Well, I arrived at the LCHR ready to work on my projects. However, the doors were locked, the lights were off, and I had no idea what I was supposed to do. I knew that Angie and Margie would not be there, but I was told that I could still get in to work, but that was not the case.
I waited for two hours, thinking that the AmeriCorps volunteer would come, but my patience did not help.
So, I went back to UNL and worked on my journal entries and other human rights work.
Next week will be more productive. =)
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Update from the LCHR about Immigration and Homeland Security
Important News!
DHS Announces Indefinite Suspension Of Controversial And Ineffective Immigrant Registration And Tracking System
April 27, 2011
Program’s End Is Welcome And Long Overdue But Work Remains For DHS To Repair Damage, Says ACLU
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (202) 675-2312; media@dcaclu.org
WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security today, in a long-overdue announcement, said it will indefinitely suspend the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS). Instituted in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, NSEERS was a domestic immigration enforcement program targeting men and boys from predominantly Arab- and Muslim-majority nations for extraordinary registration requirements with DHS. The program was repeatedly condemned by the United Nations’ Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination as resulting in widespread profiling of tens of thousands of immigrants from Arab- and Muslim-majority countries.
Although conceived as a program to prevent terrorist attacks, NSEERS proved woefully ineffective as a counterterrorism tool. Among the tens of thousands of men and boys forced to register under NSEERS, none were ever convicted by the U.S. government for a terrorism-related crime. In practice, NSEERS led to the deportations of thousands of people from Arab- and Muslim-majority countries for civil immigration violations, and brought an abrupt end to their productive jobs, property ownership and community ties, including to U.S. citizen family members. It also caused unlawful profiling, arrest and detention of individuals who were not even required to register under the program. The American Civil Liberties Union represented one such individual, an Iraqi refugee who was pulled off an Amtrak train by border patrol agents while en route to Washington, D.C. from Seattle. He was arrested, handcuffed and imprisoned in a Montana jail for nearly a week for failure to register under NSEERS even though as a lawfully admitted refugee he was not required to do so. The government ultimately acknowledged its error and agreed to pay him damages.
The following can be attributed to Laura W. Murphy, Director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office:
“While the ACLU welcomes this long-awaited announcement by DHS to suspend NSEERS indefinitely, there remains much damage to rectify from NSEERS’ discriminatory immigration enforcement. During the past nine years, NSEERS inflicted enormous costs on those people subject to special registration and eroded our government's commitment to the principle of equal protection in law enforcement. The federal government must now work to remedy these injustices and take every available step to reverse the adverse immigration consequences that resulted from individuals being subjected to special registration under NSEERS.”
The following can be attributed to Joanne Lin, ACLU Legislative Counsel:
“Though DHS has made great progress in indefinitely suspending NSEERS, today’s move simply delists the affected countries and leaves the door open for renewed registration in the future. DHS should completely scrap this program and draw the appropriate lesson from the failure of NSEERS for its larger immigration enforcement strategy. Dragnet immigration enforcement programs that ignore lawful individual grounds for suspicion in favor of enabling group-based profiling are counter-productive to the goals of promoting public safety and national security and contrary to American values.”
Published on American Civil Liberties Union (http://www.aclu.org/)
Source URL: http://www.aclu.org/immigrants-rights/dhs-announces-indefinite-suspension-controversial-and-ineffective-immigrant-regist
DHS Announces Indefinite Suspension Of Controversial And Ineffective Immigrant Registration And Tracking System
April 27, 2011
Program’s End Is Welcome And Long Overdue But Work Remains For DHS To Repair Damage, Says ACLU
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (202) 675-2312; media@dcaclu.org
WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security today, in a long-overdue announcement, said it will indefinitely suspend the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS). Instituted in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, NSEERS was a domestic immigration enforcement program targeting men and boys from predominantly Arab- and Muslim-majority nations for extraordinary registration requirements with DHS. The program was repeatedly condemned by the United Nations’ Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination as resulting in widespread profiling of tens of thousands of immigrants from Arab- and Muslim-majority countries.
