Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations scrapbook 2022

COEUR d' ALENE

Tribe weighs in on NIC~s future

Lawsuit against NIC settled

By HANNAH NEFF Staff Writer

Count the Coeur d'Alene Tribe among N0rth Idaho College partners who are concerned.

In a recent letter, the Tribe called on the NIC board of trustees to publicly "confirm its commitment to education and reassure their partners, community, students and faculty

that North Idaho College is still a centerpiece of education."

Trustee says college in bad habit of not responding to stakeholders under review by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the accrediting organization for the college. A site visit is planned for

"The fact that accreditation status is even in question weakens the institution and places the educational future of every student in doubt," the letter says. "This situation is unacceptable and also avoidable."

NIC's accreditation, while currently in good standi ng, is

Jan. 18, and the college is required to submit an ad-hoc report no later than Au g . 1 for evaluation and possible follow-up monitoring.

See TRIBE, A7

Former president -focuser on next opportunity

By HANNAH NEFF Staff Writer

The lawsuit against North Idaho College is over but the community might not have seen the last of ousted President Rick MacLennan.

MacLennan signed a settlement agreement this week for his

lawsuit against the college after being fired last fall without cause by the board of trustees.

The lawsuit named NIC as well as trustees Todd Banducci, Greg McKenzie and Michael Barnes as defendants, See LAWSUIT, A7

The P ress

TRIBE from A1

The site visit was sparked by a second complaint over actions of the NIC board. The NWCCU indicated in a Dec. 1 letter to the college that they'll be looking at the "demonstration of high ethical standards tn governance. management, and operations. including the NIC Board of Trustees· responsibility to ensure integrity and transparency of its deliberations and actions, ethical treatment of stakeholders and constituents. adherence to statutory requirements and institutional policies, and adherence to conflict of interest policies."

rn its letter. the Coeur d'Alene Tribe said It is its "sincere hope and plea as a close partner of the College that the Trustees will right this ship by reassuring the community about its commitment to lhe College as a centerpiece for education and workforce development."

At a special board meeting Wednesday night, Trustee Ken Howard said It's important to respond to the Tribe as soon as possible.

Howard said he thinks the letter was intended to help the trustees move along in curing whatever problems they have.

"1 thlnk it deserves a response and the response should be sent out fairly quickly," Howard said. "It indicates to them that we also have this concern to try to remedy our Issues here."

H:oward said the board still hasn't responded to a letter It received in late August Howard signed by 140 local m"dical professionals. That Jetter said Kootenai Health was navigating a crisis due to the overwhelming numbers of COVID·19

cases, and asked the college to implement safety measures to protect the heal th of the community.

Howard said he believes they also have not responded to a letter received in early Oecember from the State Board of Education, urging trustees to "set aside parochial or partisan int erests" before accreditation concerns cause ''irreparable" harm to the college, students and the community.

"l think this is not a good habit 10 get into, not responding to groups that have strong affiliations with NIC," Howard said.

Howard motioned to amend the agenda to discuss the letter.

Board cha.ir Todd Banducci and trustee Greg McKenZie said they thought the trustees could deal with the letter as an agenda item for the next meeting on Jan. 19. However, the motion passed with only McKemie dissenting. Banducci didn't vote as there was already majority support.

The NIC administration was directed to draft a response letter for the u-ustees to review before the Jan. 19 meeting.

fu an email to The Press on Thursday, Banducci said he agrees a response is warranted.

"I look forward to a continued conversation Banducci with my colleagues about acknowledging the concerns of one of our key stakeholders on the 19th," Banducci said.

Below is the full letter lrom the Tribe, dated Dec. 1'7. 'J'he president's office received a copy of the letter via USPS mail on Monday afternoon where it was then scanned and emailed to the five board members.

Dear Trustees Banducci. Barnes. McKen2ie. Howard and Wood, I am writing at this

time to express the amcems of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe with the current state of North ldalw Ccl/ege. The Tribe is as concerned as eueryone else abolll the consequences of losing tU:Creditation, not only because of the impacts to the community. bui alS{) u, the past, current and future sllldents who have dedicated time and efforts ta broade11 their oppor111nilies right we In our community. The fa.ct that accreditation status is even m question weakens the institution and places the educational future of every student in doubt. This situation is unacceptable and also avoidable. Ii is our sincere hope and plea as a close partner of the College that the Trustees will right this ship by reassuring tJie community about its commitment to the College as a CJ!nterpiece for education and wor}iforee development.

As ycu knew, the Coeur d'Alene Tribe has deep and longstanding ties«> the area now known as Coeur d'Alene. the city that bears tMrurme of the Tribe, and in particular the special place awng Coeur d'Alene Lake where the North Idalw College Campus now sits. The Tribe occupied the very spat since time immenwrial, passing thousands of generations of oral history from elder to youth. Today, the place continues to provide vital educo.tional opportunities to the entire community, first and foremost through North Tdaho College. The Ccl/ege Is the gateway to oppartunity for students of an backgrounds, and has built a foundation ta continue building upon that throughformal partnerships with other institutions, businesses, community stakeholders, and relevant to this conversation - the Coeur d'Alene Tribe.

In July 1997. North Idaho College emered Imo a Nine Point Agreement with the Coeur d'Alene Tribe In an effort to acknowledge.

elAWSUIT

fromA1

the three board members who voted for his termination.

HANNAH NEffJ

Th is photo shows a historical s gn ded icating the NIC bea ch to the Tr ib e In 1987 by the NIC board of trustees In cooperation with the Koote nai County Task Force on Human Rela ti ons In 1997 , NIC entered a Nine Point Agreement with the Tribe I n an effort to enhance the college' s commitment to Its partnersh ip Th e Coeur d'A lene Tr be sent a letter I n whi ch It said It was concerned o ver th e cu rre nt state of Its longstand ing partner North Idaho College celebrate and enhance the College's commitment to irs partnership with the Tribe and set forth speclric, Identifiable tosks and goals The overa II goal of the Agreement is to work together on projects and programs that enrourage and benefit tribal members and that enrich and educate all of the students an.d people which North Idaho College -serves."

Among the nine poinlS or tasks in the Agreement. including naming buildings and places on campus in recognition of the Tr.ibe. tire parties agreed 10 "utilize tire resources of [he College to better serve tire members of /he Coeur d'Alene Tribe."

Over the past 24 years the Tribe and the College have worked very diligently and closely to accomplish the nine points and meet the goals of the Agr eement. For example, the College has named many places on campus in recognition of Coeur d'Alene Tribal

leaders. dedicated a week to Coeur d'Alene 1~·/bal awareness, and placed Tribal artwork in prominent locations. The Tribe has devo1e(I space in its facilities to htm remote coursework through the College/or students in the P/11mmer community who are not able to take traditional classes d11e 10 work schedules or family constraints. Just as importa n t and excitingthe Tribe and the College have conlfnued to explore ways to improve the educatumal experiences and opportunities available to students in the community alld has made Investments to that end. Those imiestments include significant time, resources and capitalnot the feast of which is the current human capital of 70 current swdents enrolled at the College /Jirough Tribal scholarships, 45 of whom are Tribal members.

