Regional and Field Offices

On February 19, 2012, Trayvon Martin, a teenager visiting his father in Sanford, Florida, was shot and killed by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer.  Immediately following the shooting, Zimmerman was questioned by members of the Sanford Police Department, who declined to charge him in Martin's death.

Martin was a 17-year old African American male; Zimmerman was an adult male of Caucasian and Peruvian descent.  These differences, combined with other details in the case, resulted in considerable tensions between the local African American community and the Sanford Police Department.  Extensive national media coverage spurred public demonstrations and tensions in communities across the country.  Individuals and organizations, intent on influencing the situation or bringing attention to their causes, descended on Sanford, placing the city at the center of a national race-based controversy.

In the aftermath of the shooting, CRS dispatched a team of Conciliation Specialists to Sanford to work with national and local civil-rights leadership, community members, the U.S. Attorney for the district, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and city, state, and local law enforcement to prevent violence, reduce tensions, and build local capacity to address the underlying sentiments about race that some community members believe contributed to the delay in charging Zimmerman with Martin's death.  CRS also worked with national and local leaders and police officials, including the FBI, to ensure a coordinated response to three large marches and demonstrations, and negotiated a peaceful end to a student-led sit-in in front of Sanford Police Headquarters.  In addition, CRS facilitated discussions between city officials and demonstrators; established an alliance of clergy leaders to help bring the city's communities together; implemented rumor-control measures; and consulted with local officials to determine best practices.

During George Zimmerman's trial in 2013, CRS worked with the Sanford Police Department and the Seminole County Sheriff to ensure protests and demonstratiosn were peaceful.  CRS also facilitated community education sessions to inform community members on the judicial process, and met with visiting pastors and community leaders who desired to attend the trial.  In addition, CRS conciliators opened lines of communication between religious leaders, law enforcement officials and local government officials in other key communities in Florida to assess tension and the potential for conflict during the trial and after the verdict.

Following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in July 2013, CRS facilitated a community event at a local house of worship, that gave community members an opportunity to express their feelings about the verdict.  CRS continues to work with Sanford city officials and community and religious leaders to hold community dialogues on race and establish a Community Relations Board.

In 2012, the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the parents of African American students, and leaders of various community organizations alleged disparate treatment toward African American students in a Brookhaven school district.  The allegations included a disproportionate discipline rate, lack of cultural sensitivity among teachers and administrators, low academic achievement by minority students, and the underrepresentation of people of color in the school district staff.  In response to the perceived inequities, CRS faciliated a community forum at a local church.  Over 200 people attended, including the Superintendent of the school district, NAACP representatives, the Chief of Police, and the County Sheriff.  In addition, CRS assisted the NAACP and the school district in developing a Memorandum of Understanding, addressing complaints by the African American community and ensuring equal treatment and access to resources to all students, regardless of race or color.  The Memorandum was signed at a school district meeting in October 2012.

In the Autumn of 2012, the Raleigh Police Department's Crisis Intervention Team asked CRS for assistance in improving the Department's cultural sensitivity to minority communities, in an effort to improve police-community relations and prevent conflict.  The inquiry was in response to increasing tension between law enforcement and Latino, African American, Sikh, Muslim, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities.  In November, CRS facilitated a dialogue with the Crisis Intervention Team, the local Human Relations Commission, and several LGBT advocacy organizations, during which the Agency shared best practices regarding the correct language and terminology to use when interacting with LGBT communities.  In addition to the dialogue, CRS also provided an Arab, Muslim, and Sikh (AMS) Cultural Awareness Program for the Crisis Intervention Team, as well as trainings on racial profiling and cultural professionalism.  As a result of CRS services, there is increased police department awareness of the cultural norms of various communities, and a reported reduction in tension between law enforcement and the transgender community.  In addition, CRS provided many officers with their first opportunity to have a question and answer session with a member of the LGBT community.

