The two-day conference is “a valuable training opportunity for members of our federal and law enforcement, social service providers, victim service providers, mental health professionals, medical community, public health professionals, educators, faith-based community, non-profits, private sector, consulates, and other community stakeholders,” U.S. Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the NMI Alicia A.G. Limtiaco said.
Discussed were the civil rights law, hate crimes, color of law and human trafficking.
A presentation on civil rights cases was made by Barbara Kay Bosserman, senior legal counsel/professional responsibility officer of the civil rights division of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Bosserman said it was very appropriate to combine the civil rights conference with yesterday’s 9/11 tribute to “fallen heroes.”
“Freedom is a recognition of rights,” she added.
Exercising civil rights is having freedom from abuse, especially at the hands of the authorities.
Sister Stella Mangona of Guma Esperansa expressed appreciation for the “learning experience.”
Board of Education member Lucy Maratita said anti-bullying initiatives and programs are already in place in the CNMI Public School System, adding that these will help address hate crimes in the community.
Today, topics to be discussed are immigration laws and process, and investigation and prosecution of immigration-related cases.