Education ls t/le

C-Oeur d'Alen e Tribe's top priority, as It has always

been. For decades, ,ve undersu,¢ that educo.tian wos also the u,p priority fo r the College alld our people flourished In that relationship along with many thousands of our comm1111lty neighbors. For thefirst time. we need co oonJim1 with you the ru1uciartes Qf our community's academic futures. that education ls your top priority. The Coeur d'Alene Tribe 1$ committed to the mission of North Idaho College and our longstanding partnership so long as the College wishes 10 cantlnue in the endeavor. Howetier, we invest far too much In our children's futures to risk any other course. At this time. I would call on the Boord of Trustees to publicly confirm its commitmem to education and reassure your partners, comm1mlty. studenlS and fac11lty that North Idaho Oillege is still a centerpiece of education. Thank )!OIL

Sincerely, Cholrman Chief J. Allon

the diso-actlon and disruption of possible prolonged litigation," Sebaaly said.

Laura Rumpler, chief communications officer for NlC. sala Thursday that the settlement covers all parties. Within the lawsuit, MacLennan sought to be reinstated as college presideut with compensation for any lost wages and benefits. as well as more than $10.000 for damages.

MacLennan said Thursday he agreed to the disposition of the lawsuit. No specific details were released. Rumpler said tbe college expects a copy of an e.xecuted court order dismissing the lawsuit $00n.

Interim President Mlchael Sebaaly said the settlement doos not pass judgment on the parties or circumstances that led to the lawsuit.

"Putting this matter behind us and concentrating on NIC's future removes

MacLennan said that since leaving NTC. he lu.ls spent time with family. read and worked on house projects. He said he's also starting to think about what Ms next Macle nn an steps will be as be believes he stlll bas value to contribute to the community "I'm looking for the right opportunity for me to put whatever I can do to help 10 work." he said.

While he doesn't have anything specific right now. MacLennan said he thinks he's taken enough time off and is starting to actively look at different opportunities.

He said he cares deeply about North Idaho College and it saddens him to see the college in its current state.

MacLennan said he thought the leadership team showed a remarkable sense of duty and grace throughout everything the college has been through ln the last year "Their absence. I think, is going to tell a different story perhaps for the future of the college," MacLennan said. " I hope it goes well." Including Mact..ennan. six college leaders have left N!C since May.

MacLennan said he has much admiration and respect for the people who not onh· helped him lead the institution, but also trusted and allowed htm to be in that position of leadersb.ip "That value that NIC holds within the community doesn't happen by chance," MacLennan said. "lt happens because there's a long history of shoulders that we're all standing on."

"N8ii"ste for NIC's accreditation ps submit report, deliver letter of action

Accrediting organization to

By HANNAH NEFF StattWrtter

Following Tuesday's virtual site visit to North Idaho College, !-he accrediting organization wW compile a report and send a letter of action to NIC

The site visit was The Press

sparked by a second complaint letter over actions or the NJC board of trustees sent by local human rights task forces.

Representatives lrom the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities met with NIC's Interim president and board of

trustees, as well as held forums with s1udenlS, staff and faculty. NCC board of trustees Chair Todd Banducci said at the board meeting Wednesday the NWCCU will send an initial repor1 to the NIC administration on Tl!esday, seven days

after the site visit.

Banducci said the administration has seven days to submit any corrections of fac~ after receiving Ute wt tal re1~ trustees discussed setting a date In mid to late F'ebruary for a board accreditation workshop to discuss the final repo11 No dale was decided

Amy Luke, chief of staff and director of external relations for the NWCCU, sain th~ panel " will soon submit the report of tts findings and ,·ecommondations, which will then be considered for action by the NWCCU Board of Commissioners al its next meeting."

"The insfftulion will be informed of the d islon In a letter of ec .. Luke said In an actloiln.Wednesday lo 'l'he oma

Pr~e NWCCU Board of Co1nmlssionc:-1 a:J

I an ongoing virtu n (ling lodaY, mcet111wg en•nt for another and w m,..., com~11ss1on ~i. meett:/rumpler. chief

La unications officer com~ rth Idaho College, for ° C Ill be able lO said N1 w ess and d cuss lhe proc ' is. rlences aeter their l!)(J)tl U ues its the NWCC ISS a~-tlon letter Id Rumpler sa

Aday to remember

Voters. take note of Jan. 12. 20'l2.

That's the date of the sinking of the Kootenai Count, Rrpubllcan Central Committee's first Titanic.

With pollhcaJ fervor and deep pockets.

tl1e KCRCC bas done everything in lts power to take over vlnually every elected office In the area. Jts Drst notable successful coup - In a nonpartisan election, no less - was the Nor1h Idaho College board of trustees.

Just one year ago, arch-conservative Todd Banducci was Joined by

s!m!Jar.ty.mJnded Greg McKenzJe and Michael Barnes as Ute NIC board majority. Who could have Predicted Ihe damage these KCRCC. endorsed darlings could do lo an otherwise good higher ed Institution so quickly?

Thars not Just our opinion, either. Next week, the agency accrediting colleges and universities including NIC will be Investigating what's gone wrong here and, hopefully, help chart a path 10 get back on the right ·track.

Momentum took a

Editorial

huge turn Wednesday when, hours after The Press published a front·page story citing questions about Barnes· residency and calling for his immediate resignatlon, he complied.

In a press release issued late Wednesday morning, Baroes said he was stepping aside because be does not wish to allow my residency status to be yet another distraction for NIC."

In other words. he

took one !or the good of the team'/ That's pure bunk. Michael Barnes quit because lhe hounds were closing b1, and his connection to a legal but questionable t,lsldency. for,hfre outill was being peeled back like Jareri, or a rotten onion.

The point today is not to continue to pound on Barnes. For whatever reason, be help!!d the college and th1> couurmnlty by stepping down, making way for what should be a significant improvement for NYC and higher education ln Idaho.

The battle for electing

gOOd l~«ders, though. 1s far from over. KCRCC.

o brnnch of the Idaho Freedom ~·oundation lreE> that unformnately has root~ throughout the state. will only double down after this staggering fuUure of Its idcology-o\'er· qUllllflcations platfonn ft will continue to weed out every possible candlclate who ls not in lockstep with their extremist, div Jslve and destructive agenda, attempting to make good on Its pledge to derail public education and replace lndependenl 1hinkers Crom across the

Thursday, January 13, 2022 J AS

political spectrum with robots who wm alwuys put party above people.

Wednesday's resignation and the impending shift of NIC' board control, though. are cause for celebration

May it serve as a stark example to conscientious voters about what happens when we pur the wrong people ln positions or power and not to give ur, when :.uch mistakes lnevitnbly are made.