Although conceived as a program to prevent terrorist attacks, NSEERS proved woefully ineffective as a counterterrorism tool. Among the tens of thousands of men and boys forced to register under NSEERS, none were ever convicted by the U.S. government for a terrorism-related crime. In practice, NSEERS led to the deportations of thousands of people from Arab- and Muslim-majority countries for civil immigration violations, and brought an abrupt end to their productive jobs, property ownership and community ties, including to U.S. citizen family members. It also caused unlawful profiling, arrest and detention of individuals who were not even required to register under the program. The American Civil Liberties Union represented one such individual, an Iraqi refugee who was pulled off an Amtrak train by border patrol agents while en route to Washington, D.C. from Seattle. He was arrested, handcuffed and imprisoned in a Montana jail for nearly a week for failure to register under NSEERS even though as a lawfully admitted refugee he was not required to do so. The government ultimately acknowledged its error and agreed to pay him damages.
The following can be attributed to Laura W. Murphy, Director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office:
“While the ACLU welcomes this long-awaited announcement by DHS to suspend NSEERS indefinitely, there remains much damage to rectify from NSEERS’ discriminatory immigration enforcement. During the past nine years, NSEERS inflicted enormous costs on those people subject to special registration and eroded our government's commitment to the principle of equal protection in law enforcement. The federal government must now work to remedy these injustices and take every available step to reverse the adverse immigration consequences that resulted from individuals being subjected to special registration under NSEERS.”
The following can be attributed to Joanne Lin, ACLU Legislative Counsel:
“Though DHS has made great progress in indefinitely suspending NSEERS, today’s move simply delists the affected countries and leaves the door open for renewed registration in the future. DHS should completely scrap this program and draw the appropriate lesson from the failure of NSEERS for its larger immigration enforcement strategy. Dragnet immigration enforcement programs that ignore lawful individual grounds for suspicion in favor of enabling group-based profiling are counter-productive to the goals of promoting public safety and national security and contrary to American values.”
Published on American Civil Liberties Union (http://www.aclu.org/)
Source URL: http://www.aclu.org/immigrants-rights/dhs-announces-indefinite-suspension-controversial-and-ineffective-immigrant-regist
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Important Documentary on Human Rights: Standing Bear
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Tuesday, April 26, 2011
April 14th: Commission day!
Today is another exciting day because it is Commission day!
When I arrived, I had a nice meeting with Angie about my role within the LCHR as we talked about my experience and thoughts on my internship We agreed that the history project was a lot harder than expected, but my other experiences in and around the office has been fruitful. As I said in my last journal post, I am thankful for this POLS 470 internship because it allowed me to gain a real world, human rights' experience in Lincoln.
Before we went to the commission meeting, a gentleman walked into the office who recently won his case. Angie invited me to attend the meeting. I listened to Angie as she relayed the information about his case and told him what he can do. His options included: accepting the decision or pursuing a higher compensation in court. The man decided to accept the LCHR decision and receive the compensation for work-related (employment) discrimination. I am thankful that I was able to hear a successful case and see how it is resolved. Also, the complainant recommended anger management sessions for the restaurant manager as a way to prevent further acts of discrimination (restorative justice/resolution in action!)
After this meeting, I worked on boxing up old cases and coordinating the data base, so the move goes smoothly. This project kept me busy until it was time to leave for the commission.
When I arrived, the city attorney was giving everyone a tour of the new LCHR and attorney office space. I was very excited to see this new space because it places LCHR in the heart of what is going on in the city of Lincoln. The people of Lincoln are able to have a central location to make their complaints of discrimination, and the investigators can communicate with the Attorney's Office whenever they need advice. I am very happy for the future of the LCHR.
After the tour, we all assembled for the commission hearing in the City Council Chambers. The agenda was packed, but business went very fast because the cases were prepared with no errors. The commission quickly passed seven No Reasonable Cause cases. Hear is a quick summary of the content:
1.) Black male claims race discrimination but did not have sufficient evidence. The evidence communicated his poor work performance.
2.) 64yr old female claims sex/age discrimination, but the evidence does not support her claim.
3.) Female claims sex discrimination, but the evidence does not support her cases, especially since she quit her job and was not fired.
4.) Female claims sex discrimination, but she also quit her position.
5.) 58yr old female claims sex discrimination, but her work performance does not support discrimination claim.
6.) Mom filed case for her son which claims race discrimination, but the son was not willing to work with the store schedule (as advertised).
