Human Relations Commission Quarterly Newsletter - April 2021
Louisville Metro Government sent this bulletin at 04/29/2021 12:16 PM EDT |
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From the Director
As we move into the second quarter of 2021, people are adjusting to how they live their daily lives during a pandemic. The weather is getting warmer, Louisville is slowly showing signs of reopening, and JCPS is returning to a schedule of in-person classes. As more people are getting vaccinated the COVID-19 numbers are lowering but people are still being advised to wear their mask and social distance. This month of April 2021 we celebrate the 53rd Anniversary of U.S. Fair Housing Act of 1968. Newly appointed Secretary of U.S. Housing and Urban Development, Marcia L. Fudge gave a statement commemorating National Fair Housing Month. In her statement she announced the theme of the occasion for 2021 which is “Fair Housing: More Than Just Words,” which reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advancing equity in housing and the importance of increasing public awareness of everyone’s right to fair housing. Although the Fair Housing Act became law in 1968, today our nation is still experiencing major challenges with discrimination and equality for all people. Let us remember as we move forward and adapt to the “new normal”, give support to all efforts presented to decrease the barriers for a more equitable community. Verná Goatley, Executive Director, Louisville Metro Human Relations Commission |
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What is the Human Relations Commission (HRC)?
The Louisville Metro HRC is granted both the legal authority and responsibility to investigate claims of illegal discrimination in Jefferson County, and to enforce anti-discrimination law in housing, employment, public accommodations, and hate crimes. In order to increase the visibility of businesses owned by people belonging certain protected classes: minority, women, and disabled business owners can certify their businesses with Metro through the HRC. In March of last year, we began issuing reciprocal certifications to local LGBT-owned businesses that are already certified with national organizations. We also monitor compliance with businesses that are awarded contracts with Metro Government. We also promote civic activities and work to make them accessible, and to foster unity and understanding between diverse groups of people. Our goal is to ensure equitable opportunity and life outcomes for everyone in Louisville. The HRC staff takes discrimination complaints from everyday people just like you. If you have questions about a recent discrimination event you have experienced, or if you are not sure whether something that happened illegal discrimination, we are here to help. Call us at 502-574-3631 or email hrc@louisvilleky.gov. |
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April is National Fair Housing Month
Fair Housing Month recognizes the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson, which expanded on the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VIII of the new act prohibited discrimination in housing (sale, rental, and financing), based on race, sex, religion, national origin, and disability and familial status. A fair housing bill had been floating through Congress, but it failed to appeal to lawmakers until after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was well known for marching for open housing in segregated cities from Detroit to Atlanta, and in the streets of Louisville in between. After Dr. King was killed on April 4, 1968, President Johnson pushed for quick approval of the Act through Congress as a memorial to King and his legacy, attempting to enact Fair Housing before Dr. King’s funeral on April 9, 1968. The House of Representatives passed the Fair Housing Act, and the Senate voted to pass the Act without any debate. President Johnson then signed the Act into law on April 11, 1968. More than 50 years later, fair housing isn’t a guarantee. It still requires advocacy, enforcement, education, and outreach. People experience discrimination in housing every day, and disparate housing practices exist. This year, these problems are compounded by a global pandemic, confusing or difficult processes in accessing relief funds, unemployment, underemployment, virtual hearings, personal illness, and the loss of loved ones. Be on the lookout for Fair Housing Events and information throughout the month of April, especially around the topic of eviction. The Human Relations Commission will post about these events on our social media sites. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This newsletter will highlight some new legislation, organizations, events, and ways you can get involved in increasing Fair Housing in Louisville. |
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New Federal LGBTQ Housing Protections
Louisville and Lexington were the first cities in Kentucky to adopt an LGBTQ Fairness Ordinance to protect the LGBTQ community from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations in 1999. Eighteen others have followed, but the protections haven’t been statewide. On February 11, 2021, the Biden Administration announced that federal housing protections would be extended to include LGBTQ people under sex discrimination protections, due to a Supreme Court ruling in June 2020. In Bostock v. Clayton County, the high court ruled that sex-based employment discrimination does include sexual orientation and gender identity. Because of the ruling, the federal government has extended these same protections to housing. Where LGBTQ Housing Discrimination was only locally enforceable before, the Louisville Metro Human Relations Commission will now file these cases federally. If you have experienced LGBTQ discrimination in housing, or any other discriminatory actions, please call us at 502-574-3631. Outside Jefferson County, housing discrimination complaints can be filed directly through HUD.org. |
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Virtual Community Events
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Remembering Vice President Walter Mondale
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As a young senator of Minnesota, Walter Mondale favored legislation that improved people’s access to equitable living, including the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He also advocated for programs in education, child care, health care, jobs, desegregation, and open housing, to great political opposition.
