Dear neighbors,

I want to update you on a matter of discrimination that I raised late last year and again at the beginning of this year.

As you may recall, I advised Chairman Mendelson that his decision to remove me as chair of the Committee on Health was discriminatory. I sought a different outcome to his proposal and urged my Council colleagues to not follow Mendelson's lead. In doing so, I explained to my colleagues that Mendelson's decision was based on his opinion of my health, not my performance as chair of the committee. Furthermore, Mendelson's scheme violated Council rules that recognize seniority. Nonetheless, I was assigned to chair a different committee.

Last week, my attorneys and I filed a "Charge of Discrimination" with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The complaint alleges violations of the Civil Rights Act and the D.C. Human Rights Act. These charges are automatically dual-filed with the D.C. Office of Human Rights.

My lead attorney, Tim Maloney, explained the case: "Seldom have I seen a clearer act of discrimination. The D.C. Council did what no private employer could do legally in the District of Columbia. They can’t have one standard for themselves, and another standard for everyone else. In explaining his rationale to colleagues and the press, Council Chair Mendelson cited one factor for removing Councilmember Gray from his position as chair of the Committee on Health. That factor was Gray's health. Mendelson did not cite the performance of the committee, because he could not. The committee fulfilled its responsibilities. Instead of asking Gray if the Council could support his return to work, Mendelson chose to lead a scheme that demoted Gray and limited his legislative authority. Not only did Mendelson violate Council rules that recognize seniority, he violated Gray's rights and in doing so discriminated against him.”

Indeed, the Council's actions speak to an issue that extends far beyond myself. Our government and its officials cannot be allowed to run afoul of the Civil Rights Act, the D.C. Human Rights Act or discriminate against any person for any reason. I brought this complaint without reservation, because in doing so I hope not only to right a wrong, but to protect other individuals from similar acts of discrimination.

We expect a decision within 180 days of the filing date. I will keep you updated with developments as news warrants.

Attorneys from the private-sector are spearheading this matter. My staff and I are solely focused on continuing to work on behalf of the residents of Ward 7 to make a better, healthier, safer and more equitable District of Columbia.

In service,

Vince