PA Human Relations Commission Orders Berks County Child Welfare Agency to Cease Race Discrimination, Undergo Training

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission ordered Concern Professional Services, of Fleetwood, Berks County, to cease illegal discrimination based on race and have its managers and staff undergo non-discrimination training.  

The business is a licensed, non-profit child welfare agency and the order took effect Oct. 27.

Ezekiel V. Wilson, of Mills, Potter County, who is African American, filed a complaint alleging that the business had terminated his employment because of his race.  

While the commission found the business liable for illegal discrimination, the order did not include back pay for Wilson, due to lack of sufficient evidence to support an award.

In 2007, the commission issued an order in this case finding the business liable for illegal discrimination and awarding damages to Wilson. Concern Professional Services appealed the order.

Commonwealth Court vacated the order in 2009, returning the case to the commission for a new hearing on the matter.

The current order is based on a majority vote approving the recommendation of two of three commissioners who served as hearing panel members. The third hearing panel member filed a dissenting opinion and recommendation.

The business has 30 days to report to the commission on how it will comply with the order and must submit a training plan for commission approval within 60 days.

Media contact: Shannon Powers, 717-783-8266

SOURCE Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

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