7.) Black female claims race and sex discrimination, but she did have sufficient evidence to support her claim.
After those cases, the commission unanimously vote on the pre-determination cases. Later the commission passed through two failure to cooperate cases.
Then, they talked about the new office space, and I talked about the difficult history project and introduced myself, again, to the new commissioners. More importantly, the city attorney informed everyone that the LCHR will get a new director because of the community-wide support to find a replacement.
The meeting was adjourned, and I went back to UNL. It was a great day!
When I arrived, I had a nice meeting with Angie about my role within the LCHR as we talked about my experience and thoughts on my internship We agreed that the history project was a lot harder than expected, but my other experiences in and around the office has been fruitful. As I said in my last journal post, I am thankful for this POLS 470 internship because it allowed me to gain a real world, human rights' experience in Lincoln.
Before we went to the commission meeting, a gentleman walked into the office who recently won his case. Angie invited me to attend the meeting. I listened to Angie as she relayed the information about his case and told him what he can do. His options included: accepting the decision or pursuing a higher compensation in court. The man decided to accept the LCHR decision and receive the compensation for work-related (employment) discrimination. I am thankful that I was able to hear a successful case and see how it is resolved. Also, the complainant recommended anger management sessions for the restaurant manager as a way to prevent further acts of discrimination (restorative justice/resolution in action!)
After this meeting, I worked on boxing up old cases and coordinating the data base, so the move goes smoothly. This project kept me busy until it was time to leave for the commission.
When I arrived, the city attorney was giving everyone a tour of the new LCHR and attorney office space. I was very excited to see this new space because it places LCHR in the heart of what is going on in the city of Lincoln. The people of Lincoln are able to have a central location to make their complaints of discrimination, and the investigators can communicate with the Attorney's Office whenever they need advice. I am very happy for the future of the LCHR.
After the tour, we all assembled for the commission hearing in the City Council Chambers. The agenda was packed, but business went very fast because the cases were prepared with no errors. The commission quickly passed seven No Reasonable Cause cases. Hear is a quick summary of the content:
1.) Black male claims race discrimination but did not have sufficient evidence. The evidence communicated his poor work performance.
2.) 64yr old female claims sex/age discrimination, but the evidence does not support her claim.
3.) Female claims sex discrimination, but the evidence does not support her cases, especially since she quit her job and was not fired.
4.) Female claims sex discrimination, but she also quit her position.
5.) 58yr old female claims sex discrimination, but her work performance does not support discrimination claim.
6.) Mom filed case for her son which claims race discrimination, but the son was not willing to work with the store schedule (as advertised).
7.) Black female claims race and sex discrimination, but she did have sufficient evidence to support her claim.
After those cases, the commission unanimously vote on the pre-determination cases. Later the commission passed through two failure to cooperate cases.
Then, they talked about the new office space, and I talked about the difficult history project and introduced myself, again, to the new commissioners. More importantly, the city attorney informed everyone that the LCHR will get a new director because of the community-wide support to find a replacement.
The meeting was adjourned, and I went back to UNL. It was a great day!
April 7th: Working away at the LCHR! =)
This Thursday was very productive. I was able to work on multiple projects in the office.
Some of these projects included: boxing up LCHR files, organizing things for the move to the City Building, and shredding (lots and lots of shredding). =)
I was happy to help with some of the mundane work around the office because I know it frees up time for Margie, Angie, and Regina to work on cases. These ladies do a lot work with few resources, and I am impressed to witness how they are able to go through so many cases in a year, especially without a LCHR director replacement.
Throughout the afternoon, I was able to talk with Angie about the cases she was working on at the time. Her willingness to explain and share information about the LCHR and her cases was an unique privilege, and I am happy for what this internship has shown me over the last semester while I interned at the LCHR.
Some of these projects included: boxing up LCHR files, organizing things for the move to the City Building, and shredding (lots and lots of shredding). =)
I was happy to help with some of the mundane work around the office because I know it frees up time for Margie, Angie, and Regina to work on cases. These ladies do a lot work with few resources, and I am impressed to witness how they are able to go through so many cases in a year, especially without a LCHR director replacement.
