From: Date: Fri, 31 Mar 1995 10:56:59 -0500 Subject: Omni Hotel Charged For Immediate Release Contact: Jim Yeaman, CAE, Executive Director Association Executives Human Rights Caucus (312) 743-6554 - AEHRC@aol.com Minneapolis Commission To Rule In Three Cases Of Sexual Orientation Discrimination At Omni Northstar Hotel Chicago, IL - (March 31, 1995) - The Minneapolis Commission on Civil Rights has determined that there is probable cause to support charges that the Omni Northstar Hotel (now the Crowne Plaza) engaged in illegal workplace discrimination because of the sexual orientation of three former employees. The findings are the result of three separate complaints filed by former employees of the Hampton, NH-based Omni Hotel. In the most recent case, the Commission, on February 8, 1995, reversed itself in a case filed by former employee Tom Doolittle and determined that there was probable cause to believe that the discriminatory practices had taken place. In the case brought against the Omni Northstar Hotel by Bob Bulthuis, the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) investigated his claim and initially found that there was insufficient evidence to show there was illegal discrimination. Bulthuis hired attorney Brian Huling who handled an appeal of the initial decision and a hearing was held before a panel of the Minneapolis Commission on Civil Rights. The Commission reversed the findings of the MDCR and determined that there was sufficient evidence to enter a finding that there was probable cause that Bulthuis had been subjected to illegal workplace discrimination based on his sexual orientation. The case is set to be tried before another panel of Commissioners this summer. As an example of the alleged discriminatory conduct on the part of the hotel, Bulthuis was voted "Employee of the Year", and when the results of the balloting had been determined, management ordered a new ballot which resulted in the award going to a heterosexual female employee. In a subsequent year's balloting and after receiving a promotion, Bulthuis was denied recognition as "Manager of the Year", despite the fact that a check which represented the monetary recognition that accompanied such an award had already been "cut". The check was voided and another employee chosen for the award. In another case being handled by Huling, the employee filed a complaint and the MDCR investigation found that there was probable cause to believe that the employee had been subjected to illegal workplace discrimination based on his sexual orientation. A panel of Commissioners is slated to hear the case in May. In all cases, the employees' charged that the hotel had ignored on-the-job threats against them, encouraged derogatory remarks by management and staff directed at the employees' sexual orientation and imposed a requirement that gays and lesbians work holidays because "gays don't have families". In a statement to AEHRC, Attorney Huling noted, "In representing my clients before the Minneapolis Commission on Civil Rights, I am convinced that the defendant hotel has engaged in a pattern of illegal workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation. The findings of the Commission in three separate cases against the hotel substantiate this opinion." Huling continued, "We have made many attempts to enlist the support of area human rights organizations in the Twin Cities area, to no avail. Thankfully, the Association Executives Human Rights Caucus has embraced the rights of my clients and is working with us to see that justice is done and to expose these discriminatory practices." According to Jim Yeaman, CAE, AEHRC's Executive Director, "The Caucus deplores any discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in the association management/hospitality industry. As further findings are announced in the three cases in Minneapolis, AEHRC will make them available to its constituency and the trade press." For more information on AEHRC, write: James O. Yeaman, CAE, Executive Directo r; Post Office Box 60001, Chicago, IL 60660-0001. V: 312-743-6554. F: 312-338-4842. E-Mail: AEHRC@aol.com. # # # For additional comments and information, contact: Brian Huling Rapoport & Wylde Calhoun Square, Suite 309B 3001 Hennepin Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55408 V: 612-825-2331 F: 612-825-0061 Willliam R. Prock, Enforcement Manager Department of Civil Rights City of Minneapolis City Hall, Room 239 Minneapolis, MN 55415-1371 V: 612-673-3012 F: 612-673-2599