(SitNews) - The Alaska State Commission for Human Rights has found a Fairbanks store owner liable for subjecting an employee to a hostile work environment because of her religion. Lynn Dowler, who worked at the Goldstream General Store in Fairbanks for 27 years, alleged that Paul Kopf made almost daily derogatory and offensive comments about Catholics, and that the harassment became so intolerable that she was forced to resign.

A State administrative law judge held a hearing on the matter and found that Dowler's allegations were supported by the evidence. The Commission adopted the judge's findings and ordered the Goldstream General Store to provide back pay and front pay to Dowler in the amount of $76,853, including interest.

The Alaska Commission for Human Rights is the State agency responsible for enforcing Alaska's civil rights laws, which prohibit discrimination because of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, physical or mental disability, marital status, pregnancy, or parenthood. The Commission is made up of seven members appointed by the Governor. The Commission employs a staff to receive and investigate complaints of discrimination.

On the Web

Download the Decision: Lynn Dowler vs Paul Kopf d/b/a Goldstream Store
http://humanrights.alaska.gov/files/case_resources/dowler.decision_copy1.pdf

Source of News: 

Alaska State Commission for Human Rights
humanrights.alaska.gov/

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