In February 2013, a Sikh man was shot, allegedly at random, in Port Orange, Florida.  Following the shooting, the local Sikh and Hindu communities expressed fear that acts of violence against their community members would increase if the incident was not investigated by law enforcement as a hate crime.  National Sikh advocacy organizations and the Interfaith Council of Central Florida mobilized to work with the Port Orange Police Department, school district and local businesses, as well as Sikh and Hindu communities, in implementing a community-based mechanism for preventing further bias-based violence.  CRS provided technical assistance and consultation services to the parties in developing action plans, as well as facilitated a dialogue between local and national Sikh community leaders; local, state and federal law enforcement; and school district administrators.  Additionally, in response to a request by the Sikh Foundation in Central Florida, CRS facilitated a Hate Crimes Prevention Act forum, which included panelists from various national Sikh advocacy organizations.  The forum was attended by 125 people, including a Congressional representative.  As a result of CRS services, the parties implemented a multi-agency action plan to help reduce fear in reporting bias-based incidents, as well as a rumor control mechanism.  CRS services also opened lines of communication between law enforcement and Sikh and Hindu community members, and increased the communities' access to victim advocacy programs.

During the summer of 2013, community tension rose in Lewisburg, Tennessee, due to allegations by the Marshall County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) of disparate treatment towards African American students.  The NAACP's accusations included: teachers, administrators, and counselors lacked cultural sensitivity; African American students were wrongly placed in special education programs; African American male students were more harshly disciplined than Caucasian students; African American students were not placed in advanced placement programs; school teachers did not address reports of racial slurs against African American students; and school district administrators did not hire a diverse work force.  In July, CRS met with members of the NAACP and the Marshall County School District, and conducted a community forum that was attended by approximately 70 community members, including city officials and representatives from national civil rights organizations.  The discussion and forum allowed community members and leaders the opportunity to voice their anxieties and identify their primary issues of concern.  In September, CRS facilitated a mediation session between the NAACP and representatives from the Marshall County School District.  Through the mediation, the parties came to a mutual agreement on seven key issues they believe would help address allegations of race discrimination, disparate treatment of African American students, cultural sensitivity, and disproportionate suspension rates of African American students.  These issues were included in a Memorandum of Understanding that was signed by the parties.  CRS also conducted a Cultural Professionalism and Conflict Resolution Training for the school district's principals, vice principals, and administrative staff.

In July 2012, a 49-year old African American male died after being shot 40 times by Saginaw police officers.  The incident led to several months of escalating tension between various community stakeholders, including local city officials, law enforcement representatives, African American community members, inter-faith leaders, and heads of national and local civil rights advocacy organizations.  During the fall and winter of 2012, CRS convened a series of conciliation meetings among all the parties, which resulted in formal mediation sessions between members of the African American community and the Saginaw Police Department.  In April 2013, the mediation sessions culminated in a Mediated Agreement, which formalized the creation, scope, and structure of a Citizen's Police Advisory Committee, as part of a long-term strategy to build community capacity and strengthen police-community relationships.  The Citizens' Police Advisory Committee is comprised of community and law enforcement leaders committed to working proactively to address perceptions of police bias and excessive use of force, and will provide training for both law enforcement officers and community members. CRS services led to decreased community conflict and tensions, renewed trust between law enforcement and the African America community, and a mechanism for continued collaboration among community stakeholders to resolve future conflicts and tension.

In August 2012, an alleged white supremacist shot and killed six worshippers when he attacked a Sikh Gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.  In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, CRS contacted local and national Sikh organizations, Offices for the United States Attorneys, and numerous federal and local officials to facilitate communication between Sikh communities and law enforcement.

In fiscal year 2013, CRS continued to work with Arab, Muslim, and Sikh communities to ease tension following the shootings at the Gurdwara.  In Oak Creek, CRS facilitated a six-month follow-up meeting with Sikh community leaders, local and federal law enforcement, emergency response agencies, school officials, and the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin to assess continued community needs and tensions.  CRS also provided conciliation services and technical assistance for vigils and commemorative events that marked the one year anniversary of the shooting in both Oak Creek and Milwaukee.  In addition, the Agency facilitated dialogues with leaders of various faith communities and law enforcement to address concerns leaders had expressed for their community members' safety.  The dialogues led to a commitment from the religious leaders to provide cultural competency training on their customs and norms to law enforcement and city officials.

