Alaska State Commission for Human Rights

When the United States purchased the great state of Alaska from the Russian Empire in 1867, the average going price per acre was just two cents. In retrospect, the purchase was a wise investment. Today, Alaska boasts a thriving economy based on tourism, mineral and fuel exploration, fishing, and timber. The state is physically cut off from the rest of the “contiguous” United States; as 2008 Vice Presidential candidate Governor Sarah Palin observed, Alaska is geographically closer to Russia than it is to any other US state. Alaskans value independence and persistence, and they take moral guidance not only from the “Lower 48” but also from the teachings of the native Alaskan Inuit and Indians.

The Alaska State Commission for Human Rights is the public body in charge of overseeing and enforcing employment discrimination laws. This commission is a seven person group directly appointed by the governor. To qualify for the Commission, nominees must be confirmed by the Alaska legislature. The ASCHR is based out of Anchorage and takes employment complaints from across the state. Pursuant to Alaska’s statute charter 18.80, it is illegal in Alaska to discriminate on the basis of religion, color, national origin, sex, physical or mental disability, or race. In some cases, it is also illegal to discriminate on the basis of parenthood, marital status (or changes in marital status), pregnancy, and age. The Commission accepts complaints, investigates them, tries to settle them when possible, and offers training to ensure that employers comply with stipulations set forth by the Alaska Human Rights law. Commissioners also have enforcement power to end discriminatory practices, order reinstatement and back pay, and hold public hearings.

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin’s stance on disability discrimination attracted much media attention during the 2008 Presidential election, partly due to the fact that Governor Palin has a special needs daughter herself.

If you believe that you’ve suffered employment discrimination in Alaska due to mental or physical disability or any of the other reasons stipulated above, contact the law offices of Joseph, Herzfeld, Hester & Kirschenbaum immediately to get a free consultation.