Legislative Black Caucus backs Sykes

The pending Ohio Senate confirmation of Barbara Sykes as chairwoman of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission is in limbo because of the commission's proposed rule change to secure 12 weeks of unpaid materity leave for employees of small companies.

It isn't the rule itself that rubs state legislators and Gov. Ted Strickland wrong. It's the speed in which the commission pushed for the change, according to Strickland's spokesman, Keith Dailey, and members of a joint legislative committee reviewing the proposed rule.

Strickland, who appointed Sykes to the Civil Rights Commission, said he's disappointed in the way the former legislator has handled the proposed rule change.

"The governor is disappointed and is likely to remain disappointed," Dailey said, referring to what Strickland "saw as an unwillingness to honor a reasonable request to delay the rules. . .to answer unanswered questions."

Wednesday, the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus issued a statement supporting Sykes, and said it is sending letters voicing its concerns to Strickland and leaders of the Ohio General Assembly.

The Legislative Black Caucus, comprised of 17 African-American House and Senate members, said it thinks any move to remove Sykes as chairwoman because of disagreement over its implementation would be both "unnecessary and provocative."

State Rep. Tyrone K. Yates said, "We understand that the governor and others requested a delay in the implementation of the pregnancy leave rule but the decision by OCRC to move ahead after prior public hearings and public notice should be respected and supported."

The black caucus said the pregnancy leave proposal has been in front of the Civil Rights Commission for many months and small business and other interested parties had opportunity to review and provide their opinions.

"OLBC unequivocally believes in the ability of Chairwoman Barbara Sykes and OCRC to fulfill its responsibility to Ohio citizens while still respecting the concerns of state leaders," said Yates, a Democrat from Evanston/East Walnut Hills and caucus president.

Sykes is immediate past president of the Legislative Black Caucus who lost last year's race for Ohio Auditor.

The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus was founded in 1967. Its mission is to recognize and address the hopes, aspirations and needs of African Americans and other citizens in Ohio through public policy development and advocacy.