The Etna Human Relations Commission (HRC) was founded to ensure all Etna residents are provided with equal opportunity and access to employment, housing, commercial property, and public accommodation regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran’s status, marital status, familial status, genetic information, handicap or disability, or use of an assistance animal. The HRC collects and mediates submitted discrimination complaints and provides education and outreach to the community on relevant issues to create a more welcoming and equitable Borough for all residents, present and future.
The Complaint and Mediation Process
The process by which complaints are received and mediated is outlined and established in the Etna Non-Discrimination Ordinance. The following summary of the ordinance is meant for informational purposes and any errors or omissions are overruled by the text of the ordinance.
Filing a Complaint
Members of the Etna Community can file a complaint by either submitting this form online or delivering a written complaint to the Etna Borough Offices, located at 437 Butler Street, Etna PA 15223. Complaints must be received within 180 days from the alleged Unlawful Practice.
Complaint Review by the HRC
Within 30 days of the receipt of a complaint, the Commission will review and determine if it has jurisdiction to process the complaint. If it is determined that the Commission does not have jurisdiction, it will notify the aggrieved party.
Notification and Response
If it is determined that the Commission has jurisdiction over the complaint, it will:
- Send a copy of the complaint to the person(s) charged (the “Respondent”) with the Unlawful Practice and forward the complaint to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission
- Notify the individual who submitted the complaint.
- If the complaint alleges discrimination on a basis proscribed under federal law, the Commission will also provide the individual submitting the complaint with information of a possible right to file with the Federal Equal Opportunity Commission Commission and instructions on how to do so.
- The Respondent will be asked to file a written answer to the complaint within 30 days, submitting to the Borough Office or Commission directly, in writing.
Mediation and Resolution
If complainants and respondents are willing to meet to mediate the complaint, the Commission will:
- Provide mediation and meeting facilitation at no charge.
- Within 30 days of the response being received, invite the parties to voluntarily participate in mediation of the dispute. The Chairperson of the commission will select a mediator, either from the Commission or a volunteer from the community. The mediator will inform the Commission of the outcome but neither the results of the meeting nor any details shall be made public unless agreed to in writing by both parties.
- If mediation is successful, the Commission will notify both parties that it has dismissed the complaint.
- If mediation is not successful and if the complaint alleges a violation that is also covered under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, the Commission will notify both parties that the complain is dismissed and refer the complainant to the PA Human Relations Commission for further proceedings.
- If mediation is not successful and if the complaint alleges a violation of Borough ordinances which is not covered under the PA Human Relations Act, the Commission will advise the complainant of their right to proceed to the Course of Common Pleas.
Education and Resources
The Etna Human Relations Commission provides educational resources on our website. If there are additional resources that you believe are valuable or should be included, please send them to hello@etnahrc.org for review by the Commission.
Events
In addition to our quarterly meetings, the Etna Human Relations Commission occasionally sponsors community events that are open to the public and attends events organized by the Borough and other community partners.
If you are interested in having the Etna HRC at your event, please email us hello@etnahrc.org.