 |
|
||||||
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tammy Cavender (573)
751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 11, 2007
Commission on Human Rights Orders City to Pay over $16,000 in Disability Case
JEFFERSON CITY, MO - The Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR) ordered the City of Valley Park to pay $16,080 after finding the city had failed to make a city park accessible to persons with disabilities.
In the case heard by the Administrative Hearings Commission, the MCHR charged that the City of Valley Park failed to provide an accessible route to the nature trail in Vance Trails Nature Park. The City was ordered to cease and desist from further discriminatory practices and to extend the full and equal use of its places of public accommodations to persons with disabilities. The City was also ordered to pay $16,080 to the mother who filed the complaint on behalf of her daughter who was unable to use the nature trail.
“This is an important victory for all the residents of the City, and particularly for its disabled citizens who have been denied their right to full and equal enjoyment of their City parks,” said Eric Krekel, acting executive director of the MCHR. “Cities have an obligation to make their facilities, programs and services accessible to persons with disabilities.”
The MCHR is responsible for enforcing the Missouri Human Rights Act which prohibits discrimination in employment, housing and places of public accommodation because of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), disability and age (in employment only) and familial status (in housing only). Further information about the MCHR is available on its website at www.dolir.mo.gov/hr or by calling (573) 751-3325.
###
Information and Planning · 421 East Dunklin
· P.O. Box 504 · Jefferson City, MO
65102-0504
573-751-7500 · 573-751-6552 (Fax)
Relay Missouri: 1-800-735-2966 (TDD) 1-800-735-2466 (Voice)