1'his edlror/a/ was written by Manag/nf? Editor Mike Patrick for 1'he Press editorial board.

dJ!>Cussion senior vice preslden 1 for w1tb the Legal and Regulatory NWCCU · Affairs, NWCCU led to the A resolution for a vote d~cision that · 1:.,:, of no co.nfidence in t11e smce the ·. ,.. NIC board of trustees by fact-finding · staff assembly was read process b)' chair Sarah Martin !1nd review Banducci at the board n1eeting 1s still IVednesda)' night, underway, il's prematun• adop1ed on Dec. 15. lo give details on the The resolution said visit. She said public the board has nol yet commenting could hinder fulfilled the commitments the process. made to the NWCCU and For now we need to campus community, and let the process continue," there remains concerns Rumpler said. regarding the behaviors

NlC tnti,rfm President of the board, specificall y: Michael Sebaaly • "Staff', faculty, said once the college admlnistratlon and is allowed to share members of the ·feedback from the visit community have not been it will be posted on included in decisionthe president's page on making processes" nic.edu to ensure full • "Stall' and faculty transparency. recommendations were

The NWCCU disregarded In many of representatives attending the recent decisions that the site visit included have had life-changing chair Or Marc Johnson, and Institutional president emeritus of the impacts on the campus Univers.Ity of Nevada. communlt)"'

Reno. and membel's: • "Policies previously

• Dr. Deoeece Huftalln, adopted by the NIC pres ident. Salt Lake Board of Trustees Community College. continue to be violated

• Mr. Glenn Ford, by I.he board; and the senior VP of Finance and board conttnues to Administration/CFO. overstep its authority University of Western regarding the operations States, of tlle college"

· Ms. Mary K. Hughes, NIC ls also required to i·egent, University of submit an ad,hoc report Alask11 System no later than Aug. I for · and team support evaluation and possible Mr Randy Al iment. follow-up monitoring.

HUCKLEBERRIES O.F. Oliveria

Loo ki ng back on the Aryan Nations oust

Once, Coeur d'Alene was the toast of New York City. For ?5 minutes in their historic city hall. New York leaders praised Coeur d'Alene for its courageous battle wll.h the Aryan Nations ond racism , Bill Wassmuth. leader of the Kootenai County Task Force on Humai1 Relations. was there on Jan. 14, 1987. So were Mayor Ra}· Stone and Undersberiff Larry Broadbent.

I was lh<'TC, h>,o. with the national press and a crowd of 100, Wassmuth squeezed into th e ornate

Committee of the Whole Room. to witness ihe presentation of the fi1-st Raoul WaUenberg Civic A~rd to Coeur d'Alene.

WhenCDAwas part of the story

Tbe six Nrw York SJ)eakers were Impressive. including then President Andrew Stein orthe New York City Council, fabled civil rights leader Bayard Rustin and Eyman Bookbinder or the President's Commission on the Holocaus1. Bookbinder linked the Coeur d'Alene of the 1980s to the unending fight for liberty. He thundered. "Holocaust, sla,•ery, I·have-a-dream, Selma. Raoul Wallenberg. Howard Beach. freedom to worship at the Western Wall. apartheid, the right to emigrate. Coeur d'Alene -· all of tbese, and much more. all are part of the story of humanity's struggle for freedom "

"Howard Beach" was a reference to the murder if. a Black man by a mob of white youths that bad shaken New York the month before the January cel'emony. Council president Stein polnled out that Coeur d 'Afene had shown New York the way despite being "an all·whlte city in an all-white state."

"It's ironic that we're looking to you in our time of trouble," be told the three. Coeur d'Alene men.

What impressed me most? The Idahoans measured up well with the New York speakers. Each was battle-tested in the human-rights movement. Aryans had bombed BUl's home in September 1986. Ray had helped liberate a German concentration camp as a young soldler in Wm:ld War D. Larry was charged by the Kootenai County sheriff to keep an eye on Aryan Nations' activity

See OLIVERIA, C2

OLIVERIA

lrorn C1

Bill told the New Yorkers be was honored to accept the award from tbt, Raoul Wallenberg Commlttee of the United St,,tcs on behalf of Coeur d'Alene.

"We know the eyes of th~ nation have been on our area, seeing there 1111, presence of a few misguided people who promote hatred. division. violence and racism.

Your award acknowledges that the real convictions of the people of North ldaho and our work for human dgbts have been noticed as well"

Wallenberg was , a Swedish diplomat. stationed in Hungary In 1944, who is credited with saving more than 100.000 Jews. He later disappeareq into the Soviet gulag.

Stone. Wassmuth and Broadbent have all passed on I wonder what they'd think of the state of human rights In Coeur d'Alene today

Asoooaleo"""'•

From left: Ray Stone, Bill Wassmuth, Larry Broadbent and New York City Council President Andrew Stein.

·cLocal

Wednesday, January 26, 2022 I C3

Statehouse: Tromp gets grilled on social-justice spending

By KEVIN RICHERT and BLAKE JONES

lda~o Education News

President Marlene Tromp touted Boise State University's achievements - and faced a repeated, pointed line of questioning - as she made her annual Statehouse budget presentation Tuesday.

The questions centered on the Issue that defined the 2021 higher education budget debate: social justice programs on campus. Three times. Rep. Ron Nate

asked Tromp to address last year's $1.5 million cut to the Boise State budget - and the Legislature's caU to rein In "wastef\tl spending''. on diversity. equity and Inclusion programs. Instead, Nate said, Boise State seems to have simply added to its social justice portfolio.

"Am Tmissing something? '' asked Nate, R·Rexburg.

Tromp said the university has taken the Legislature's orders seriously - Including extensive work "educating our students and our faculty and

stall'' about the importance of freedom of thought.

At no point did Tromp provide speclflcs about program cuts. Instead, she said, Boise State "evolved" its programs. "I would say that matches the desire of the Jaw," she said "That doesn't mean we have to reduce the kinds of offerings that are available to our students."

One lawmaker came to Tromp's defense: Sen. Janie Ward-Engelking, D,Bolse, twice objected to Nate's repeated questions.

Nate persisted, pleading his

case to ;fFAC co-chair, Sen. Jeff Agenbroad1 R-Nampa.

"I should be able to ask a question that Is budget-related without being !nte1Tupted," he said. Agenbroad then gave Nate the lloor for a third question on spending cuts.

The exchanges over spending cuts came as Tromp made a pitch for new budget line Items at Boise State.

One would create 10 new positions and build out. one of Trom1,>'S outreach imtiatives: the Community Impact Program, which assigns faculty

mantors to onllne students In six rural communities.

Already, the program is showing promise, she said Tuesday. While rural college enrollment has declined b}' up to 50% during the pandemic, Boise State ls seeing enrollment increases In the C!P pilot communities ranging from 26% to 50 %. And those are Increases over and above the numbers of students in the CTP program. "That's going to make a real difference In those communities," she said.

NIC: draft report submitted, review underway

By PRESS STAFF

North Jdaho College has until Friday to review the draft report for corrections trom its accredltat!on organization.

Th~ colleoo 1s under review by the Northwesl Coµunlssion on Colleges and Universities after two complaint letters were sent to the NWCCU by the Kootenai County Task Force on Hwnan Relations and the Spokane.Bonner and Boundary County Human Rights task forces.