Also in 2013, CRS worked with other religious communities who expressed fear that attacks similar to the Oak Creek shooting could occur in their community.  For example, in Milwaukee, CRS services were requested by the Milwaukee Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Coptic Church of Milwaukee, in response to community concerns regarding alleged threatening activity against the Coptic congregation.  The incidents reportedly included anonymous emails warning of violence against the community and the inclusion of a congregation member's name on a "hit list" for his work in allegedly converting individuals to the Coptic faith.  In response to the community's apprehension, CRS convened an interfaith security forum with members of over 50 congregations, including the Amish, Rastafarian, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, and Hindu faiths.  Representatives from the FBI, the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and local law enforcement also attended.  The purpose of the forum was to provide communities with information on law enforcement services and best practices for houses of worship in ensuring safety and responding to hate incidents and threats.

In 2012, the closing of the only school for deaf children in Detroit, Michigan, sparked tension and protestes among various community stakeholders, including the parents of disabled and special needs children, Detroit Public School's law enforcement officers, and disability advocacy organizations.  CRS facilitated several discussions between parents, disability and special needs advocacy organizations, school district officials, and a representative from the State of Michigan Disability Council, which ultimately resulted in a mediated agreement between the represented parties to formalize a Task Force.  The Task Force was designed to ensure the parties worked together to address concerns about placing students with special needs in the general school population would leave them susceptible to bullying, harassment, and violence. 

In October 2012, a biracial, high school student in Corydon, Indiana, discovered a noose hanging in her school locker.  The two students determined to be responsible for the offensive object were suspended by school administrators, and it was alleged that one of the suspended students had used racial epithets with the female student on previous occasions.  After the incident, the biracial student's mother started a community petition demanding that racial discrimination in schools be addressed.  In response to the petition, the school district's Superintendent requested CRS's assistance in addressing perceived racial discrimiantion and animus in the student body.  In January 2013, CRS conducted a two-day Student Problem Identification and Resolution of Issues Together (SPIRIT) program for over 20 student participants from two area high schools.  On the first day of the program, students identified over 44 concerns or problem areas with the school district.  The nine issues identified by the students as being of highest concern were addressed on the second day of the SPIRIT.  As a result of the program, race relations in the school district were improved, and tension was reduced among area high school students.

In May 2013, CRS was contacted by members of the Hmong 18 Clan Council of Wisconsin, regarding alleged reports from Hmong hunters and fisherman of harassment, intimidation, and threats by Caucasian individuals and hunting clubs.  They were worried that the rising tension between the Hmong and white community members would develop into violence if left unchecked.  The Council convened its Council of Elders in order to address the above concerns in preparation for the upcoming hunting season, and to equip Hmong community members with the information necessary to diffuse and avoid tension with the predominantly Caucaisan hunting and fishing clubs.  In July 2013, CRS facilitated a race dialogue with Hmong elders from the Hmong 18 Clan Council.  The discussion focused on the need for training on conflict-resolution and non-directive mediation models for Clan Elders who determine dispute outcomes and provide guidance for the Hmong community on conflicts between Hmong Clan groups.  Participants also discussed the need for expanded dialogue with Caucasian hunting and fishing clubs, in order to build trust and prevent confrontations in the fall and winter hunting and fishing seasons.

In addition, CRS aided the Hmong communities and Appleton officials in coordinating the annual Midwestern Hmong Tournament, a traditional gathering of Hmong Clans across the Midwest, during which clans compete in athletic events including football, soccer, and volleyball, as well as engage in hunting, fishing, and dancing.  CRS provided consultation services to local officials in the form of best practices and contingency planning, to ensure adequate police presence for accommodating traffic and crowds.  The Agency also facilitated a separate dialogue with Hmong leadership, local law enforcement, and conservation groups, during which the parties discussed poaching, licensing requirements, and hunting and fishing safety during the events.  In addition, CRS coordinated a dialogue with the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, who provided opening remarks at the Tournament, and contacted a local diversity council to notify community members of the event.  An estimated 4,000 participants attended the Tournament.