Throughout the afternoon, I was able to talk with Angie about the cases she was working on at the time. Her willingness to explain and share information about the LCHR and her cases was an unique privilege, and I am happy for what this internship has shown me over the last semester while I interned at the LCHR.
Monday, April 25, 2011
March 31st: Commission on Human Rights Meeting
Today was an exciting day. I was able to meet with Angie and Margie right away and get debriefed on the cases being heard by the Commission. With each case, I received the details of the complainants and those accused of discrimination. This experience was fascinating, and I learned a lot from this day.
With this journal, I attached a brief summary of some cases (minus specifics) and the agenda.
As I listened to Angie, I learned about the history of each case and the formation of evidence as well as her personal thoughts about the cases. It is very important to remain unbiased while working on these cases, especially investigators like Angie and Margie. When a complainant files a case with the LCHR, the investigators go through an intensive process of gathering information, and when they are done they will finalize their decision: Reasonable Cause, No Reasonable Cause, Pre-Determination Settlements, Withdrawal, or Failure to Cooperate. The majority of the cases fall within the No Reasonable Cause category because there needs to be a sufficient amount of evidence to carry the case to another judicial hearing process, and it is difficult to find enough evidence: written forms of discrimination, multiple witnesses to harassment, etc.
After learning about the various cases, I went to work on the computer. I did some data base work, and I helped box up more LCHR stuff. This was fun because it is an exciting time for the staff as they move the Lincoln City Office Building. There new location is more spacious, located down the hall from the Mayor's Office, and they will be within the City Attorney's area. (more info. in the near future)
When 3:30pm came around, the office went to the City Building and prepared for the Commissioners meeting. Before the meeting, I was able to talk with some of the Commissioners and learn about their reasons for serving the city. I really enjoyed talking with the commissioners while they took their places in the City Council Chamber.
They approved the old minutes and the new agenda, and they went into the Case Dispositions. All four cases were sent with the recommendation of No Reasonable Cause. These four cases dealt with employment conflicts. One case, in particular, is worth mentioning.
A female complainant filed a case based on sex discrimination after she was denied a promotion for a position she was qualified. The defendant argued that she didn't meet the expectations of the interview board, despite a member telling her that she was the best applicant. The position went to a male, and the complainant felt she was didn't receive equal treatment. (Important facts: 1. the complainant reported the case despite the risk of retaliation 2. the complainant makes more than 100K in her current position 3. No females have ever held the position that she applied for) The Commissioners decided to table this issue because they wanted to have further research.
The meeting continued with the pre-determination settlement and withdrawal cases. Then, the commission moved into the report about the new Human Rights Space in the city building (very cool), and they talked about the recent Civil Rights Conference (hosted by the LCHR last week).
During the public comment, I introduced myself to the commission and told them about my temporary role with LCHR this Spring. They congratulated and welcomed me, and the meeting was adjourned.
I. Roll Call
II. Approval of minutes of February 24, 2011 Commission Meeting
III. Approval of agenda for March 31, 2011 Commission Meeting
IV. Case Dispositions
V. Administrative Closures
VI. Old Business
VII. New Business
VIII. Public Comment
Adjournment
With this journal, I attached a brief summary of some cases (minus specifics) and the agenda.
As I listened to Angie, I learned about the history of each case and the formation of evidence as well as her personal thoughts about the cases. It is very important to remain unbiased while working on these cases, especially investigators like Angie and Margie. When a complainant files a case with the LCHR, the investigators go through an intensive process of gathering information, and when they are done they will finalize their decision: Reasonable Cause, No Reasonable Cause, Pre-Determination Settlements, Withdrawal, or Failure to Cooperate. The majority of the cases fall within the No Reasonable Cause category because there needs to be a sufficient amount of evidence to carry the case to another judicial hearing process, and it is difficult to find enough evidence: written forms of discrimination, multiple witnesses to harassment, etc.
After learning about the various cases, I went to work on the computer. I did some data base work, and I helped box up more LCHR stuff. This was fun because it is an exciting time for the staff as they move the Lincoln City Office Building. There new location is more spacious, located down the hall from the Mayor's Office, and they will be within the City Attorney's area. (more info. in the near future)
When 3:30pm came around, the office went to the City Building and prepared for the Commissioners meeting. Before the meeting, I was able to talk with some of the Commissioners and learn about their reasons for serving the city. I really enjoyed talking with the commissioners while they took their places in the City Council Chamber.