The task forces Initially cited the actions of Board Chair 'l'odd Banducci, Trustee Greg McKenzie and former 'Trustee Michael Barnes, calling thelr actions "counter to civil and human rights and clvU liberties protected by tile United States Constitution, Federal laws. ldabo laws and NlC policies for all NIC employees and students."

The NWCCU conducted a virtual fact-finding visit to the college on Jan. 18.

which included meetings with the NlC board of trustees,

administration. foundation membars, faculty assembly, stall' assembly and faculty senate chairs. lt also

held separate Sebaaly open forums with students, stall' and faculty.

On Friday the NWCCU announced the peer rev lew evaluation panel submitted a report of its findings or facts and circumstances pertaining to complaints against NlC, along wilh recommendations related to the college's governance and administration. institutional Integrity, financial sustainability, hwnan resources and their Impacts on student success and learning outcomes.

The report is based upon findings !tom the meetings. addltlonal documents and reports, and comments

submitted by individuals affiliated with NYC

"We are tremendously appreciative of the panel's work. which included a comprehensive and in-depth review of theinstttut\on."

NWCCU President Sonny Ramaswamy said.

NIC IJ1terim President Michael Sebaa!Y and Accreditation Liaison Officer Steve KwiZ have until Friday to review the report for correctiOns of factual information

The NWCCU board of commissioners will be convened shortly after thal to review the flnal report and recommendations. A ''l.etter of Action" and I.he nnaJ repon will be sent to NlC.

The college will have a tlmeline to provide evidence addressing the panel's Und!ngs and demonstrate that it meets NWCCU's standards for accreditation, ellglbUity requirements. policies and applicable federal regulations.

On Monday, SebaillY wrote in an email to the college

that he's p1-oblbited from sharing or publicizing any information contained in the drnfl report per federal regulations and NWCUU guidelines, but will share the f\nal report once It's rece\ved.

"'l'hc panel appreciates the NIC community's passionate engagement and the support of NlC and NWCCU staff ln undertaking our review," said Marc Johnson, chair of the panel and former president or the University of Nevada-Reno.

T RUSTEE TI.MELINE

The college board of trustees is also seeking an appointee for Zone 5. which ts vacant following Ille resignation of Barnes Appllcatlons must be received by the college by 5 p.m. on Wednesday. There were six appllcants as of Monday afternoon. To see a zoning map, v!Slt: ntc.cdu/ board '1'be next board meeting Is Feb. 23. Applicants are expected to be interviewed at that meeting

Wood: Task force will respond if necessary

Says no counter protests planned in light of announced gathering of while supremacist group ,n Hayden Lake

By BILL BULEY StattWnter

COEUR d'ALENE - 'l'ht> president of the Kootenai County 'l'a.~k Force on Human Relatloru, said if ll becomes necessary, It wiU respond 10 a planned gathering in Hayden Lake or a white supremacist group this month.

"We honestly don't know If

a group will even actually going to occur " come to Hayden." Coeur d'Alene resident Christle Wood ,. Randy Neal spoke to the Coeur said Tuesday. "If d'Alene Clcy Council regarding a group does come his concerns with the Aryan to Hayden, we Freedom Network's plans for would support that ' a March 12 event In Hayden community, You take. can expect us to Wood "That kllld of group la not stand up and do welcome in North Idaho.'' he so. But we have not responded said. "Well, (rankly it shouldn't because we don't know that It's really be welcome anywhere."

An AFN spoke,iman in Texas previously told The Press it would be an Indoor event on private property, not a parade or rally. He said Hayden Lake has sentimental value 10 the AFN. as it used to b<" home to the now-defunct Aryan Nations. a white S\lpremaclst group.

See RESPOND, AS

·c,,,.gn.,, ,ital/ makl! 110 law rc•pro/1ib1trng rlu,Jm ext'n'l&e rli,

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of n /igio,, or tl1t· 11rru, m tl,t rll!),t uf 1/11; l•'UJJII ;:" a b/"'6' 1 ,g the fro:dom 1Jf!J/nch orof gov..m,,u,1/fih, an~::. ~}" a,,..-mb/1·, a11d '" p<'lilion the v -u,,.-,."\ o1 gnn:am:i:'i

First Amendment to the Constitution

!.!!~a:r" 1Probation recommended for NIC

Panel also suggests State Board oversee 'dysfunctional' trustees

By HANNAH NEFF StaHWri!8r

North Idaho College has received an ominous report from a panel representing the Institution's accrediting 01-ganl.7.allon.

Probation and the p0tential for the &talc to step Into a college over,;lght role are both being recommended

Th~ report, distributed on campus Thursday afternoon, listed scores of concerns, some serious enough to suggest

the colleges accred\tmg orgomzation 11ut N!C on proba11on

The panel also recommPnds that the Nonhwest Commission on Colleges and Unive[ljltll'S "Inform the Idaho State Board of Education of lhe probationary status, and the serious threat to NIC accreditation If actions are not taken soon, and encoura~~ the fdaho State Board of Education to Implement supel'\'1501'}' oversight of Immediate actions by the NIC 803rd c;f Trustl.'C!,

and administration lo restore compliance with NWCCU Standards and Eligibility Requlremenbl for accreditation."

At the heart of several complaints Sebaal~ cited by the fact-gathering panel is the tead~rshlp or Board Chair Todcl Bandnccl.

Here are some of the biggest concerns ltsted in thP 27-J)llt!e rcpon·

• Governance Structure, Clrlef Executive Officer and Administrative Pos1tlons: Misgivings about lhe process used to select Interim President M1chnel Sebaaly have ~ucoo his abUlty lo e!Tccllvely lead the institution, and the separation of the board of trustees relative to the day-to-day operations ul the lnsututlon ts not clearly delineated or operationalized.

SeeNIC ,A8

NIC from A1

• Academic Freedom: Board Chair Todd Banduccl's political statements nnd role In questioning curricular content bas had a chilling effect on faculty Independence and diverse thought.

• Institutional Integrity and Ethical Standards ln Governance, Management and 0l)('rations: The report refers to Banducci and other trustees' disregard for North Idaho College policies

• Physical, Technological, and Health lnfra,b'ucture: The panel concluded the Institution has a communicable disease pollcy without an operational plan In place 10 prevent the spread of

COVlD·l9. The effect IS to leave students, faculty and staff susceptible to Increases ln CO VlD-19 cases and educational program disruptions

Other observations and conclusions SPnl to the NWCCU:

• The board of trustees of North Idaho College Is dysfunctional

• Several resolutions or•no ~ ,,,,.• .In.the board have lieen 1,;sued by facult, and staff leadership bodies.

• The former president was fired in pan due to a conflict with Banducci over separation ol board decisions and lnstltutional operations. TbJs disruption was a major factor In the resignations of all three vice pn,sldents and other senior administrative leadership.

• With the resignation of one trustee there remain four trustees with a gulf

or disagreement; two trustees In each camp unable to form majority agreement or arrive at consensus.

• There Is slgniflcant fear and mistrust of the board of trustees Distribution of responsibility between the board of trustees and the institution Is not clearly d~l.t::cated.

