2013 USCCR Briefing
On May 13, 2013, the USCCR convened a briefing to explore the question “Is the federal government adequately protecting the civil rights of our veterans and servicemembers who have fought for our rights?” Three panels, with 4-5 witnesses and a Q&A, were held over the course of the day, a comprehensive transcript of which is available HERE. No report was released as a result of thie briefing, but a FOIA request has been made for materials related developing this briefing by the USCCR.
PANEL 1
The first panel included officials from federal agencies speaking about their enforcement of existing laws to protecting the civil rights of veterans and service members. Panelists included;
Robert Jesse, deputy under secretary for health with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Kenan Torrans, deputy director in the Department of Labor (DoL) Veterans Education & Training Service (VETS)
Sharon Alexander, special assistant to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Chairwoman
Bryan Greene, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) general deputy assistant secretary for Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity (FHEO)
Matt Boehmer, acting director of the Federal Voting and Assistance Program within the Department of Defense (DoD)
Panel 2
The second panel featured advocacy groups whose representatives discussed their programs’ assistance to veterans. Panelists included;
Heather Ansley, Vice President of Veterans Policy for VetsFirst
Albert Gonzales, National Commander with the American GI Forum
Wendy McClinton, President and CEO of Black Veterans for Social Justice
Danny Ingram, National President of American Veterans for Equal Rights
Panel 3
The third and final panel included veterans' advocates and other service members who spoke about how well the federal government was safeguarding their rights and providing needed benefits. Panelists included;
Kamal Kalsi, United States Army major
Sandra Strickland, Final Salute, Inc
Elspeth Ritchie, chief medical officer with the DC Department of Mental Health
Joseph Violante, National Legislative Director for Disabled American Veterans.
