The company’s Web site is at: www.vanguardnewsnetwork.com.
In a written statement, commission Executive Director G. Michael Payton said “The World Wide Web is the newspaper of today.” Payton said the ad should be treated no differently than other traditional forms of media.
The order is the first time the commission has taken action against an internet Web site for discriminatory practices, according to commission Public Affairs Director Toni Delgado.
In an interview with WHIOTV.COM, Delgado said the company that operates the web site is located in Missouri but must abide by Ohio laws when advertising for a job here. The ad listed the job as located in the Cleveland area.
Delgado said, “For us to enforce state laws, you don’t have to be a resident of Ohio, but the act of discrimination would have to take place in the state of Ohio.”
Most cases before the commission are based on consumer complaints, but some are originated by commission investigators. Delgado said in this case, commission investigators searched internet advertising for employment in Ohio.
Delgado said the cease-and-desist order sends a message to Payton and other web advertising companies that mentioning race and sex in job ads is illegal.
Jim.otte@whiotv.com