• The board has continued to disregard North Idaho College policies Including policies surrounding their own ethical accountability

• Fear for tenure, health, job security and pl,lllitlve public ridicule abounds among faculty and staff.

• Faculty report ad)uall.ng course content and assignments to make them less potentially controversial for fo11r of retribution by pohucal factions supported by Banducci This degrades

the atmospheru of open discussion of Ideas under the principles of academic ft'cedom and undermines the lnstitutlon·s responsibility to maintain "'an atmosphere that promotes, supports, and sustains academic freedom and independence that protects its constituencies from inappropriate Internal and external Influences, pressures. and harassment."'

The panel found lhal the college Is currenUy in compllnnce w1th standards and requirements regarding financial resources, yet the area needs improvemont.

However, according to the report, the longer the board of trustees' Issues continue, the greater the stress and potential nosedive of NIC finances In the short,term and

Seliaaly saJcCthe college has 10 days 10 prepare a response and then meet with the NWCCU's executive committee The NWCCU will then evaluate the final peer repon recommendations. re,•lew the response and \'Ote on recommendations and actions.

NJC will be informed of the NWCCU's decision in a letter or ac:tlon, the final statement, 'Within 10 days of their vote.

While a date hasn't been set for !he meeting \\1th the NWCCU's executive commission, Sebaaly said m an email that the various 10-day tlmellnes give him a sense they mny see a conclusion to the current process and !he lener of action by late March or early April.

"We have been through a turbulent tlnu, and reading the peer panel report wlll Ukely stir emotion.< for you. It did for me," Sebaaly said in an email to the college, ·Keep working hard for our students. We wUI get through this together."

participation or faculty, staff, students and community members, as well ns filling In the same manner the vacant/interim dean positions a_nd ,•ice president position after the long-term president Is ldentifled.

According to the report, with the probation status, the NWCCU would create a Schedule or Compliance for restotation of full accreditation. U progress does not occur on thf.s schedule, then NlC will be required to Show Cause for continued accred!wtlon, acconilng to the report.

Accreditation Is needed for the college to remain In operation as it enables NIC to offer federal financial aid to students. ensure credits earned at NIC transfer to other Institutions and allows the eligibility for NIC graduates to sit for llcensure examination, according to NIC's FAQ page.

The NWCCU peer panel rec;ommended the NWCCU monitor actions or the college to assess movement toward compliance according to the schedule, as well as conduct o campus visit this fall

An unscheduled meeting between Sebaaly, NlC accreditation liaison olfu:t!i: Steve Kwu and the NWCCU wa,; canceled, with acc.,ss to the final report given lru;tead

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As repOrted in a Jan 20, 2021. Press article, Wood said both she and former trustee Judy Meyer bad e.-tperienoed physically threatening and verbally abusive behavior from Banduccl, 11.itnessed by trustee Ken Howard, then-board president Ron Nilson and college anomey Mark Lyons.

She cited one incident in 2012 when Banducci "pointed his fmger al [Wood) and said 'I ought to take. you outside tight now and kick your ass."

Also reported In the Jan. 20. 2021. article, former NIC President Rick Mnct..mnru,. firod from the collegP. without cause last September by the board majority, described his eyewitness aocowit of Banducci's physical assault of a female college employee at a college-sponsored event on Dec. 10, 2019. That description was tnduded In an email provided to 'l'he Press through a public records requesL

While Macl.ennan admitted that be had not initially recognized the lnteracUon for what 11 was. It became clear after "subsequent learning of the intensity of that assault, the verbal assault that accompanied It, and lhe ongoing traumatizing Impact It has had on this employee." according to the article.

MacLennan's emall said that account, and others, had been reporred throughout Banduccl's time at NIC, acc;ording to the article.

Banducci did not , respond Friday to a requ1!$l for commenL NIC public Information ofilcer Laura Rumpler said he was away on National Guard duty. and her clfort to contact him was unsuccessful as be doesn't have access to email and is rarel f available by phone t ;hile on duty.

The vote to fire MacLennan withou cause resulted in tll 1 college pay!ng aJmi rt $500,000 to the forn ~r president. about h. .r due to an agreement i 1 1 hJs contract and the c lher half received thro igh a lawsuit.

The board also authorl,P.<I $1RO 000 In pay Interim president Mlchael Sebaaly. Wood said another $40,000 was authorized for a consultant to assist with the search for a permanent president Sebaaly

The recommendation for the college to be put on probation was included in a report drafted by a panel repre54!ntlng NIC's accrediting organi2atio11. the North1Vest , Commission on Colleges and Universities. The panel report followed a site visit by the NWCCU representatives, sparked by a second complaint over actions of the NIC board of trustees sent In March.

The first complaint was sent to the NWCCO on Nov. I by the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations and Spokane. Bonner and Boundary County Human Rights Task Force,; Follow-up letters were sent on Aug. McKe0%le 26 and SepL 10.

The task forces initially cited the actions of Banducci and trustees Greg McKenzie and Michael Barnes, calling their actions "counter to clv'.l and human

eghts and civil liberties 'protected by the Uniled Stales Constitution. Federal laws, Idaho law:; and NIC policies for all NTC employees and students."

According to a statement from the task Torces. while they found no pleasure in challenging the inappropriate actions at NTC. It was and Is their wish for NJC to correct the wrongs and return to Its true mission.

Tony Stewart a founding member of the Kootenai County l'ask Forco on Human Relations and former NIC polltlcal science professor. Stewart -la.id they are pleased with how seriously the review panel look their complaints. He sald the panel report sends an Important message ihat there are things a college must do to meet the standards and requirements accreditation requires "It needs to be a corrective action," Ste~!!!...~...!.d Friday,

1ioward "srud "1he recommendation ror probation did not surprise him.

"I think it's somelhlng we neewid to SEe.'' he said. "We've bad a lot of difficulties. NIC was on a path for years of aocredltation and glowing reviews about its performance and now we've been on a pathway of having our accreditation threatened ever since the new board members have gotten Involved."

Howard said the board bas been dysfunctional ever since shortly after the election In November of 2(YlO when vtce chair McJ<enzie and fonner board member Barnes took. on their trustee roles, and Banducci wl1S elevated to the position of board chair.

Barnes resigned on Jan. 12 when faced with a potenti:11 lawsuit over his claims of Jegall~· residing in Zones.

How8l'd said the immediate recommendations for the board in the report, including to review and affirm institutional policies. are not new. yet the troStees haven't properly addressed them. I He said although he. for one,. would make

standards bad to be they're alraid to speak college at risk in movlng violated before the board up. She said the reality from a probationary realized the impacts. is the board of truste<•s status to an actual loss of Martin pointed to the remains dysfunctional accreditation." board's violations due to outside politics McKenzie did not of NJC policies and from lhe Kootenai County respond to a requ~1 for I their disregard or true Republican Central comment on Friday.

