2019-04-05-LHRC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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b) Protocol for Investigating Discrimination Complaints (Ms. Huang, Ms. Stembridge, Ms. Brodner) • Discussion on whether group should change title to "Incident Report Procedures" since the primary purpose is to document how an individual Reports an incident and what happens after internally and externally. Incident Response Team documents what was heard and drafts a finding; letter/recommendations to be presented to the HRC. The findings and/or recommendations letter be discussed, edited, and approved by the committee. Investigations may not be completed or reported out if there is insufficient evidence for a finding. • Discussion on what is or should be the protocol for anonymous incidents. Discussion on role of LHRC for public where LHRC (given its charge) does more than just investigate. Discussion on LHRC public interface (e.g. LHRC is embedded in the LHRC website, need for own webpage, Facebook page communication purposes to publicize LHRC events). Will follow up with Sean Dugan (Public Info Officer)to see restrictions. • Discussion on Arlington HRC website which has a paper submission system (as opposed to electronic). Discussion noted that electronic submission can be a clear starting point for data collection and perhaps further analysis. Police do refer incidents to LHRC but not sure about LPS Discussion on how to manage anonymous complaints or complainants who want to remain anonymous can Town's counsel give us an opinion on what can remain anonymous? Ms. Hamilton noted that the school district would like to know whenever an anonymous report was made related to any humans rights violation. Concerns expressed by multiple members about the need for LHRC to have an option to let people express concerns to the LHRC, have those concerns documented but not be reported to LPS or the Lexington Police. • Action Items: All members of workgroup (Ms. Huang, Ms. Stembridge, Ms. Brodner) agreed to continue on the workgroup. Follow up with Town Council re: obligation of LHRC to maintain confidentiality of reports and also its obligation to report to LPS or Town or Police. Follow up with IT department finding out options for standalone page, connected Facebook page as a bulletin board (to link to town webpage); what is happening to anonymous reports and who gets to see them; how are they archived. There will be a workgroup update on progress at May meeting. Public Comment on Meeting • Ms. Overton spoke on being unclear on what happens to anonymous reports. She noted that she was told by the Chair such reporting helped shape future programming. Ms. Overton noted that she personally knows of 6 students have anonymously reported through the website and expressed concern that the LHRC did not report this to the public. • Ms. Amar spoke on her desire for victims to self-identify, and expressed her own perspective that people of color get different treatment by LPS and Police • Pastor Maracle spoke on the potential downsides of anonymous reporting and data