Honor legacy by reporting discrimination

As we reflect on the 76th birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., it is important to remember the achievements of yesteryear. Segregated lunch counters, sitting in the back of the bus and sending children to segregated schools far outside their own neighborhoods are distant memories.

But as we relish these past accomplishments, it is imperative to carry those feats forward by preventing and eliminating today's discriminatory acts. As Kansans, we are fortunate our forefathers realized the enduring importance of anti-discrimination and equal opportunity by enacting the Kansas Act Against Discrimination in 1953, making Kansas the 12th state with an anti-discrimination law. Rep. Myles Stevens of Kansas City was particularly instrumental in passing this legislation. Further improvements were made after Rep. Charles Arthur of Manhattan, along with other state senators and representatives, recommended enforceable fair employment legislation in 1961.

There have been additional changes throughout the years, and now the Kansas Act Against Discrimination, administered by the Kansas Human Rights Commission, protects people from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. The Kansas Age Discrimination in Employment Act, also administered by the Kansas Human Rights Commission, protects individuals 18 and older from discrimination in employment on the basis of age.

When we remember King's birthday, it is easy to think of distant places like Memphis or Atlanta. Topeka, Independence and dozens of other Kansas towns don't cross our minds, but they should. Of the 855 complaints filed with the Kansas Human Rights Commission from July 2003 to June 2004, 129 cases originated in Topeka. In addition, we received 10,453 inquiries and resolved 841 cases of alleged discrimination during that same period, recovering $1,435,616 for complainants.

The monetary figure doesn't include the value of positions or jobs that may have been obtained by the commission for complainants, nor does it include other non-monetary remedies.

As we commemorate King's birth, we should, rightfully, reflect on the progress our society has made and Kansas in particular. The commission credits much of its success to a true cross-section of Kansans: Republicans, Democrats and Independents and the executive branch. Just more than 10 years ago, from July 1993 to June 1994, 1,876 complaints of discrimination were filed with the Kansas Human Rights Commission, significantly higher than the current number of 855 complaints.

Although the number of complaints alleging discrimination has declined, we still have strides to make: 855 complaints are 855 complaints too many. The 129 complaints from Topeka are 129 too many.

On this occasion filled with remembrance of the past and hope for the future, we urge all Kansans to protect their federal and state rights by reporting today's discriminatory acts in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations to the Kansas Human Rights Commission.

Additional information is available from our Topeka office at 296- 3206 or our Web site of www.khrc.net.

We also urge interested parties to subscribe to our Spectrum newsletter or participate in our annual Employment Conference by e- mailing khrc@ink.org or calling our Topeka office.

James E. Butler is the longest-serving commissioner in the history of the Kansas Human Rights Commission, serving under five Kansas governors.

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