Vincent Gray Files Charge of Discrimination Against D.C. Council

Ward 7 D.C. Councilmember Vincent Gray has filed a Charge of Discrimination with the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, alleging that the D.C. Council discriminated against him because of his age and medical status.

The charge stems from the removal of Gray from his role as chair of the Committee on Health in January. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson had cited concerns about Gray’s health as the reason for his removal. Gray, who’d just turned 80, suffered a “mild stroke” in 2021. However, Gray asserted that he was well and that his doctors had cleared him for work in a letter to his colleagues in December. The move to replace him met little pushback from the council.

In a press statement, Gray said that it was “disappointing and shocking” that Mendelson “led the Council to violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and D.C. Human Rights Act.”

“The Council’s actions speak to an issue that extends far beyond myself,” said Gray. “Our government and its officials cannot be allowed to run afoul of the Civil Rights Act or 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.”

He added that Mendelson had voted to approve the amended Human Rights Act in 2007, which aims to “secure an end in the District of Columbia to discrimination for any reason.”

Gray’s attorney Tim Maloney noted that Mendelson had not cited the performance of the Committee on Health as a reason for Gray’s removal. “Because he could not,” Maloney said. ‘The committee fulfilled its responsibilities.” He accused Mendelson of violating Gray’s rights and leading a “scheme” to demote him and limit his legislative authority.

“Seldom have I seen a clearer act of discrimination,” Maloney said. “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.”

Mendelson said that he is aware of the charge but has not yet seen it.

“I believe there is no basis to the allegations,” Mendelson said in a statement to DCist/WAMU. “The Council strongly supports the Civil Rights Act and the District’s Human Rights Act. I’m sorry Mr. Gray feels either of those laws have been violated.”

Gray and his attorneys are awaiting further guidance from the DC Office of Human Rights.

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