Civil Rights panel learns about border town racism

Wednesday, November 14, 2007  

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights held a panel last week on racism in border towns.

Six tribal and non-tribal representatives told the commission about discrimination in employment, health care and law enforcement. The panel lasted three hours, The Farmington Daily Times reported.

Duane "Chili" Yazzie, a member of the Navajo Nation and president of the Shiprock Chapter in New Mexico, was among those who gave testimony. He said Native Americans are reluctant to report hate crimes.

Farmington Police Chief Jim Runnels also testified. He said race relations in the city remain strained.

Commission director Kenneth Marcus said it will be at least a year before a report is issued.

Get the Story:
Local officials: Border town briefing inconclusive (The Farmington Daily Times 11/14)

Relevant Links:
U.S. Commission on Civil Rights - http://www.usccr.gov

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