Lawmaker Eyes Next Step in Resolving Statehouse
Discrimination
Civil Rights Commission complaint takes on discriminatory
Statehouse security policies
State Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) is optimistic that four
agencies will sit down by the Ohio Civil Rights Commission’s
(OCRC) Aug. 16 mediation deadline to address racial
profiling and discrimination by State Highway Patrol and
private guards at the security checkpoints for the Riffe
Tower and the Statehouse.
"Now that the State Highway Patrol’s self-review is
completed, the next step is to sit down with all parties for
mediation,” said Sykes. “I'm keeping an open mind and remain
hopeful that we can come together to ensure everyone is
treated equally at their state capitol.”
Sykes said that if some parties aren’t willing to meet
OCRC’s mediation deadline, she will rely on the outcome of
the commission’s independent investigation to determine a
final resolution.
“We can improve Ohio by putting this shameful chapter of
racial profiling behind us,” Sykes added. “We should create
clear, objective and fair policies with all state agencies
and departments to ensure safety and equal accommodations
while treating everyone with dignity and respect.”
Sykes and other black women state legislators expressed
concerns when the State Highway Patrol was involved in a
number of incidents in which black women lawmakers were
questioned and given extra scrutiny while white male
lawmakers went freely through security checkpoints.
“The State Highway Patrol and Public Safety Director John
Born have never acknowledged even the possibility of bias,
but I believe our words and stories will have greater value
with an impartial third party like the Civil Rights
Commission,” Sykes said.
The State Highway Patrol reviewed its own security
procedures last week, issuing their own report, and
admitting no wrongdoing.
"The bigger issue is, if the State Highway Patrol is
profiling elected officials, how are they treating Ohio
citizens and other minorities who are coming to the
Statehouse? Coming together to have an honest conversation
is critical in understanding these issues," Sykes said.
Sykes is calling on the Capitol Square Review and Advisory
Board, the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, and
the Ohio House of Representatives to join in mediation and
encourages the patrol and public services department to sit
down as well.
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