Steve Chronister's full statement on Grandview discrimination case
Candy WoodallSteve Chronister, a former county commissioner who called 911 twice on five black women for golfing too slowly and violating club rules, says he is the one who has been treated unfairly.
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission in January found "probable cause" of discrimination at Grandview Golf Course during the April 21, 2018 incident in which Chronister called police for alleged slow play. Chronister is now calling for an investigation of the state agency and its executive director, Chad Dion Lassiter. Chronister's full statement is below:
"As a consultant of BrewVino LLC and Grandview Golf Course, I would like to address the recent PA State Human Relations Commission (PHRC) ruling against Grandview Golf Course in response to the accusation of racism that purportedly happened on April 21, 2018. As a result of their ruling, I am asking for a full investigation into this nearly two-year assault on our business and reputation. It is of utmost importance that we shed light on the wrongdoing that has taken place with the PHRC to ensure that this never happens again to another small business.
"In June of 2018, two months after the incident, the PHRC launched the first of multiple hearings regarding the accusations. Throughout the hearings, the five accusers testified under oath and before this kangaroo court, asserting the false claims and ultimately committing perjury, which I can prove. It’s important to note that before the hearings even began, two of the accusers participated in a photo-op with the PHRC’s Executive Director, Chad Lassiter.
"Based on the guidance of our attorney we did not participate in these hearings. The PHRC tried to force our testimony before them, so in August of 2018 we asked a Commonwealth judge to intervene. When the judge was looking to rule in our favor, the PHRC stopped pushing us to testify.
"Following the hearings, claims were filed against Grandview Golf Course and an investigator from the PHRC was assigned to the case. The investigator conducted a thorough investigation, which included numerous interviews with our management team.
"During a conversation with the investigator in the Fall of 2019, she shared with me that this is 'above her pay grade' and regardless of her determination, an unfavorable decision would likely be forthcoming.
"The ruling was delivered to us on January 9, 2020, co-incidentally one hour before the start of our 100th Anniversary Celebration for Grandview Golf Course. After receiving the ruling, we spoke with the investigator who informed us that she signed a report that had been changed by her superiors. During the conversation, we learned she would be resigning from her position at the PHRC, stating that she could not continue to work for an unethical organization. Upon my questioning of whether her colleagues at the PHRC felt the same way, she responded that many of them did.
"It’s important to note that not only were we victimized, so was this investigator. To us, she is a hero.
"At this time, I am calling for a full investigation into the PHRC, including their director, Mr. Lassiter, as well as their entire board of directors. In addition, the fraudulent claim of racism needs addressed by the proper authorities.
"I am asking for our local and state representatives, state senators, district attorney and county commissioners to support us with this request.
"In previous statements, we have asserted our innocence and stand behind our actions on April 21, 2018. On multiple occasions, we have heard from the accusers that they believe we have an insurance policy and are seeking monetary gain from these false claims. We do not have an insurance policy and have spent over $100,000 fighting these accusations.
"I am also asking for whistleblower protection for any former or current employees that are willing to testify.
"Lastly, I would like to direct a personal statement to our community regarding the incident on April 21, 2018. Over the last two years we have received hundreds of hateful messages, phone calls and visits from people, including celebrity figures, who assumed the accusations were true. We have received numerous death threats and attacks on our family – resulting in some family members having to leave their home for a period of time. Initially, we remained quiet to allow for a full and honest investigation. But we need to let our community know that we accept everyone with open arms, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or age. For nearly ten years, my wife and I have been adopted grandparents to two of the sweetest girls, both of mixed race. We spend holidays and birthdays with them, have been by their side for funerals and graduations, and do our best to catch every sporting event or activity in which they are involved. I would not stand for discrimination against these girls or anyone else. What happened on April 21, 2018 was not discrimination. My actions on that day were the result of threats made against me and my family’s business. We were not attacking; we were defending ourselves. While we realize we could have responded to the attacks differently that day, we need our community and other small businesses to understand this could easily happen to you. We have paid a severe price for false accusations and we are going to fight to make sure this does not happen again."
Candy Woodall is a reporter for the USA Today Network. She can be reached at 717-480-1783 or on Twitter at @candynotcandace.