The Navajo Nation Council heard a report on racism in 13 border towns.

Tribal researchers asked the towns and cities for information about accusations of harassment or excessive use of force against police officers, litigation over alleged harassment, the number of Native Americans on staff in police departments and the existence of cultural sensitivity training.

Farmington, New Mexico, reported eight complaints of abuse, one lawsuit and 11 percent of Natives on the staff. The city was the site of two race-related incidents this summer, including the fatal shooting of a Navajo man by an officer.

One council delegate is sponsoring legislation to create a human rights commission. It would hear complaints from Navajos who live in border towns or in places off the reservation.

Get the Story:
Border town hate crimes discussed (The Farmington Daily Times 10/19)

Relevant Links:
Navajo Nation - http://www.navajo.org
Navajo Nation Council - http://www.navajonationcouncil.org

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