For years, advocates for parents’ rights and critics of race-centric educational materials have lamented that complaints submitted to New Hampshire’s Commission for Human Rights (HRC) often disappear without resolution. A recent audit has unveiled a troubling truth: this state-run agency, a supposed bastion for civil rights, is rife with unresolved cases stretching as far back as the Reagan era, rendering it ineffective in fulfilling its duties.
The performance audit, conducted by the Office of the Legislative Budget Assistant, has exposed alarming delays; it now takes over two years, on average, to resolve a single case. Much of the agency’s struggles are attributed to poor management and lack of strategic oversight, as detailed in audit findings that reveal a failure to establish essential operational protocols.
Under the leadership of Ahni Malachi, who recently resigned her position as executive director, the agency has been criticised for its ineffectiveness. Ironically, while managing HRC, Malachi also oversaw a city committee focused on diversity and inclusion, defending a questionable $40,000 contract for a former website operator.
Originally established in 1965, the Commission for Human Rights is meant to enforce anti-discrimination laws for those subject to racial, sexual, or workplace discrimination. However, a staggering 237 cases remain unresolved, some dating back to 1984, with complaints often taking an agonising 18 months just for an investigator to be assigned.
The audit found that many complaints simply expire due to enormous delays, denying the victims their day in court. Notably, 27.2% of the 228 cases closed last fiscal year were dismissed past the three-year limitation period, illustrating a systemic failure to provide timely justice for those seeking relief.
Anonymous testimonies from attorneys shared in the audit paint a grim picture of the agency’s functionality. For instance, one lawyer lamented, “Over the last few years, the investigators in my cases never reached out or talked to my witnesses,” pointing to egregious lapses in investigation protocols that hinder justice.
Despite existing problems being noted as far back as a 2019 audit, leadership has failed to implement much-needed reforms. Interestingly, Malachi’s qualifications do not include a legal background, as she was previously a public relations manager, raising concerns about her suitability for the role.
The agency now finds itself in a staffing crisis, with only nine of its twenty-one budgeted positions filled, and just six investigators on the ground. Instead of focusing on casework, investigators are redirected towards administrative tasks, drawing attention away from their primary responsibility.
Training issues compound the problem; many investigators lack legal expertise and are instructed using outdated materials, some of which even disclose confidential information from actual cases. Such lapses in privacy law awareness only deepen the mistrust in the agency’s governance and ability to protect those it aims to serve.
Overall, the audit paints a bleak picture of a commission on life support, desperately needing a comprehensive overhaul to restore its credibility and function as a true advocate for civil rights.
A recent audit of New Hampshire’s Commission for Human Rights has revealed a disconcerting backlog of discrimination cases dating back to the 1980s. The agency, plagued by mismanagement and inefficiencies, takes over two years on average to resolve cases, with many complaints lapsing past their statute of limitations. Under the leadership of Ahni Malachi, concerns about staffing, training, and protocols have led to widespread criticism, with calls for substantial reform or complete overhaul of the agency.
The audit reveals alarming dysfunction within New Hampshire’s Commission for Human Rights, showcasing an extensive backlog of unresolved cases, some dating back decades. With gross mismanagement and inadequate staffing impeding the resolution of discrimination complaints, the agency risks perpetuating injustice. The failure to adapt and address longstanding problems raises critical questions about its future effectiveness in combating discrimination and protecting the rights of citizens.
Original Source: nhjournal.com
