Kansas Human Rights Commission

CURRENT COMMISSIONERS

Christal Watson, Chair, Industry

Christal Watson was appointed to the Kansas Human Rights Commission in September 2020 by Governor Laura Kelly. Governor Kelly designated Ms. Watson as Chair of the Commission on January 22, 2021. Chair Watson is a native of Kansas City, Kansas. She is the Executive Director of the Kansas City, Kansas School Foundation for Excellence. She previously served as the deputy chief of staff for Mayor Alvey of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas and the chief executive officer of the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce. Currently, Chair Watson serves on the Kansas City Star Racial and Equity Advisory Board and was selected to participate in the Civil Council of Greater Kansas City, Leaders of Tomorrow. Her background has emphasized small business development and human relations. Chair Watson represents Industry and her initial term expired January 15, 2024. Chair Watson's appointment was reconfirmed and her current term expires January 15, 2028.

Harold F. Schorn, II, Vice Chair, Attorney

Commissioner Harold Schorn, II, of Newton, Kansas, was appointed to the Commission by Governor Sam Brownback in March 2016. Commissioner Schorn works as a court trustee for the 9th Kansas District Court to enforce child support payments. He majored in Math and Philosophy at Benedictine College, prior to graduating from Washburn University School of Law. Commissioner Schorn is a Big Brother and works with a local homeless shelter. Commissioner Schorn has been reappointed and his term ends January 15, 2026.

Alicia Sanchez, At Large

Commissioner Alicia Sanchez, of Wichita, Kansas was appointed to the Kansas Human Rights Commission by Governor Laura Kelly in May 2021. Commissioner Sanchez is active in her community, serves as a leader on various community initiatives, and operates a personal business. Commissioner Sanchez is the At Large appointment with a term ending January 15, 2025.

Laurel Searles, Labor
Commissioner Laurel Searles, of Topeka, Kansas, was appointed to the Kansas Human Rights Commission by Governor Laura Kelly in February 2020. Commissioner Searles is employed by the Kansas Office of Judicial Administration. Commissioner Searles represents Labor and her appointment expires January 15, 2023.

Vacant, Industry

The Commissioner representing Industry was formerly held by Nate Spriggs, of Bel Aire, Kasnas, and was appointed to the Kansas Human Rights Commission in May 2021 by Governor Laura Kelly. Commissioner Spriggs is employed by Georgia Pacific, a division of Koch. Commissioner Spriggs's term ended in September 2023.

Vacant, Labor

The Commissioner representing Labor was formerly held by Michael Kane, of Kansas City, Kansas, and was appointed to the Kansas Human Rights Commission by Governor Sam Brownback in July 2013. Commissioner Kane retired from the UAW/GM afer 35 years of service. He works for the Construction and General Laborers' Local Union 1290, in Public Affairs, and currently serves as the 5th District Representative to the Unified Government Board of Commissioners, a position he has held since 2005. Commissioner Kane was re-appointed and his most recent term ended January 15, 2025.

Vacant, Real Estate

The Commissioner representing Real Estate was formerly held by Jill Geren, of Wichita, Kansas, and was appointed to the Kansas Human Rights Commission by Governor Laura Kelly in October 2021. Commissioner Geren is a realtor with Keller Williams Hometown Partners, LLC, and an attorney. Commissioner Geren's appointment was forwarded to the full Senate in January 2022, and her term ended on January 15, 2023.

The Commission meets monthly at various locations throughout the state. Commission meetings are open to the public. The location for these meetings, unless otherwise noted, is the Commission's main office in Topeka. Attendance by teleconference or Microsoft TEAMS is available. The meeting schedule and location is subject to change. Commission meetings are open to the public and conducted in accordance with the Kansas Open Meetings Act. Requests for reasonable accommodations by persons with disabilities should be submitted to the Commission office no later than 72 hours in advance of a Commission meeting. Individuals interested in attending may obtain more information by contacting the Commission's main office.

COMMISSION AGENDA
NOTICE OF RIGHT TO REQUEST A HEARING

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Kansas Human Rights Commission
900 SW Jackson, Suite 568-South Landon Office Building Topeka, KS 66612-2818
Phone: 785-296-3206 Fax: 785-296-0589 TTY: 785-296-0245 Email: Click Here Website: http://www.khrc.net
Business hours are from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday thru Friday