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Cuyahoga County is continuing to work toward fostering a more inclusive, equitable community for everyone.

In September 2018, the first-ever county-wide anti-discrimination ordinance was passed in Cuyahoga County, ensuring that all people in the county have equal access and opportunity to employment, housing and public accommodations and providing citizens with civil rights protections against discriminatory practices. The ordinance prohibits discrimination based on recognized protected class and on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression within the areas of employment, housing and public accommodation. 

Last year, the Cuyahoga County Human Rights Commission was established in tandem with this ordinance. The Commission will work to promote diversity, inclusion and harmony through every facet of the county by providing education and community events, advising County Council and the County Executive, and receiving and resolving complaints alleging discrimination based on protected traits such as sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Commission hears and decides discrimination complaints through a neutral process which gives complainants and respondents the opportunity to provide evidence and testimony at an administrative hearing.

“The Commission’s acceptance of complaints is one step in the continuing fight to ensure that Cuyahoga County continues to be a welcoming, diverse and inclusive community and that its residents, employees and visitors are treated with dignity and respect,” said Kimberly Barnett-Mills, Commissioner and Supervising Attorney for the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland.

Cuyahoga County has also partnered with the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association to provide mediation services at no cost to the parties. The parties may opt to reach a settlement through the services of a professional independent mediator. If an agreement is reached in mediation the case is closed.

“I am proud to serve this Commission as it takes its place in America’s ongoing effort to make our communities more productive, egalitarian, and dynamic by reducing the harm of prejudice and discrimination,” said Todd K. Masuda, Commissioner and Attorney at Law at Seeley Savidge Ebert & Gourash.

The newly-launched Human Rights Commission website is a valuable resource for those wishing to file a complaint or to find out more information on processes and mediation. The site also contains a robust frequently asked questions section and step-by-step guide to filing a complaint.