US To Probe New Black Panther Party

 WASHINGTON,  -- The United States Commission on Civil Rights announces that it will hold a public hearing on this investigation on April 23, 2010.  This meeting is open to the public and the media.

DATE AND TIME: Friday, April 23, 2010; 9:30 a.m. ET

PLACE: 624 9th St., N.W.

Room 540

Washington, DC 20425

The Commission will hold a hearing regarding an incident on Election Day 2008 at a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania polling place involving members of the New Black Panther Party.  The hearing will collect facts related to civil charges brought by the Department of Justice and examine the Department's actions in the case.  Eyewitnesses will provide testimony and video presentations will be made.

In case of inclement weather or cancellation for other cause, the hearing will be rescheduled for May 14, 2010 at the same time and location.

The Commission is authorized to hold hearings and to issue subpoenas for the production of documents and the attendance of witnesses.  The Commission has broad authority to investigate allegations of voting irregularities, including voter intimidation.

CONTACT PERSON FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Lenore Ostrowsky, Acting Chief, Public Affairs Unit (202) 376-8591.  TDD: (202) 376-8116.

Persons with a disability requiring special services, such as an interpreter for the hearing impaired, should contactPamela Dunston at least seven days prior to the meeting at 202-376-8105.  TDD: (202) 376-8116.

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is an independent, bipartisan agency charged with monitoring federal civil rights enforcement.  Members include Chairman Gerald A. Reynolds, Vice Chair Abigail Thernstrom, Commissioners Todd Gaziano, Gail Heriot, Peter N. Kirsanow, Arlan D. Melendez, Ashley L. Taylor, Jr., and Michael Yaki.  Martin Dannenfelser is the Staff Director.  Commission meetings are open to the general public.  The Commission's website ishttp://www.usccr.gov.

SOURCE U.S. Commission on Civil Rights