They approved the old minutes and the new agenda, and they went into the Case Dispositions. All four cases were sent with the recommendation of No Reasonable Cause. These four cases dealt with employment conflicts. One case, in particular, is worth mentioning.
A female complainant filed a case based on sex discrimination after she was denied a promotion for a position she was qualified. The defendant argued that she didn't meet the expectations of the interview board, despite a member telling her that she was the best applicant. The position went to a male, and the complainant felt she was didn't receive equal treatment. (Important facts: 1. the complainant reported the case despite the risk of retaliation 2. the complainant makes more than 100K in her current position 3. No females have ever held the position that she applied for) The Commissioners decided to table this issue because they wanted to have further research.
The meeting continued with the pre-determination settlement and withdrawal cases. Then, the commission moved into the report about the new Human Rights Space in the city building (very cool), and they talked about the recent Civil Rights Conference (hosted by the LCHR last week).
During the public comment, I introduced myself to the commission and told them about my temporary role with LCHR this Spring. They congratulated and welcomed me, and the meeting was adjourned.
I. Roll Call
II. Approval of minutes of February 24, 2011 Commission Meeting
III. Approval of agenda for March 31, 2011 Commission Meeting
IV. Case Dispositions
V. Administrative Closures
VI. Old Business
VII. New Business
VIII. Public Comment
Adjournment
March 24th: Spring Break
There is not a lot to say about this week because UNL was on Spring Break, and I went home to spend time with my family. I looked into the history project, but I took advantage of a nice break.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
March 17th: Some history and a senior thesis
Today, I worked on the history project again, but this time I looked up things online at UNL. I did some research and discovered more pictures for the project. I do not know if I will have enough to make a decent video, but I do hope that my work will not be in vain.
Also today, I talked with Angie, and she gave me the contact information to a local civil rights activist of Lincoln. His name is Ed Zimmer, and he knows a great deal about the civil rights movement in Lincoln during the fifties and beyond. I look forward to working with him in the near future.
My work on the project had to stop early today because I had to edit and submit my senior thesis to my advisors for final viewing. The paper is titled Water as a Legal Human Right: implications for fresh water conflict. I have a spent many hours on this paper, and I had to make sure the final requirements were met before I submitted the final product to Dr. White and Dr. Cahan. Both of them were extremely helpful and supportive. I do not believe I could have put together a final paper without their support.
After the paper is completely finished, I will attach it to the blog, since it is human rights relevant.
Also today, I talked with Angie, and she gave me the contact information to a local civil rights activist of Lincoln. His name is Ed Zimmer, and he knows a great deal about the civil rights movement in Lincoln during the fifties and beyond. I look forward to working with him in the near future.
My work on the project had to stop early today because I had to edit and submit my senior thesis to my advisors for final viewing. The paper is titled Water as a Legal Human Right: implications for fresh water conflict. I have a spent many hours on this paper, and I had to make sure the final requirements were met before I submitted the final product to Dr. White and Dr. Cahan. Both of them were extremely helpful and supportive. I do not believe I could have put together a final paper without their support.
After the paper is completely finished, I will attach it to the blog, since it is human rights relevant.
March 10th: Return to the Society
Well, I went back to the Nebraska State Historical Society (NSHS) and talked with the lead archivist about taking pictures for free. I do not have a budget to work on this history project, and I am sure the City Lincoln doesn't have a lot of money to spend. If the City Council reprimands the fire department for using colored ink on their annual report, then I can safely assume I should not expect funding for pictures with the LCHR history project.
Anyways, I went to look for more pictures on the history of civil rights in Lincoln. Yet again, I was disappointed to find a smaller/irrelevant selection of pictures of Lincoln's civil rights history. I looked through hundreds of photos, but I was not satisfied with what I found.
I decided that I might have more luck by looking online or somewhere else. Also, I will try to talk with actual civil rights activists in Lincoln.
Anyways, I went to look for more pictures on the history of civil rights in Lincoln. Yet again, I was disappointed to find a smaller/irrelevant selection of pictures of Lincoln's civil rights history. I looked through hundreds of photos, but I was not satisfied with what I found.