'"I'liepath ' tfiatwe"re --i participatory governance Committee leaking in. W11h the date yet to be every e,ffort to follow the I i on is solely the fault and :

I of constituency groups Trustees McKenzie and detennlnl!d. Sebaaly and recommendations, the the responsibility of the "Enough is enough," Barn«!$ were endorsed NJC accreditation liaison board as cum,nuy Voting trustees," Howard said. I

Martin said Friday. "NlC by the KCRCC in the officer Steve Kunz will on motions with a 2-2

Howard 5a1d faculty, I deserves better. The November 2020 election. give a prepared response spilt. and there has been stalf and members of , students, staff; faculty "This issue will to the panel report and very llttJe agreem.,nt on

the community have and communJty deserve con Un ue to go meet With the NWCCtJ important issues. continued to rise to the better.• unaddressed until the executive conunlsslon Howard said with thai challnnge and support the : Libbi Barrett. assistant students on campus soon. experience, and With his r mission Of the college, super.lntendent for become more involved SebaaJy said he met e.X)>erience COChairfng the as .reflected by multiple Secondary Educarton and stand up for the with senior leadership on PTeSidenllal search with I comp!Jments included in and Curriculum in the college during these Friday to begin working Banducci. plus l'UJUliJig the panel reJ)Ort. Coeur d'Alene School times: · Platt said on responding to many into difficulties moving . "The faculty and staff Dlstrtct, srud they "Political opinions and parts or the panel report forward because of the should be congratulated greatly value their long. lack of critical thinking and working forward disagreements. he doesn't that through these standing relationship serves no purpose in an In helping the NWCCtJ envi~fon a lot of changes I difficult times, they. with the collegl! and an, educat!onal.lnstitut!on.'' througbthe process. He in a POSitlve way continue to do what they disappol;ited with the ·In her state1}\ent. said their response will However. HOWan! do best," Howard srud. f propos«. probationary Wood said McKenzie de!lnltely play a part in said he does hope for I Stewart said that for status. needs to set aside his the NWCCtJ commission's improvement once a new almo.qt 90 Years. North

"I feel confident. close friendship with decision. along with lhe trustee joins the board Tdaho College has been however. that NIC's Bwlduccl and support meeting. to fill in the vacancy for a wonderful college and board and admlnlstration the remaining board "I would Just ask Zone 6. Eleven candidat&.; · a beacon tor exccllence I have the capacity and members to begin a campus and the applied for the position, in education. He said will to do whatever it course correction to community to be patient and nine responded that was damaged by the lakes to right the ship,'' ensure the future of NIC. as we allow the NWCCU to questions sent out decisions of the three- Barrett said. Currently, all three to go through the by trustees 10 help person majority on the NIC is the No. 1 dean positions at the process/ Sebaaly said. detennlne the finalists. board destination for the college are filled with After the NWCCU

"I think the fact we "It bas been I district's graduates, and interims, and Rumpler evaluates the flnal peer ha<I that many people I heartbreaking to see • as of last August. almost said flnallst interviews report and reviews the with an interest Js these inappropriate. l.500 Coeur d'Alene for the permanent response, their Board of encouraging," Howard Incorrect a~ons that School Oistrlct graduates posUions will be Commissioners wUJ vote said. "Now the question I took P!.ace. Stewart saJd. l were attending thu happening in the next on recommendations and is going to be can four "I woU!d imagine that the college couple week,;. The three actions. trustees settle on one I employees and students.

NIC student Nick vice president positions NIC will be Informed of new trustee. and there's I and the commun1tle:; Pernharn said he's <tre also filled with two the NWCCU's decision in Quite a variation In the will llnd some comfort 1n I worried about future i nterims, one overseeing a letter of action, the final appllcattons." the fact that they have I sh. jnts two positions In an ~1at~ent, within 10 days Trustees will discuss , to correct some of the • ortb Idaho College interim provost position. of lhetr vote. the reS))On= and select I actJons they'~ taken." J is an .awesome school, ''It is rime for trustees sebaaly estimated finalist,; at a Specjaj , Martin. Chair r and h:as an excellent to fully cooperate and ~IVing the letter Of moot1n11 on ~_. I or NIC s staff asse~bly, science department:· look to the NWCCO and actton by late March or ··- ask_ed how many umes

I Fernham said. "It would the Idaho State Board early April. policies and accreditation be terrible to see the of 'Education for help The final report place go unaccredited." and guidance to ensure can be ,,ewed at nic. NIC student Clara we are in compliance edu/modules/images/ Platt said she wished with all ,educational websites/-16/flle/NWCCtJ/ more students and standards:· Wood said. NIC'lo20Final %20 faculty on campus were "Anything less as Panel%20Report'l.20

1 Involved in the Issue Indicated by the NWCCU With· ,20Appendlces%20 e I e Ias it feels as though · _ panel repon puts the and%20Cover.pdf.

NIC trustees to discuss vacancy

Tllc North Idaho College board or trustees will meet Tuesday to discuss 1hr' ln~rview process for trustee Zone 5 appllcimts.

The Zones scat ,,,as v-.icated when Michael Barnes. who had served just one year, l"\."llgned on Jan. 12. Barnes' l'l!Sidcncy had been scrullniZed and wns the subi'vct of local debate and press coverage.

Elen•n ~lo have applled for the volunteer position

Tuesd1y's ·<:p(JC!al me1:,t!ng will take place nt 6 p.m. In tho Edminster Student Union BuUdinl:, Driftwood Bay Roulll on the NIC muln campus in Coeur d' AIPne.

The meeting Is being held in person and can be observed ,•la Zoom· https:1/ nic.zoom us,'ji865'12.3l&lll by phone: 669-900-6833 / Weblnar ID: 865 7231 6-111

Accreditation team finds NIC is strong in every way but one - its board

The faculty at North creel to NIC delivered who quit after aUegntions were of Allcginnce at a graduation ldlllto College is, ac- lest wcek. raised that he didn't cv,•n live in cc.remony. cording to nn evaluotio n ·The Panel commends thestnte. Re boasted of going to battle This troika overruled the for• agail'st the "Uberal p~ ivcs• by a pund of academic the faculty, stnff und pl'Cl'S, doing n good job. mer president on sensible mo.<k and indicnt<:d repeat f. t hat he administrators of North The stnff at NIC, who Idaho College for their rules. medd led in operational wns going to se t nn ideo ogicnl keep the schoo l clean de-,p commitment to matters, interfered wirh class· course for the school. He seemed and run the offices, ls •tt1tlcnt success and to room subjects, took uTrumpishly to cnvision his role M Ring of also doing a good job. confrontational path toward the NIC, modefod on He~Vlll - a upholding the important The ndministTtnors SHAWN mission of the College." "deep srntc• of the institution self-indulgent mnn-c),i rurning - those who nrc left. VESTAL the pane l wrote. and disrcgnrded so mmy basic his e,·erywbim intO law nnywny- arc doing a '-'-'-'-''-'-'-'-' And yet the pa,1~1 rules of institutionnl governance Now NIC is in• sr,,c for its you would bore yourself to sleep llfo. The board is loc ed in a good job. The board of SPOKESMAN recommends diat NIC listing them nil. stalemate. theret5 no reason to the college's fund raising COLUMNIST be put on problltion, They drove away the president think B~nducci or McKenz ie foundotiom good job. with regard to its occredEverywhere the peer

