Who is Spokane’s new civil rights officer, Jerrell Haynes?

October 7, 2021 8:15 p.m.

Posted: Oct 7, 2021 8:15 PM

Updated October 7, 2021 8:18 PM

SPOKANE, Washington – The city of Spokane has a new civil rights officer.

It’s Jerrell Haynes. He is currently the chairman of the board of the Spokane Public School, but his term ends in November.

The city of Spokane began a search for an official in April 2021. The conversation about filling someone in this position at a city council meeting in February following the attack on the Beth Shalom temple in Spokane.

At the time, President Breann Beggs said the position was funded in the 2021 budget but not created. The officer helps with contact, clarification and also receives complaints about hate crimes. Complaints would then be forwarded to the public prosecutor.

In September, Haynes was hired as a civil rights officer. He was introduced and shared some of his goals during Thursday evening’s meeting of the Human Rights Commission.

“My ultimate expectation is to advance civil rights and justice work across Spokane County,” he said during the meeting. “It is important to be able to respond as quickly as possible to community members who have complaints.”

Haynes said he has contacted other civil rights activists across the country.

“One thing that I have noticed that is missing from many civil rights offices across the country is preventive measures,” he said. “An education campaign will be great.”

Haynes would like to set up community forums with organizations and community members. He said he was willing to go to various neighborhood council meetings and even go door to door to explain his position in detail.

“I’d like to work with Sally City Title 6 officer and make sure we improve our language skills because I know we have a huge refugee population and more and more refugees are coming to us.” City, “Haynes said.

The city of Spokane does not have a civil rights office as Haynes is considered the civil rights officer. He wants to set up a civil rights office within three years.

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