STHRC Summary

The Susquehanna Township Human Relations Commission

Purpose

The Susquehanna Township Human Relations Commission was established by the Susquehanna Township Board of Commissioners and assumed its duties on July 1, 2012. The Commission is made up of 9 volunteer members, all residents of Susquehanna Township. The role of the Commission is to investigate and attempt to resolve accusations of discrimination in employment, housing, or use of public accommodations based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or genetic information that Pennsylvania law has determined cannot be addressed by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.

Procedures

Should an accusation of discrimination be filed, the Commission will first determine if the complaint meets the requirements for investigation. The complaint must be filed within 180 days of the alleged discrimination, the alleged discrimination must have taken place in Susquehanna Township, and it must not involve a type of discrimination which is under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.

Should it be determined that the complaint meets the requirements for investigation, the Commission will send a copy of the complaint to the respondent accused of discriminatory practices. The respondent will have 30 days to respond to the complaint.

Upon receipt of the response, the Commission will invite the parties to an attempt to mediate the dispute. If the mediation successfully resolves the dispute, the complaint will be dismissed. Should mediation not resolve the dispute, the Commission will proceed to a formal investigation. The investigation may result in a finding of No Cause or Probable Cause. A finding of No Cause will result in dismissal of the complaint. A finding of Probable Cause will lead to an attempt to engage the respondent accused of discriminatory practices in discussions to end the discriminatory practice by persuasion, conference, or conciliation.

Should attempts by the Commission to end the discriminatory practice by persuasion, conference, or conciliation fail, the Commission will proceed to hold a Public Hearing regarding the complaint. After hearing evidence at the Public Hearing, the Commission will determine if a Finding of Unlawful Discrimination should be rendered. If it is so determined, the Commission has the authority to order the respondent to cease and desist the discriminatory practices and order remedies available to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission under the Human Relations Act.

How to File a Complaint

If you believe you have been discriminated against because of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or genetic information in Susquehanna Township, you may file a complaint with the Susquehanna Township Human Relations Commission. The STHRC Complaint Form used for filing may be obtained at by clicking here or by visiting the Township Offices, located at 1900 Linglestown Road. The completed Complaint Form may be returned to the Township Office in person, via U.S. mail, fax, or emailed by clicking here.