Schwartz Educates Becton on DC Human Rights Act

May 20, 1997

General Julius W. Becton, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer, D.C. Public Schools
415 12th Street, NW - Room 1209
Washington, DC 20004-1994

Dear General Becton:

My office recently received a copy of The HomeRoom, the very informative newsletter published by the D.C. Public Schools. It was brought to my attention that the Notice of Nondiscrimination of DCPS that appears on the second page does not comply with the provisions of the D.C. Human Rights Act, the relevant parts of which are enclosed. Unlike federal law, District of Columbia anti-discrimination law provides future and current employees and membership applicants with additional protections against discrimination on the basis of marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, and political affiliation.

I would suggest that The HomeRoom and all other applicable DCPS publications revise their Notices of Non-Discrimination by adding these classifications to accurately and completely inform those who read the publications of the full protections against discrimination provided under District law. I would also appreciate receiving assurances from the appropriate individual(s) that past, present, and future DCPS employment practices are in accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act. Thank you for taking care of this matter.

Sincerely,

Carol Schwartz
Councilmember, At-Large

CS:lal

cc:	Cecilia Wirtz, General Counsel, DCPS
	Director, Equal Employment Opportunity Office, DCPS
	Brad Green, Editor, The HomeRoom
	Councilmember Kevin Chavous, Chair, Committee on Education, Libraries and Recreation

Enclosures

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Text from The HomeRoom:

Notice of non-discrimination.
D.C. Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in its programs and activities. Discrimination will not be tolerated and persons engaging in such will be subject to disciplinary action. The following officer has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director, Equal Employment Opportunity Office, D.C. Public Schools, 415 12th St., N.W., Ste. 1100, Washington, D.C. 20004. 202-724-4218.

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Text of DC Human Rights Act:

§ 1-2512. Unlawful discriminatory practices in employment.

(a) General. — It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice to do any of the following acts, wholly or partially for a discriminatory reason based upon the race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical handicap, matriculation, or political affiliation of any individual:
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(4)(B) To print or publish, or cause to be printed or published, any notice or advertisement, or use any publication form, relating to employment by such an employer, or to membership in, or any classification or referral for employment by such a labor organization, or to any classification or referral for employment by such an employment agency, unlawfully indicating any preference, limitation, specification, or distinction, based on the race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation of any individual.
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