http://crc.ohio.gov
http://crc.ohio.gov
NOVEMBER 2008

OCRC Congratulates Commissioner Rashmi Yajnik


Governor Strickland recently announced the re-appointment of Commissioner Rashmi Yajnik to serve a five-year term with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC). Commissioner Yajnik was originally appointed to the Commission in August 2006 to complete the term of former Commissioner, Nirmal Sinha. Commissioner Yajnik is very active in the local Asian community and currently serves on the boards and commissions of the Ohio Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission, the Asian Indian American Business Group (AIA-BG), and the Federation of Asian Indian Associations of Central Ohio.

Mr. Yajnik holds an Engineering degree from Birla Engineering College in India, and Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. He is the Founder and President of California Hydrocarbons Corporation.

Commissioner Yajnik said, "I am appreciative of Governor Strickland's decision to re-appoint me to a position where I can continue to work with my colleagues on the important civil rights issues in the State of Ohio."

Acting Chairperson, Leonard Hubert stated, "The Commission supports Governor Strickland's appointment. We look forward to Commissioner Rashmi Yajnik's continued contributions to the great mission of the OCRC and we are thankful for his public service."



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In Memory of Dr. Ann Wendt

Our colleague and friend, Dr. Ann C. Wendt of Wright State University (WSU) passed away on October 10, 2008 after a short battle with cancer. Dr. Wendt held a master's degree in human resources and a Ph.D. in Business Administration from the University of Utah. She was a professor of management at WSU's Raj Soin College of Business and spent more than 20 years serving the University in that capacity. During her tenure, she collaborated with fellow WSU professor, Dr. William Slonaker, to create The Ohio Employment Discrimination Studies. The study consisted of a longitudinal database that included information collected from over 9,500 claims of discrimination obtained from the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. This database was designed to provide employers, employees, legislative policy-makers and regulators insight on issues concerning employment discrimination.

Dr. Wendt worked diligently to create unique opportunities for WSU students to learn about civil rights in her efforts to coordinate and host various OCRC public meetings and community forums on WSU's campus. OCRC's Executive Director, G. Michael Payton, said, "Dr. Wendt's tireless efforts to bring about awareness of civil rights issues to the WSU campus and community are a testament to her commitment to diversity and will be greatly missed. Her legacy of promoting awareness and inclusion will not be forgotten."

Dean Berkwood Farmer of the Raj Soin College of Business at WSU commended Dr. Wendt's extraordinary work at WSU. Dean Farmer said, "We are very sorry to lose our friend and University family member. Dr. Wendt served the college well in her 20 years of service as Professor of Management and was well-respected by both faculty and students. She played a principal role in strengthening the relationship between the Commission and the University. She supported the work of the Commission and was instrumental in ensuring the Commission's visit to Wright State University's campus each year. Dr. Wendt was loved by all and will be missed."


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 Equal Time for Betty the Bricklayer
written by Kelly Kupcak, Policy Advisor with Hard Hatted Women

Much ado about the oft mentioned Joe the Plumber adorned the last presidential debate and subsequent news media. Blatantly absent from the conversation is the mention of Betty the Bricklayer and the women she might represent. Unfortunately, there just aren't that many women working in the skilled trades, such Joe, as a plumber, pipefitter or heavy equipment operator. In fact, nationally, women represent only 4% of the skilled trades, which provide family-sustaining wages, healthcare and pensions, especially when they are union jobs. Instead, women continue to work predominately in sectors still considered traditional "women's work" – such as those in the service sector and childcare, making just minimum wage and often without benefits. In an average work lifetime a woman working in a career considered "nontraditional" such as that of a plumber will earn $1 million dollars more than a woman working as a childcare worker.

This is important to understand because women continue to be disproportionately impacted by poverty. According to the most recent U.S. Census, in Cleveland 53% of households headed by women live in poverty and for women of color that number rises to 68%. Additionally, women are often excluded from these job opportunities because of discrimination and lack of access to training. While not every woman wants to be a bricklayer or a plumber, she should be provided the choice. And when she does not opt for those careers, she should not be expected to work for less than her male counterparts. Despite years of outcry and activism, women still continue to earn less than their male counterparts for the same work. Studies show that women, on average, earn 77 cents for each dollar earned by a man.

