TEN POINT PLAN TO RECOGNIZE, ASSESS AND RESPOND TO INTER-GROUP TENSION AND CONFLICT

The Human Rights Commission is urging communities to adopt a ten point plan that will help them learn about and address racial and other inter-group tensions that may exist. Denial of these problems often results in communities that aren’t prepared when a serious incident happens.

  1. Does your community have a well publicized grievance channel that the minority community is comfortable using?
  2. If tensions exist between groups, is there a response system in place to help resolve the tension and conflict?
  3. Does the community have a human relations commission or other type of group that acts to help coordinate resources and serves as a liaison between key institutions, such as the schools and law enforcement and the minority community?
  4. Is a system of victim assistance developed? Is it likely a reward fund would be established to help law enforcement obtain leads regarding offenders when a hate crime has been committed? Would funds be made available to help repair defaced property, etc.?
  5. Is there an expression of the community conscience? Does the mayor or some other public official speak out when tensions or incidents occur?
  6. Is there a system of fact finding with the results made public? Rumors frequently escalate existing tensions. Rumors need to be controlled with reliable information.
  7. Would the community be willing to hold hearings as a means of elevating a problem if it isn’t getting the attention it needs?
  8. Does education on "unlearning" prejudice and bias occur in the community? Is it part of the school curriculum? Do adults have opportunities to attend seminars or workshops on the nature of prejudice?
  9. Are public policy recommendations being made that identify resources available to reduce inter-group tensions?
  10. Is some type of annual report provided that assesses intergroup tensions and highlights individuals who have played a role in promoting human rights? How does your community observe Martin Luther King, Jr./ Idaho Human Rights Day?