In April 1968, just days after the assassination Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., President Lyndon Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act of 1968 into law, which Mondale was proud to have co-authored, envisioning swift social change.
On the Act’s 50th anniversary, Mondale was critical of the lack of enforcement of the Fair Housing Act. In an April 2018 Op-Ed for the New York Times titled “The Civil Rights Law We Ignored”, he said that the Fair Housing Act was written to prevent and reverse the residential segregation across the country that duplicated the intent of the Jim Crow South, to “confirm and reinforce the idea of white superiority.” Mondale admitted the co-authors of the Act could be accused of “excessive optimism” in unifying our segregated society.
“My whole life, I worked on the idea that government can be an instrument for social progress. We need that progress. Fairness requires it.”
In a subsequent interview, Mondale explained to NPR that the Fair Housing Act has never been fully enforced, and subject to neglect in its vision of integration. “There's a lot of bad consequences that flow from segregation. The kids don't do as well. We live separately. We don't learn about each other. We're all Americans. And yet, we separate based on, basically, race. And I believe it's got to stop.”
Vice President Mondale died on Monday, April 19, 2021. He was 93.
Eviction Prevention & Assistance
The Neighborhood Place is currently waiting for additional funding to become available in order to serve more renters in need. While renters cannot currently schedule a new appointment for assistance, Neighborhood Place staff recommend that renters complete the Landlord Declaration, which is required to avoid eviction for non-payment of rent, until those assistance funds become available. Please visit: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/develop-louisville/eviction-prevention
StopMyEviction.org has paused new applications, but if you do need assistance, complete the online Request Support form to be added to the waitlist. If you already have an appointment with The Neighborhood Place, please keep that appointment.
Do you have a pending court date?
Regardless of the cause for eviction, experts urge tenants to appear for their court dates. If you need assistance with court, request help with StopMyEviction.org and access their request form with a Google login. Renters can also call the Louisville Metro Office of Housing at 502-574-1707, or access its Eviction Diversion Program Tenant Eligibility Review form with a Google login.
JCPS Covid-19 Testing
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is partnering with Louisville Metro Public Health & Wellness and Sphere to provide free, voluntary COVID-19 rapid testing at select school sites.
Testing at the drive-thru sites will be available by appointment beginning March 15 to any JCPS student, employee, and parent/guardian who feels they may have been exposed to COVID-19, including those who are asymptomatic. A limited number of unscheduled walk-up/drive-ups will be accommodated as available.
The rapid/antigen testing will be available at the following school sites Mondays-Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m.:
• Academy @ Shawnee, 4001 Herman Street
• Ballard High School, 6000 Brownsboro Road
• Central High School, 1130 W Chestnut Street
• Fairdale High School, 1001 Fairdale Road
• Iroquois High School, 4615 Taylor Boulevard
• Marion C. Moore School, 6415 Outer Loop
• Seneca High School, 3510 Goldsmith Lane
• Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 1501 Rangeland Road
• Waggener High School, 330 S Hubbards Lane
• Western Middle School, 2201 W Main Street
• Western High School, 2501 Rockford Lane
• Valley High School, 10200 Dixie Highway
Appointments can be scheduled at spheredx.sphere.health/covid. Adults are asked to bring a photo ID.