In February 2012, the Chief of the Arlington Police Department requested CRS assistance in addressing heightened tension between law enforcement and minority communities.  The tension was reportedly caused by perceived poor police-community relations and allegations of excessive use of force by officers against members of the African American community.  In response to the request, during fiscal years 2012 and 2013, CRS conducted four Train-the-Trainer programs for law enforcement, addressing how to hold race relations dialogues in communities.  The Arlington Police Department then partnered with a ministerial alliance representing various faiths, and together the parties conducted 12 dialogues throughout the city.  The purpose of the discussions was to identify and gather information related to community concerns.  Using the information garnered through the dialogues, the parties then created an action plan to address the identified issues.  In addition, CRS provided mediation services that resulted in a signed proclamation between the Chief of Police and concerned clergy, addressing the development of the newly established community partnership.

Over the past three years, CRS has provided consultation, training, and facilitated dialogue services to city and law enforcement officials in New Orleans, in accordance with a Department of Justice consent decree, requiring the city to create Public Community Advisory Boards (PCABs).  Through the efforts of CRS, city officials and the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, eight seven-member Boards were developed, along with a policy manual outlining the mission, goals, and objectives of the PCABs.  In July 2013, CRS assisted government officials in conducting the third in a series of training sessions for district commanders, community outreach officers, and PCAB volunteers, to ensure a full understanding of the newly developed manual.  Each PCAB was created to facilitate interaction between the New Orleans Police Department and a committee of citizens, which is representative of a cross-section of the community.  The Boards will assist the Police Department in establishing the highest standards of police accountability and reestablishing the public's trust in law enforcement.

In February 2012, a noose and a note containing racial slurs were allegeldy found near the car of an African American high school student.  Leaders of the local African American community voiced concerns about the incident, as well as other previous perceived occurences of racism and bullying in the school district.  From the end of fiscal year 2012, into the beginning of fiscal yar 2013, CRS facilitated dialogues between the school district officials and representatives from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).  The dialogues resulted in a resolution to apply a standard of equitable practices and fair treatment toward every individual, regardless of his or her race, color, national origin, gender, religion, or disability.

In Kyle, Texas, tension levels rose in the African American community, following the arrest of a Hispanic and a Caucasian high school student, in fiscal year 2013.  The students were accused of writing racially-charged graffiti on the classroom door of the sole African American teacher in the high school.  District administrators contacted CRS and requested conflict resolution services.  CRS facilitated discussions with school district officials, which resulted in an action plan to provide a Cultural Competency Training for district employees, as well as Train-the-Trainer sessions for school counselors.  As a result of CRS services, the school board created a new policy, requiring all individuals employed by the school district to participate in Cultural Competency trainings.

In August 2012, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) requested CRS's assistance in addressing heightened tension between law enforcement and the African American community, after an African American man allegedly committed suicide while in police custody.  According to reports, the individual was arrested, placed in the back of a police vehicle, and then fatally shot himself in the head.  African American community members expressed outrage and suspicion over the man's death.  CRS facilitated a community dialogue forum and several meetings between the NAACP, religious leaders, local and federal law enforcement, and community members.  The parties subsequently agreed to create a community coalition, consisting of the United States Attorney's Office, local judges, school officials, ministers, community leaders, the NAACP, and city officials, to address the community tension in a collaborative manner.  The coalition drafted a proclamation, signed in February 2013, in which the parties agreed to work together to overcome perceptions of inequitable treatment against minorities in the future.

In February 2013, CRS's services were requested by the City Manager of Palestine, to reduce tension in the African American community, following an announcement by the Sons of the Confederacy of its intention to construct a memorial near the site where African Americans were lynched during the Civil War.  CRS facilitated dialogues with the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), city and state officials, African American community leaders, law enforcement, and members of the Sons of the Confederacy, and provided self-marshaling training for community members, religious leaders, and representatives from the NAACP.  In addition, CRS monitored a demonstration, which included protesters and counter-protesters, during the dedication of the memorial.  The parties agreed to continue to work together to improve relations between the Sons of the Confederacy and the local African American community.