I decided that I might have more luck by looking online or somewhere else. Also, I will try to talk with actual civil rights activists in Lincoln.
March 3rd: History Research at the Nebraska State Historical Society
Today is history day! (at the Nebraska State Historical Society)
I did a few things today, which was not very exciting. I went to the Society and looked over hundreds of pictures . There were pictures of various American tribes throughout the years, early pioneers, places in Lincoln and other stuff.
I spent my entire time recording which pictures I liked and talked with a staff member about what I was doing with the pictures. I learned about the fees for taking pictures and other important rules.
All in all, it was not an exciting day because I walked away feeling like I was not very productive at all.
I will return NSHS!
I did a few things today, which was not very exciting. I went to the Society and looked over hundreds of pictures . There were pictures of various American tribes throughout the years, early pioneers, places in Lincoln and other stuff.
I spent my entire time recording which pictures I liked and talked with a staff member about what I was doing with the pictures. I learned about the fees for taking pictures and other important rules.
All in all, it was not an exciting day because I walked away feeling like I was not very productive at all.
I will return NSHS!
February 24th: IVAN trip
This Thursday I was unable to work at the LCHR because I went on a state-wide service trip to thirteen different communities with the Innocents Volunteers Across Nebraska (IVAN). The Innocents Society is the Chancellor's Senior Honorary at UNL (13 seniors who are chosen from their junior year), and the Society places a strong emphasis on service.
Even though I am not at the LCHR today, I am happy to be serving across the state doing various projects like cleaning emergency vehicles, reading with kids, doing construction work on an old opera house, and various other tasks. To check out more about what we did, go to unl.edu/innocent
Even though I am not at the LCHR today, I am happy to be serving across the state doing various projects like cleaning emergency vehicles, reading with kids, doing construction work on an old opera house, and various other tasks. To check out more about what we did, go to unl.edu/innocent
February 17th: Human Rights Training Day!
Today was Human Rights Commission Training Day and other fun stuff.
I had to come to the office early so we could set up for a meeting/presentation for the new LCHR commissioner. Every new commissioner has to go through an extensive informational training session to receive all relevant information and tools necessary for the job.
When I arrived, I worked with Angie (my supervisor) and Margie (my second supervisor) to find a conference room. It is important to know that the LCHR is located in a very small space in the brick building on K and 9th street, and because of this small space the LCHR has to borrow a conference room from other offices in the building. However, the original conference room did not have outlets for the projector and was the size of a large walk in closet. So, Angie and I looked at other locations (all were taken), and we finally had to settle on an office in the back of the LCHR. The reason for explaining all of this situation is to demonstrate the current situation for the LCHR. Within the recent past, the City of Lincoln has considered to cut funding everywhere, and the LCHR has usually received the short end of the stick for funding. It was not until the last two years that the LCHR was moved from the mayor's sector to the judicial sector. This move has proved to be positive because the LCHR will now have a new location in a remodeled section within the city building. Hopefully, this will give the LCHR more space and visibility to the people who need help with discrimination problems.
After we organized the back office, I went to work on my list of possible ideas for a history project about the evolution of civil rights within the Lincoln area. Not long after I had my list ready, I went to the office meeting about the history project. Everyone in the office discussed what they wanted to do. We talked about slideshows, lengthy documentaries, and the possibility of a short commercial-length video. All in all, we agreed to culminate American Indian, Pioneer, Early-Twentieth Century Immigration, Women's Rights, 1960s Civil Rights, African American, and Modern Immigration/Refugee history into a short video. We hope to show this video on the local television station and future civil rights conferences.
After this meeting, Angie invited me to go to training meeting with the new commissioner. I was able to participate in the meeting with the commissioner and a high school volunteer and listen to Angie and Margie talk about the function of the LCHR. They shared information about what they do, the recent history of the LCHR, and what a commissioner should expect to see when dealing with cases. Going through this meeting, I was able to come away with a greater perspective and understanding of how the LCHR serves the citizens of Lincoln. I learned how discrimination laws changed over the years and continue to change. Overall, I came away with an even greater appreciation for the ongoing fight for equality in Lincoln. Also, I am excited to work on a history project that will show others how Lincoln is continuing to change for the better.