All JCPS schools will be provided with rapid COVID-19 testing kits for students or staff who arrive at school with symptoms of illness. The tests will be administered by nursing staff. The drive-thru sites are for those within the JCPS family who are asymptomatic, may choose to get tested regularly, and/or have been referred for testing as part of contact tracing efforts.
Learn more at https://www.jefferson.kyschools.us/jcps-covid-19-information-and-dashboard.
Covid-19 Vaccines
Kentucky's largest Covid-10 Vaccine site is at Cardinal Stadium, with many appointments available to anyone age 16+. U of L Health has the ability to vaccinate up to 4,000 people per day at this site. To register, visit https://uoflhealth.org/louisville-covid-19-vaccinations/,or call 502-681-1435.
The Cardinal Stadium vaccine site accommodates drive-thru, walk-up, and people who arrive by bike or bus.
New Guidance for People Fully Vaccinated
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidelines for individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19. People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series such as with Pfizer and Moderna, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine like the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine. The new guidance states that if you have been fully vaccinated:
• You can gather indoors with fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask.
• You can gather indoors with unvaccinated people from one household without masks, unless those people and household inhabitants have an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
• If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms.
Individuals who have not been fully vaccinated should still take steps to protect themselves and others by wearing masks, staying six feet apart, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. Additionally, people should try to delay domestic and international travel and continue to follow CDC requirements and recommendations for travel if they do.
For access to new guidelines as they become available, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html.
Parks and Recreation COVID-19 Guidance
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Louisville Parks and Recreation is working in conjunction with local and state public health offices to safely reopen park amenities and facilities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This timeline is subject to change depending on guidance from the parties listed above and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Protocols for safe usage are provided below. For the most up-to-date announcements, please visit, https://louisvilleky.gov/government/parks/parks-and-recreation-covid-19-guidance.
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Currently Reopened Amenities
Golf courses
Fishing ponds
Playing fields (no pickup games, exercise only, groups of 10 or less if six-foot social distancing is followed)
Hiking and biking trails
Restrooms
Tennis/pickleball courts
Disk golf
Dog parks
Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center (Pre-registered laps)
Riverside/Farnsley-Moreman Landing (Pre-registered, self-guided, 10 or less)
Jefferson Memorial Forest Welcome Center & primitive campgrounds
Locust Grove (Pre-registered, self-guided, 10 or less)
Small volunteer projects
Playgrounds
Basketball courts
Community Centers
Splashpads/Spraygrounds -
Closed Amenities
Iroquois Amphitheater
Adult sports leagues
Corporate/large volunteer projects
Large park facility rentals/special event permitting
Park loop roads
Louisville Extreme Park/Breslin Skate Spot
Updated April 20, 2021
Resources for Residents
COVID-19 testing sites in Jefferson County is available at https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-covid-19-resource-center/covid-19-testing.Covid-19 Information
Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness page: https://louisvilleky.gov/news/what-you-need-know-about-coronavirus
Team Kentucky/Kentucky Department of Public Health COVID-19 source for information concerning COVID-19: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/pages/covid19.aspx
Kentucky COVID-19 Hotline: 1-800-722-5725
Centers for Disease Control (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
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Housing & Rent Assistance
The Kentucky Equal Justice Center's CDC Eviction Declaration app is a tool to help home renters generate and send Declarations to get protection from eviction under the CDC's Eviction Order. Find the app at this website: https://afterpattern.com/cl/kyequaljustice/cdc-eviction-declaration
Jobs & Careers
KentuckianaWorks online Job Board is updated daily. Sign up to receive new job postings sent directly to your email. Find your next job at https://www.kentuckianaworks.org/jobs.
Legal Assistance
Free legal help is available through the Legal Aid Society. Visit the website at https://yourlegalaid.org, or call 502-584-1254.
Personal Finance
Financial Navigators program is free to help residents navigate critical financial issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Complete the online form, or call 657-6624 to sign up. Organizations across Louisville can also refer clients directly to an expert.