In April 2013, CRS was asked by several Hispanic civil rights organizations to provide self-marshaling training and technical assistance during an immigration reform rally in Dallas. CRS convened the parties and provided consultation services to assist law enforcement officials and event organizers in ensuring open and effective communication, both before and during the rally.  CRS was also on-site the day of the event, to conduct self-marshaling training, provide a federal presence, and monitor for jurisdictional conflicts.  Between 5,000 and 6,000 people are estimated to have attended the rally, including Hispanic; African American; Anglo; Asian; Arab, Muslim and Sikh (AMS); and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community members.  State and local government officials, including a member of Congress, were also present.  The event proceeded without incident.

In 1974, a desegration order was imposed on the Tucson Unified School District.  Enforcement of this order in July 2012 resulted in the suspension of the district's Mexican American Studies program.  The suspension of the program initiated a period of extended contention and protests by Latino students and community members.  In February 2013, a federal court issued a decision requiring the provision of "culturally relevant curricula" in school districts.  In response to the 2013 order, CRS provided technical assistance and facilitated dialogue services in conducting multiple public hearings, with a court-appointed Special Master, to receive community input on how to improve city-minority community relations and what constitutes culturally-relevant curricula.  As a result of CRS collaboration with the court-appointed Special Master, a guiding document to address discrimination issues was issued by the court in an updated order.

During the summer of 2013, a federal civil court found the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office guilty of violating the civil rights of Latino community members.  The trial had become a symbol for many Latino Americans of their community's concerns regarding racial discrimintion, profiling, and immigration reform.  Following the verdict, Latino organizations and minority advocacy groups staged rallies and protests on county property.  In response to the community tension, CRS facilitated meetings with county officials to discuss contingency plans and also shared best practices on how to engage demonstration organizers and participants.  As a result of CRS services, there was open communication between demonstration organizers and Phoenix officials, and the events were held without conflict.

In February 2013, Christopher Dorner, a former member of the Los Angeles Police Department, reportedly attacked several police officers and their families over the course of several weeks, before committing suicide after an extensive manhunt and a police standoff.  The attacks left four people dead and three police officers injured.  According to a manifesto Dorner posted on a media source, the spree was in retaliation for his recent termination from his job as a law enforcement officer.  Dorner blamed systemic racial discrimiantion against African Americans in the Los Angeles Police Department for his firing.  His claim led to tension in the African American community, which were further exacerbated when two Latino individuals were injured by law enforcement officials during the manhunt.  Community tension continued even after Dorner's suicide, as several communities expressed regret that his allegations regarding the Los Angeles Police Department's treatment of minority communities would never be investigated.  During and after the manhunt, CRS provided law enforcement officials and community members with technical assistance related to community information session, rapid crowd growth potential, and historic or symbolic locations.  CRS also shared tools and resources to identify and clarify concerns related to the communites' bias-based policing concerns.

In the spring of 2013, tension rose among members of the Latino community, after a Latino male died while in police custody.  The incident received significant media attention, particularly after it was alleged by some witnesses that law enforcement had attempted to retrieve cell phones containing video taken of the incident.  In addition, minority community members alleged a long history of tense race relations, dating back to the 1900s, when there was a strong Ku Klux Klan presence.  Compounding the problem was the fact that the Kern County Human Relations Commission (HRC) had mostly new members, and had very limited experiences in addressing the community's concerns.  During the summer of 2013, CRS facilitated meetings with the HRC to provide technical assistance in addressing community concerns and police-community relations.  The Agency also met with the Kern County Sheriff's Office, and convened a dialogue between the HRC and the Sheriff's Office.  In the August meeting of the HRC, a motion was passed, mandating the creation of an ad hoc committee, whose purpose was to create a framework aimed at educating law enforcement on cultural norms and traditions, as well as create a process through which community members could voice their concerns with law enforcement.  CRS reached out to interested parties throughout Kern County and the surrounding areas and encouraged them to join the committee and work towards improving race relations.