Connecticut lawmakers urged to investigate institutional racism concerns in Department of Children and Families

Published: Tuesday, July 03, 2012, 1:15 AM

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — State lawmakers were urged Monday to use their legislative powers to pursue allegations of racism and discrimination at the Connecticut Department of Children and Families' juvenile detention facility in Middletown.

"I'm here to ask the legislators to investigate cases of discrimination and injustice within DCF at the Connecticut Juvenile Training School," said Lynette Gaunichaux, a supervisor and 19-year veteran at the state's only secure facility for delinquent boys.

Gaunichaux was one of several past and current DCF employees who testified at an informational session at the Legislative Office Building organized by Hartford state Reps. Matthew Ritter and Douglas McCrory. Some spoke of being wrongly terminated, believing their race had played a role, or being unfairly reprimanded. Click here to keep reading.