Opinion ID: 1402965
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Statutory Provisions of Kansas Act Against Discrimination

Text: The KAAD seeks to end discrimination by reason of race, religion, color, sex, disability, national origin, and ancestry, in all employment relations, in housing, and in all places and public accommodations covered by the Act. K.S.A. 44-1001. It is unlawful under the KAAD for an employer, because of the disability of an employee, to discharge or otherwise discriminate against the employee in the terms or conditions of employment. K.S.A. 44-1009(a)(1). Within 6 months after an alleged discriminatory act or after the last in a pattern of such acts, individuals claiming violations of the KAAD may file a complaint with the KHRC. The KHRC serves a copy of the complaint on the party accused of violating the act and then investigates the allegations. K.S.A. 44-1005(a), (d), and (i). The commissioner assigned to a case then determines if probable cause exists to credit the allegations. Where the KHRC makes a finding of no probable cause, the claimant is served notice, and such finding is not subject to judicial review. K.S.A. 44-1005(d); Van Scoyk v. St. Mary's Assumption Parochial School, 224 Kan. 304, Syl. ¶ 1, 580 P.2d 1315 (1978). If there is a finding of probable cause, the commissioner endeavors to end the discriminatory practice by conference and conciliation. K.A.R. 44-1005(e). If no agreement is reached, the KHRC commences a hearing in accord with the Kansas Administrative Procedures Act (KAPA). K.S.A. 44-1005(f). The officer presiding at such hearing is to render an initial order on the issue of whether the employer engaged in an unlawful employment practice. If an unlawful practice occurred, the officer is to render an order providing for remedial action or compensation as warranted and permitted by the act. K.S.A. 44-1005(k). If the officer determines no unlawful practice occurred, the officer is to render an order dismissing the complaint. K.S.A. 44-1005(m). Either of the above initial orders shall be reviewed by the KHRC, and a copy of the final order shall be served on the parties. K.S.A. 44-1005(n). Any party dissatisfied with any order or decision of the KHRC may petition for reconsideration in accordance with the provisions of K.S.A. 77-529 within 15 days of the service of the final order, and such a petition is a prerequisite to judicial review of any order or decision of the KHRC. K.S.A. 44-1010; K.S.A. 77-529(a). Any action of the KHRC is reviewable under the Act for Judicial Review and Civil Enforcement of Agency Actions with certain specified exceptions not relevant here. K.S.A. 44-1011. An aggrieved individual may also bring an independent cause of action in the district court based on the rights and prohibitions of the KAAD once he or she has exhausted administrative remedies. Van Scoyk, 224 Kan. at 306.