eauimtion, and the state and all three vice pres idents, and are anythlng but proud of the pant! of the North- tnkc on oversight of the instnll<'<i the wr..--stling coach a:. de$truction they've caused, nnd west Commission on school to make sure the interim president in a secrt?tive there's no guaranteo> Kootenni Colleges und Univcrsi- myriad problems thm and high-banded mnnner. County voters won·t put more ties looked during their virtual nre fixed. Banducci has bullied his fellow enemies of th<> college onto thot January visit to NIC, they found Why? You could nccurately bonrd members (telling Chris• boat<L diligent profcs•ors nnd inscn1c- boil it down to two words: Todd tie Wood he was going to "Irick After nil, wrecking~hool< is tors, working to teach student$ Bnnducti your as.• and thst bi$ wifo was politicnlly popular these dn)'S and defend ncndemic freedom. Rnrcl)· has any institution going to "bitch-slap• her) nnd amonguber-conservadves. and hard-working staff members suffered the destructive in,p~c:t of settled a complaint of wrb~l and It will be up to the other board and administrato,-s, trying to run • single individual to the degn..., phi,sical a.,sault filed by a coll<,gt, members who have stood against the school with the best inc.rests thnt NIC hassutfon,J from th~ employee. He p<,rsonally b«:une this l!nnd ofDucc is - Wood and ofstudtmt learning and commu• bullying lawlessness of Banducci invoked inn student's bizarre, Ken Hownrd - as well as the nity health in mind and his follow nori-educacion whiny complaint about his gr,ide faculty. smff, ndminisrrntors, nod

It praised these P<'<>plc - the cutthroat,; on the NIC board, and complained that a student community members to rally to "core of the institution* - ngnin Greg McKenz1eu11u. "". ,ulf..i hod omitted the words "under protect the college.

•nd again, in the report it dcliv· board member Michael ll,,rnes, God" whc.n recitingthc Pledge "The Panel find. t.bnt the core

The first step to save NIC

The report wasn't just critical. It was downright damning.

A panel submitted results and recommendations from its investigation into what's going on at North Idaho College to the body that's 11ispons1ble for accrediting NIC. Accreditatlon IS to a college or university what cash flow Is to a business. Without It, you're toast.

And NIC Is headed toward the toaster.

In its 27-page report, two maJor conclusions/ recommendations from the panel emerged: One. that tbe college be placed on probation; and two. that until the foundering ship

stops taking on water, overall leadersh ip be handed to the State Board of Education. Talk about a vote of no confi dence. ·

So what's to be don e?

What we know is that soon. perhaps by the end of this month, the accrediting organization, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, will render its verdict and chart a course that might save NIC from the toaster.

The view here is U1at i t will be neither gentle n or easy

In one year, leaders h ip from Trustee Ch airman Todd Banducci, abetted by board n ewcomet'S Greg McKenzie and Michael Barnes, has eroded the

very foundation u pon wh ich NlC 1s built. It's not just that termites have been detected. It's that termites have made the house uninhabitable.

Academic freedom. the bedrock of higher leamlng, has been assaulted in no small part because of Banducci 's personal statements and actions.

Administrative protocols have been blown up by the board majority, causlng a leadership exodus that's left the college utterly rudderless. The casualty list of competent people Is long. Th e bleeding must st op. And here's the flrst step in staunching the gushing artery. Todd Banducci sh ould resign,

He should step aside immediately, giving the NWCCU time to revise its assessment and steps to save accreditation. The St.ate Board of Ed could step in right away to ensure people who know how to properly manage an instilullon of higher learning keep NIC afloat and perhaps even correct its dangerous course.

Among his many fa ilures. Banducci has held up the process to hJre a strong replacement for the president he fired. Stepping aside now would immediately make that replacement process the college's top priority, as it shoul d be.

Most of all, Banducci's

departure would Instantl y replace the chaos and fear of further subterfuge on campus with confidence.

Confidence that people who know what they're doing, who have the college's and community's best interests In their hearts and minds, will be frel) to do their jobs.

Resigning now woul d represent the most selfless act Banducci coul d commit. It would show, against an astonish.ing body of evidence to the contrary, that he really does care about the welfare of the insti.tution and its people the college's student~ most of all.

Then the massive cleanup project can begin.

A word to purveyors of hate: Begone

The purpose of this cross burnings, physical

The basic ienets Righi$ Task Force letter is to send a strong threats and malicious GUEST OPINION of the major world Boundary County Human message of opposition harassment. retlg:Ions are also Rights Task Force to those who choose to Hate has manifested antidotes to hate. Here Spokane County Human engage in hate speech, Itself across America The Kootenai support of equity and are examples of how Rights Task Force intimidation, malicious in such horrible crimes County Task Force on social Justice are deeply three major relJglons harassment, physlcaJ as the April 19, 1995, Human Relations for embedded fn those three address the moral "'As f)(I$l0rs in /J1ese harm or murder toward bombing of the Federal more than 40 Years democratic principles. question as to how one communities, we support those to whom they building in Oklahoma has stood with other The belief that all must treat others: the spirit and the call of direct their prejudice, City, killing 198 human rights groups. humanity has a divine .Judaism What Is this letter.·· bigotry and hatred. Innocent indJvfduals law enforcement and or natuml law right to hateful to you do not to

Over tlmp we Including ch ildren the ~'Ourts to vigorously equal treatment Is deeply others.•· Rev. Roben A/bing, have witnessed many by white supremacist s u pport crbnlnat and enshrined in many Buddhism Hurt Luthelq{) Church of the grievous acts against Timothy McVejgh; civil actions when the pollttcal documents nof others In ways that Master, Coeur d'Alene innocent individuals or the Aug 12, 2017, line Is croSSed rtom such as the Onflt'd you yourself would flnd Rav. Ken Bartie, ELCA ret. and commun Ities based anti-government white free speech to illegal States Declaration or hurtful."" Rev. Matthew L. Erickson, on their race, color, nationalists, neo-Nazis. crim inal bohavfor. We Independence. "We Christianity: "The Calvary Lutheran, Post Fa//s ethnicity, national Ku Klux Klansmen, wiU continue to provide hold these truths to be second is this: 'You Rev. Terese Fandel, origin, religion, creoo. and other terrorists support to victims of self evident; that ail shall love thy n eiflhbor Community of the Holy age, gender, disability displaying Swastikas hate crimes. men are created equal , as yourself.' Ther e is Spirit, Coeur d'Alene and sexual orien tation and Confederate nags Let us be clear 10 that they arc endowed no other commandment Rev, Daniel Forsgren, to name some or the u n der Ibe banner or any future visitors to by their Crearor with gre.iter than these."' rrinlty Lutheran, Coeur categories. "Unite the Right" rnarch our region that are certain unalienable We stand strong In d'Alene

In the Inland in Cbarlottesv Ille. Va., purveyo1·s of hate: You rights, that among these support of human rights Rev. David Gortner, sr. Northwest's recent that resulted lo the and your messages of are life, libet1y. and the and ago Inst those forces Lllkes Episcopal, Coeur past, we have seen death of an innocent hate will not find fertile pursuit of happiness.": that use prejudice, d'Alene Individuals and hare bystander and Injuries ground and we will the United Statl>s bigotry and hate in an Rev. Mike Grabensu11n. groups such as the to others. monitor your action., Constltul)on Preamble attempt to deny others ECLA ret.