Recently, a woman named Lilly Ledbetter has been criss-crossing the nation to raise awareness about pay equity. Lilly is now retired but has said how important it is to remedy this for our daughters and granddaughters. Lilly sued Good Year Tire and Rubber when she discovered the company had discriminated against her for decades by paying her male counterparts, even those less qualified and less senior higher wages. Lilly was awarded $3.8 million dollars by a jury of her peers for this violation of her civil rights under Title VII. Yet somehow the Supreme Court overturned the ruling stating Ledbetter did not act in a timely fashion. Lilly sued upon the discovery yet somehow the Supreme Court determined she was negligent in not knowing about the discrimination from her first paycheck.

In the spring, legislation bearing this courageous woman's name will go once again before the United States Senate for a vote. Lilly was mentioned by name only once during the last presidential debate and there was no follow-up discussion on how that legislation or the continued disparity between women's wages and men's impacts our families, our communities and our nation again. Putting choices in the hands of women and girls provides equality. Ensuring equal pay for equal work can mean the difference between remaining in poverty or being lifted out of it.

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 Cultural Events & Celebrations

Hispanic Heritage Month 2008

The OCRC proudly celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month on October 2, 2008. Guest speaker, Pastor Max Rodas, of Cleveland, Ohio joined the OCRC and delivered a dynamic presentation on the importance of recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and the significance of the cultural experiences and influences of the Hispanic and Latino population in communities throughout our state.

Pastor Rodas, originally from Guatemala, is an active community advocate in the greater Cleveland area where he has resided for more than 30 years. With the support of his church, Nueva Luz, Pastor Rodas serves as the Executive Director of Proyecto Luz an HIV/AIDS faith-based initiative on the west side of Cleveland where he works tirelessly to find solutions to the growing problem of HIV/AIDS among populations of color in the urban community. Proyecto Luz provides prevention education, outreach and case management to over 300 affected individuals. Pastor Rodas is also a consultant for his denomination in the development of culturally competent, compassionate ministries in the U.S. and provides cultural diversity/competence training through his work.

To view pictures from this event, please click here. For educational information about Hispanic Heritage for children in grades 3-12 please visit our web site to download cultural activity books and learning materials.

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2009 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Art, Essay & Multimedia Contest

The Ohio Civil Rights Commission is pleased to announce our annual statewide 2009 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Art, Essay & Multimedia Contest. The theme for this year's contest focuses on Dr. King's commitment to community and service, which were components that he believed were essential to the struggle for equality. The following quote by Dr. King embodies this belief:

"An individual has not begun to live until he can rise above the narrow horizons of his particular individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity. Every person must decide, at some point, whether they will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness. This is the judgment. Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

On January 29, 2009, OCRC will host a recognition ceremony for the students where contest winners will be awarded. This ceremony is open to the public and will feature a dynamic keynote speaker and musical entertainment from the Ft. Hayes Vocational High School Choir and Instrumental Band. For more information about the rules and guidelines of this contest and to download an application to enter the contest please call (614) 644-0244 or visit our web site at www.crc.ohio.gov.

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Employment Announcement: U.S. Census Bureau

The U.S. Census Bureau serves to provide a vast data source comprised of various pieces of information about the nation's economy and its people. In an effort to collect timely and accurate records that will be included in the upcoming 2010 Census, the U.S. Census Bureau is currently recruiting office and field staff members. For more information about these employment opportunities please visit the U.S. Census Bureau online.


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UPCOMING EVENTS

December 11, 2008
9:30 a.m.
Regular Commission Meeting
Rhodes State Office Tower
First Floor Hearing Room
30 E. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215



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© 2008 Ohio Civil Rights Commission

Editor, Brandi F. Klein, Office of Public Affairs & Civic Engagement

PACE@ocrc.state.oh.us •  Ohio Civil Rights Commission