groups and remains a top destination for human trafficking.

“Floridians cannot afford this deep cut which would essentially gut the only, independent civil rights entity in our state. Sadly, workplace and housing discrimination is alive and well as are hate crimes, which rob individuals of their sense of safety and community,” said Gilbert Singer, Commission Vice-Chair. “As we work to create new jobs and attract homebuyers and entrepreneurs to our state, we must make Florida a desirable place to live and work. The Commission brings great value in stopping costly and detrimental discrimination and must be adequately funded!”

The Florida Commission on Human Relations, established in 1969, is the state agency charged with administering 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 and partnerships, the Commission works to prevent discrimination and costly litigation through teaching best business practices and fostering understanding amongst Floridians.

For more information, visit http://fchr.state.fl.us or on Facebook