Kalamazoo residents who file discrimination complaints could see them investigated locally, not automatically referred to the state, under language advanced Aug. 5.
The Kalamazoo Civil Rights Board voted unanimously to send the revised language to the city attorney’s office and its City Commission liaison for review before it moves toward the full Commission.
The proposed change affects Chapter 18, Article III, Section 18-9(b), the city’s non-discrimination ordinance. Under the draft, a complaint that is timely filed, submitted in the proper form, occurs within Kalamazoo, and alleges a cognizable claim would move to a local investigation with the assistance of the city attorney’s office or other city departments — rather than being automatically referred to the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. Complainants would still be notified in writing of their right to file concurrently with outside agencies such as the state or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If a complaint is dismissed, the draft requires the dismissal notice to state the specific basis for that decision.
Vice Chair Willow Sipling, who drafted the language, said the changes were based on a review of civil rights ordinances in other Michigan municipalities. Sipling told the board community members have said “chapter 18 doesn’t have the same teeth that might be required” to address discrimination cases.
The board’s vote does not adopt the new language. It directs the language to Assistant City Attorney Marcia Jones and Commissioner Stephanie Hoffman, the board’s City Commission liaison, for review before any proposal goes to the full Commission. Jones told the board she could return legal feedback by the board’s next scheduled meeting. Hoffman said she could take the language to the Commission and the city manager’s office at the same time, and encouraged the board to “be bold and to be very audacious and courageous in doing this work.”
Board members noted the vote is an early step. Any change to city ordinance would still require a first reading before the City Commission, where the public can weigh in, before a final vote on adoption.
The motion was made by Director Keshia Dickason and seconded by Director Sandra Calderon-Huezo.
