MEETING AT CONGRESSMAN JOHN LARSON'S OFFICE

A meeting was held at the Hartford, CT office of Congressman John Larson to address racism / bias within DCF / CJTS. Below are points of the agenda discussed by community members.


August 19, 2013

Introduction,                                                                                      

The community of Greater Hartford suffers from bias and discrimination as it relates to employees of color within the Department of Families and Children. For years various DCF employees/ community members have filed lawsuits, protested outside of facilities of DCF, spoken to the Fourth Estate, gone on a hunger strike and all to no avail. The DCF bureaucracy continues to exist in a multi- cultural environment where many of their adolescent clients are of color. Yet, over 66% per cent of all disciplinary actions are against an employee base (of color) not numerically representative of the total employment. We are asking Congressman Larson’s office for assistance in addressing this discrimination issue.




1. Why the disparity within DCF with regards to high disciplinary actions 66% against employees of color? (they make up less than 46% of employee base).

2. There is a need for and instrument by which employees can provide feedback, evaluate management, and rate progress on the degree to which they are addressing issues of bias or discrimination (administered by outside person of color).  Further, there is a need for an official mechanism for staff to give input and perspective into policy decisions and changes that affects the performance of their duties.

3. There is a need for regularized, independently facilitated dialogue about racial issues within the organization.  Management should be required to participate as a party to the discussion but NOT be allowed to run the meetings or control the agenda. (unlike in 2009 when DCF led "Courageous Conversation”).

4. Looking at the possibility of Congressman Larson’s office hosting a public meeting for a discussion on issues of bias/ racism that have plagued this agency for year. And looking into what reasons caused employees of CJTS to file a class action lawsuit plus go on a hunger strike.

5. Helping open political avenues that allow us to speak with other politicians about these issues [Senator Chris Murphy, members of the State Legislature, etc.].


Rabbi Donna Berman
Minister Cornell Lewis
Pastor James Lane

 The 10-12 minute meeting at 2pm on August 19, 2013 will focus on 4-5 issues.
The discrimination / bias within the Department of Children and Families as it relates to employees of color and suggestions to address those concerns.