I had to come to the office early so we could set up for a meeting/presentation for the new LCHR commissioner. Every new commissioner has to go through an extensive informational training session to receive all relevant information and tools necessary for the job.
When I arrived, I worked with Angie (my supervisor) and Margie (my second supervisor) to find a conference room. It is important to know that the LCHR is located in a very small space in the brick building on K and 9th street, and because of this small space the LCHR has to borrow a conference room from other offices in the building. However, the original conference room did not have outlets for the projector and was the size of a large walk in closet. So, Angie and I looked at other locations (all were taken), and we finally had to settle on an office in the back of the LCHR. The reason for explaining all of this situation is to demonstrate the current situation for the LCHR. Within the recent past, the City of Lincoln has considered to cut funding everywhere, and the LCHR has usually received the short end of the stick for funding. It was not until the last two years that the LCHR was moved from the mayor's sector to the judicial sector. This move has proved to be positive because the LCHR will now have a new location in a remodeled section within the city building. Hopefully, this will give the LCHR more space and visibility to the people who need help with discrimination problems.
After we organized the back office, I went to work on my list of possible ideas for a history project about the evolution of civil rights within the Lincoln area. Not long after I had my list ready, I went to the office meeting about the history project. Everyone in the office discussed what they wanted to do. We talked about slideshows, lengthy documentaries, and the possibility of a short commercial-length video. All in all, we agreed to culminate American Indian, Pioneer, Early-Twentieth Century Immigration, Women's Rights, 1960s Civil Rights, African American, and Modern Immigration/Refugee history into a short video. We hope to show this video on the local television station and future civil rights conferences.
After this meeting, Angie invited me to go to training meeting with the new commissioner. I was able to participate in the meeting with the commissioner and a high school volunteer and listen to Angie and Margie talk about the function of the LCHR. They shared information about what they do, the recent history of the LCHR, and what a commissioner should expect to see when dealing with cases. Going through this meeting, I was able to come away with a greater perspective and understanding of how the LCHR serves the citizens of Lincoln. I learned how discrimination laws changed over the years and continue to change. Overall, I came away with an even greater appreciation for the ongoing fight for equality in Lincoln. Also, I am excited to work on a history project that will show others how Lincoln is continuing to change for the better.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The Third Day at the LCHR
Another day and week has gone by, and I did more work for the LCHR. However, I was not at the LCHR this particular Thursday because I had to fly out for a graduate school interview at the University Kentucky for a spot within the Patterson Schoool of Diplomacy and International Commerce.
While on the plane, I look over information about the history of the LCHR and civil/human rights within the city of Lincoln. Though I did not have internet, I was able to read over the mission and goals of the LCHR:
While on the plane, I look over information about the history of the LCHR and civil/human rights within the city of Lincoln. Though I did not have internet, I was able to read over the mission and goals of the LCHR:
Mission
- The administration of the Human Rights Division supports the enforcement of all provisions of Title 11 of the Lincoln Municipal Code. To receive, settle, conciliate, investigate, issue findings, hold public hearings on complaints alleging discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, familial status, age, ancestry, marital status, and retaliation. To perform functions and activities with community groups, businesses, schools, and governmental entities for the purpose of promoting understanding between races, cultures, and sexes, and to work to eliminate inequalities and sources of inter-racial friction.
- Review all City of Lincoln procurement bids and awards in excess of $10,000.
- Review DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprises) program of minority and women-owned businesses and maintain directory.
Goals
To eliminate and prevent all forms of illegal discrimination, to assure and foster equal opportunity for all citizens of the City, and to act in all matters within its jurisdiction.Significant Accomplishments
- The City of Lincoln Commission on Human Rights continues to upgrade its complaint processing in order to protect an individual's state and federal rights.
- A complete review and implementation of changes in the Contract Compliance Program for the purpose of streamlining and effectuating its mandate.
- Obtained a Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) grant contract for all Title VII, Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complaints.
Projected Changes
- Expand educational outreach into our elementary schools.
- Solidify the development of a Friends of the Commission, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which will support educational outreach in the community
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
First day of Work at the LCHR
This is my first journal entry about my internship with the Human Rights Commission of Lincoln (Lincoln Commission on Human Rights - LCHR). I initiated the internship when I knew that I was going to take this course for my Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs minor. Though this is technically is my second day at the office, I truly started doing work today.
