Thread by @MichDeShon

Hi readers, I covered Akron Civil Rights Commission Tuesday, Nov. 5 for #AkronDocumenters @SignalAkron Commission members present were Ellen Lander Nischt (Chair), Sheldon Wrice, Bruce Alexander and Casey Miller. The meeting started at 4:08 pm.

John Shakun and Kirsten Smith from the City of Akron law department also joined the meeting.

Minutes from the regular Oct. 1 meeting were approved by the commission, along with meeting minutes from a special meeting on Oct. 25. This was the first hearing in the recent complaint against VanDevere Chevrolet for violating the CROWN Act.

More on this case later.

Discussion of ongoing cases:
23ACRC - 1 is an income/ housing complaint against West Group, Dominion Townhomes. Nischt said she thinks there is potential to resolve this case. The commission agreed upon a hearing date of Jan. 21, 2025 at 1 pm and parties will be notified.

23ACRC - 2 & 3 are income/ housing complaints against Herston Properties and Jeff Drillien, REMAX Crossroads and still under investigation. Nischt said she and Maddox completed some work for the case this month and they hope to provide an update next month.

23ACRC - 4, In this income/ housing complaint - this one against Stewardship Property Solutions, Balthazar K. Msimangira - Nischt said both parties are still interested in finding a resolution.

The next hearing for the case is set for Fri, Dec. 13 at 1 pm.

23ACRC - 5 is a complaint of income/ housing against Larkin Street Homes LLC, Divvy Home Buyer LLC. Alexander said the commission will hold conciliation on Tues, Nov. 12 at 1 pm. The respondent is out of state so the meeting will be held virtually.

23ACRC - 6 is a income/ housing complaint against Akron Quality Properties LLC. Gambrell said she recently met with the parties and the case did not progress much after several hours.

One of the parties did not have legal representation but does now. Gambrell said the parties need to reschedule the Nov. 14 meeting. Conciliation (mediation) is still ongoing.

The next hearing is now Feb. 25, 2025.

23ACRC - 9, the commission set another hearing date in the CROWN Act Violation case regarding race / employment against VanDevere Chevrolet after the previous date didn't work for one of the parties.

CROWN stands for "Creating a respectful and open world for natural hair." The CROWN Act was adopted by City Council in 2020 and prohibits discrimination based on natural hairstyles at work and school.

After some deliberation on dates, the next hearing will be Thurs, Dec. 19 at 1 pm.

24ACRC - 1 is a disability/ race/ income/ housing case against David & Norma Jean Ridenhour. Nischt said the investigation is still ongoing but they expect a conclusion soon.

24ACRC - 3 is a disability/ accommodation case against Portage Path Behavioral Health. Alexander said investigation is ongoing.

Lastly, 24ACRC - 5, a race/ employment complaint against Summa's Home Infusion is also ongoing, according to commissioner Maddox.

Next, the commission discussed its 2025 budget that will be presented to Council (not sure if this is City Council or Summit County Council). Nischt said they need to bring a "reasonable request" forward for upcoming expenses - commission laptops and other tech. for example.

There were no public comments, new business or new cases to be discussed.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:38 pm. The next meeting was scheduled for Mon, Dec. at 4 pm and will be virtual to accommodate members who cannot attend in person. Nischt said they will find a way to stream the meeting for the public to attend.