Media Advisory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:	Monday, January 3, 2000
Contact:	Richard M. Reno, Chair, Alexandria Human Rights Commission, (703) 838-6390; Robert Steindler, Human Rights Administrator, (703) 838-6390

Alexandria Human Rights Commission Issues Finding Following Public Hearing in the Siraj v. The Hermitage Case

The Alexandria Human Rights Commission issued a written decision on December 2, 1999, finding that the Hermitage in Northern Virginia, a continuing care, retirement community owned and operated by Virginia United Methodist Homes, did not discriminate against a former employee when it terminated her employment. Jano Siraj had filed a complaint with the City’s Office on Human Rights in October 1996 alleging that The Hermitage discharged her because of her race and national origin. The Human Rights Commission held a Public Hearing on October 23, 1999, after the Office of Human Rights was unable to reach a settlement with the parties. Eleven Commissioners heard testimony from both parties on the actions and background surrounding Ms. Siraj’s termination. As Personnel Coordinator, Ms. Siraj had been employed by the Hermitage for five years, and her file contained above average, good performance reviews.

Representatives of the Hermitage testified her termination was a result of an incident in which Ms. Siraj submitted incomplete personnel records to a Virginia Department of Social Services inspector. According to Alexandria’s Human Rights Ordinance, Ms. Siraj was required to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that she was terminated from her employment because of her race or national origin. The Commission’s deliberations on November 2, 1999, resulted in a vote of 8 to 3 finding in favor of The Hermitage.

Commission Chair Richard Reno commented: “Many felt Ms. Siraj’s actions did not constitute a terminable offense under the Hermitage’s employment policies. However, we recognized that the issue before us was not whether or not Ms. Siraj was wrongfully discharged, but our task was to review testimony and evidence and determine, by a preponderance of the evidence, whether The Hermitage discharged Ms. Siraj because of her race or national origin. A majority concluded Ms. Siraj failed to meet that threshold.” Dissenting Commissioners published their opinion stating that Ms. Siraj had been a victim of discrimination and was terminated illegally from her job.

Ms. Siraj may appeal this ruling to court.

To receive a copy of the decisions, please contact Robert Steindler, Director of the Office of Human Rights, or Rita Izaguirre at (703) 838-6390.