Before I write about my experience and the things I learned today, I would like to write a little bit of information about the Commission and what the people do for people in Lincoln. LCHR is charged with the mission of investigating complaints of discrimination, striving to prevent all forms of illegal discrimination and to assure and foster equal opportunity for all citizens of the City. The LCHR also provides community education and assistance in order for people to know and understand their rights and responsibilities under the law. The jurisdiction of the Commission is only within Lincoln. I also learned that the LCHR hosts one of the largest Civil Rights conferences in the Midwest every year.
As for my duties, I am responsible for displaying the records of the LCHR in their annual report to the city, creating a historical timeline of civil rights in Lincoln for the LCHR’s city outreach on television, and interviewing individuals who come in with discrimination complaints.
The first couple weeks are dedicated to the annual report, and I think it is interesting to learn about the discrimination cases conducted by the LCHR. Here are the facts I have recorded for the 2010 year.
In 2010, 91 complaints were recorded. 34 were male, 56 were female, and 1 complaint was made by a family. As for ethnic and national origins represented, there are 17 Blacks, 7 Hispanics, 1 Iraqi, 2 Biracial, 2 Asians, 1 Cuban, 1 Croatian/Serb, 1 Honduran, 1 Guatamalan, 5 Mexicans, and 48 Whites. As for the number of complaint topics, there are 18 Age, 33 Race, 27 Retaliation, 22 Disability, 32 Sex, 4 Color, 2 Marital Status, 23 National Origin, 4 Religion, and 5 Familial Status related complaints made by 91 clients. On average, there are 5 to 7 complaints of discrimination recorded by the LCHR per month. Lastly, there are three areas the LCHR deals with for discrimination: employment, housing, and public accommodation.
After my first day at the office, I started to make a lot of connections between human/civil rights on a local city level with human rights on an international level. Though there are a number of complaints made by individuals, only a small fraction of those complaints are upheld by the Commissioners during their monthly hearing. This reminded me of how the European Court of Human Rights also upholds a small fraction of cases despite the number they address within an year.
I look forward to going back and learning more from my advisors about their thoughts on human rights as well as experience the work of real human/civil rights issues.
My second day at the LCHR
Today, I continued my work on the annual report of the Lincoln Commission of Human Rights for the City of Lincoln (City Council). The report will mostly have statistical information about the LCHR for the last ten years with specific information about their work for the year of 2010.
I counted and recorded the number of open and closed cases, and I added all the demographic information as well.
The afternoon was not very exciting because it involved me spending consecutive hours in front of a computer, creating graphs and other charts for the City Council.
However, I ended the afternoon talking with Margie, one of my supervisors, about the relationship of civil/human rights in Lincoln in relation to human rights on an international level. When talking with Margie, I learned that there are many parallels to the city of Lincoln and human rights around. I was amazed at how the number of cases closed every year only a small fraction are actually deemed to have sufficient proof for the complainant. This reminded me of my knowledge of the European Court of Human Rights because even though they hear numerous cases, only a small fraction actually have sufficient proof to uphold the complainant's claim about a civil/human rights abuse.
Margie and I talked for an extra thirty minutes past 5pm, and I walked away from the office feeling like I was playing a part in the larger picture of Universal Human Rights right here in Lincoln, NE. (even if it's in front of a computer) =)
I counted and recorded the number of open and closed cases, and I added all the demographic information as well.
The afternoon was not very exciting because it involved me spending consecutive hours in front of a computer, creating graphs and other charts for the City Council.
However, I ended the afternoon talking with Margie, one of my supervisors, about the relationship of civil/human rights in Lincoln in relation to human rights on an international level. When talking with Margie, I learned that there are many parallels to the city of Lincoln and human rights around. I was amazed at how the number of cases closed every year only a small fraction are actually deemed to have sufficient proof for the complainant. This reminded me of my knowledge of the European Court of Human Rights because even though they hear numerous cases, only a small fraction actually have sufficient proof to uphold the complainant's claim about a civil/human rights abuse.
Margie and I talked for an extra thirty minutes past 5pm, and I walked away from the office feeling like I was playing a part in the larger picture of Universal Human Rights right here in Lincoln, NE. (even if it's in front of a computer) =)
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