Scam Reporting
Report a Covid-19 related scam or fraud to the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or visit https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Report online scams, fraud, and ransomware to the Federal Bureau of Investigation at https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx.
To file a price gouging complaint, visit ag.ky.gov/pricegouging or call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-888-432-9257.
Unemployment
Unemployment insurance: Go to kcc.ky.gov, call the UI Help line at 502-564-2900 or the Kentucky Career Center's Louisville office at 502-595-4003.
Small Business Resources
Louisville has a robust community of partners and resources to help small businesses start and succeed. Visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-forward/small-business-resources.
Get Involved and Make a Difference
Civic Opportunities in Louisville Metro Government
Boards & Commissions
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Are you interested in serving on a Metro Board? Board appointments are volunteer opportunities where you can work alongside other citizens to improve the quality of life for all Louisvillians, improve your professional network, and enhance your professional experience. Metro has approximately 100 boards in many areas of interest including business and economic development, land planning, parks and recreation, and public health and safety. Learn more about boards & commissions, and the application process at: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/mayor-greg-fischer/boards-and-commissions-list
Human Relations Advocacy Board Vacancy
The Human Relations Commission Advocacy Board has one vacancy it would like to fill with a youth interested in making a difference in our community.
The Advocacy Board shall endeavor to promote and secure mutual understanding and respect among all economic, social, religious, ethnic, and social groups in the metropolitan area, and shall act as conciliator in controversies involving intergroup and interracial relations. The Human Relations Commission-Advocacy shall cooperate with federal, state, and other local agencies in efforts to develop harmonious intergroup and interracial relations, and shall endeavor to enlist the support of civic, religious, labor, industrial, and commercial groups, and civic leaders dedicated to the improvement of human relations and elimination of discriminatory practices.
This board is comprised of 10 members appointed by Mayor Greg Fischer with the approval of Metro Council, and appointees serve a term of 3 years. If you're interested in applying for this board position, please visit: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/mayor-greg-fischer/boards-and-commissions-list and search for Human Relations Commission.
Never Miss a Metro Council Meeting
Virtual Metro Council meetings have given the public more opportunity to see our local government at work, and to get involved. Keep an eye on the meeting schedule and never miss the discussion topics that are important to you. Members of the public can also request to speak at a meeting. Meetings are broadcast live on the Louisville Metro Council Facebook page.
Did you Know?
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Did you know you can file two kinds of public accommodation complaints with the Human Relations Commission?
If you find any government building, public walkway, parking accommodations, etc., owned by the city that needs a disability/accommodation review, we can take that complaint for you here, and we will refer your complaint to the appropriate Metro agency.
We also take public accommodation discrimination complaints. Some examples: a restaurant that refuses to serve a guest who is wearing a religious headscarf; a grocery store denies a person entry because the customer requires a service animal to navigate the aisles; or, a retail business that does not provide handicapped parking for its patrons.
Denying someone services isn't always illegal, but it is illegal if the denial of services is based on your race, color, sex, national origin, religion, and disability. In Louisville, sexual orientation and gender identity are protected in public accommodations under the Fairness Ordinance.
Finally, if you make a complaint of discrimination, retaliation against you for making the complaint and/or participating in an investigation is also illegal.
How to file a Discrimination Complaint
If you would like to file a complaint of illegal discrimination with the Human Relations Commission, please call us at 502-574-3631 and speak with one of our Intake Officers. Simply tell us your story, and be ready with details and dates about the incident. Or, use our new, easy-to-use, online complaint form, and we will contact you.
In order to eliminate illegal discrimination, it is necessary to enforce the laws in place that protect our civil rights. If you're unsure if something you've experienced was discrimination, give us a call. We are happy to answer your questions, and if we cannot help, we will refer to you the appropriate agencies that can.
Louisville Metro Human Relations Commission
745 W. Main Street, Ste. 251
Louisville, KY 40202
502-574-3631
Follow us online:
Facebook: @LMHRC Twitter: @HumanMetro
Instagram: @LouKyHRC
Visit our website: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/human-relations-commission
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