Bias cases clog courts

THE CITY is taking a year and a half to resolve discrimination complaints after a sharp spike in claims.

The average time for processing cases was 536 days in 2016, Human Rights Commission Chairwoman Carmelyn Malalis testified Wednesday — up from 420 in 2015.

That’s in part because there was a 46% jump in complaints of discrimination based on race, religion and immigration and citizenship status, from 206 claims to 301.

“New Yorkers facing discrimination are waiting too long for justice,” said Councilman Brad Lander (D-Brooklyn), who joined other pols to call for a $6 million boost to the commission’s budget to hire more investigators and resolve cases faster.

Malalis said cases are taking longer in part because the commission wants its complaint process to be on par with suing in state or federal court — and aims to make sure complainants get back as much money as they would through a lawsuit.

“This work required raising the standards for investigations,” she said.

While processing time went up, the commission closed 436 cases in 2016, more than in previous years — including a business hit with $65,000 in penalties for refusing to hire someone because of past convictions, a practice the city banned in 2015, and a store that paid $55,000 for barring a customer with a service dog.

“We know we have a lot more work to do, but I and my staff are more committed than ever to fulfill this agency’s mission to protect all New Yorkers, regardless of race, color, immigration status, gender identity, gender, disability, religion, or any other protected category, from discrimination, harassment and injustice,” Malalis said.

But Public Advocate Letitia James said the wait for cases to be resolved is “far too long” and unacceptable.