Aryan Nations come

Let us be clear: Those for any violations of the begins with --we the their freedoms and equal Rev, Grant Maclean, to our beautiful region historical campaigns and peoples' rights

People ": and the rights PCUSA,ret. spewing hate, gradually messages of vile hate

Our mission Is based CJniversaJ. Declaration

Rev. SPth Rumaga, Our resulting In crimes of most often lead to crimes on our commitment to of Human Rights states: Kootenai County Task Savior Lutheran, Pltiehurst murder, bank roboorlcs. by either members the democratic principles "'All human beings are Force on Hum&n Relations Rev Heather Seman, counterfeiting currency, of the hate group or of freedom, equality nnd born free and "'I\Ull :n joined and supported by. Community United armed car robberies, sympath lzers. justice for ail people. Our dignity and rights

Bonner County Human Methodist, Coeur d'Alene

Continue standing against racism in North Idaho

As the Cd'A Press legitimate and constitutes colors. races, religions editor suggested, I American free speech. and cultures does not watch~>d the video of Ms. Putz has lived ln our still exist here and Ms. Putz talking at the area 3 't, years so she bas everywhere. Many Hayden City Council bad no experience with dedicated people of all meeting. the Aryan Nations that colors, beliefs, political WhUe watching lt I many of us have the parties and backgrounds could see bombings, harassment, (conservatives and that she OPINION threats and danger they progressives) continue did not say imposed on many Idaho doing what they can she was Peggy citizens during the to change this lack of actually Sorenson years they were trying tolerance in people's a card - My to entrench themselves minds and foster the

carrying Turn here. appreciation of an

member of I am happy to hear human beings. a "White that as a minority. I believe ,ve must stay Supremacy or White Ms. Putz has not felt vigilant and exercise our Nationalist" group dlscrlmioated against In right to free speech plus (whatever they like to Hayden. I am sure one of confront racism where call themselves these the reasons behind that and when we see It! We days). However, she is due to the wonderful. must learn to welcome certainly defended these work through the years all people who love it organizations as "very by the Kootenai County here and give them the fine white people" being Task Force on Human chance to be contributing discriminated against Relations. which stood members of our society. and wrongfully accused up against the expansion When people who of raclsm I couldn't of that racist group have dlJferences llnally help wondering if she and their philosophy sit down t0gether, talk could back t.luu up with those years ago and respectfully and get to facnial instances of these continue to confront know each other one occurrences? discrimination In all on one, that is when Watching her speak, forms in our area. color, race. religion, r got that she was Personally, I am white, political persuasion and certainly angry about 'Tl years old. and I have pl'ejudices start to fall "something." n was lots of fam11y and friends by the wayside. We are unclear to me exactly throughout the countr)• all more alike then we what. who are whlte. r have not are different when you

Who •on the left" has heard of a single instance get down to the basics of been using ber and for where any of these people the human experience. what purpose exactly? felt they were blamed for This is the way 1 see In North Idaho, where the problems that many ll anyway. and It is we have lived since 1979, minorities face m the my hope for future or someon e publicly voicing IJSA. manl<lnd.

concern over a known It is very naive to

racist fringe group believe that "hate" Peggy Sonmson Is a meeting in our area Is for people of dlJTerent Hayden resident

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ee"We'll deal with any crim· inal activity.• he said. The adoption of the Ian· guage and iconographyofits anteeedents should have the· community concerned, human rights groups warn~ of the organization while remaining skeptical about its potential reach. ·

"What drives the danger· ousness are the ·ideas that glorify seeing people of c;olor as inferior, seeing Jews as demonic," said Kenneth Stem, the director of the Bard Center for the Study of Hate and one of the found· ing members of Gonzaga University's Center for the Study of Hate. "Those are the ideas that are the same."

While onlookers and counterprotesters could clearly see the adherents of Butler, carrying swastika-branded flags and per· forming fascist salutes, in thelatel990s, the lack of details about the current group - a member would not give The Spokesman-Review his full .oame when -interviewed - could be part of the intim• idation tactics such far-right groups have employed in the past, said Rachel Carroll Rivas, 1l research analyst lead for the Southern Poverty Law Center who's studied hate groups in the region for decades.

"The reality is either way they are trying to create a spectacle," said Rivas, com· paring the ·o rganization's nebulous public commit· ments to staging an event with planned marchers and camera appearances of the past. "They're being cagey; maybe trying to intimidate communities through this fear of not knowing how many are, or who is, going to show up.-

Though the SPLC has littl e information about the organizers of the group, their language and use of symbols has prompted enough concern that the organization added the Aryan Freedom Network to their list of hate groups to watch in 202L

That language and iconography should be ex-

ulacly the elements of Cbris· tian Identity. adopted from Butler's blending of white supremacy with Christian beliefs, which can be seen in some ofthe materials the organization has posted on its web$ite and has been found on fliers and leaflets in Tuxas and tlsewhere.

"When we talk about pride in being white, it doesn't sound on its surface violent," she said. "We talk about Christian beliefs, and they're being twisted and warped from the way most people understand Christi· anit)•;"

Certain nwnbers, such as 83 (for '"Heil Christ," because of the sequence of the :etters H and C in the alpbabet) and 14 (for the Fourteen Words, an af!ir. mation of white supren,acy tied directly to the Order, the terrorist group whose adherents were members of :Butler's community in Hayden) are mingled with religjous iconography and Biblical passages, hiding a violent meruliQg.

Hoover said

'"We know bow dangerous the Order really ,vas: she said. Members of the Order were convicted for crimes that included the murder of a Jewish talk show host fa California and detonating bombs in Notth Idaho in the late1980s. "We need to be clear on what our values are.n niat's where the actions of human rights groups, who have announced activities counter to the plans of the hate group, come in, experts said. What may seem like symbolic m~ of inclusion and rejection of the ideology are important affinnations that racial hatred is unwelcome, Hoover said

"You never want to ignore hate," she said. "You want to cake the opporrunity to demonstrate that this does not reflect the community.•

Stewart said his organi· zation, the Kootenai County Human Rights Task Force, alo::,g with other similar regional group; supporting human rights and faith leaders, had a strong message to send while monitoring

day invoking the memory of Timothy McVeigh, the terrorist tied to white suprem· acy who bombed a federal building in Oklahoma City in 1995, killing 198 people, and the "Unite the rally in Charlottesville, Vuginia, where neo-Nazi sympathiz.. ers openly carried symbols ofwhite supremacy.

"Let us ·be clear to any future visitors to our region that are purveyors of hate; you and your messages of hate will not find fertile ground and we will monitor your actions for any violati.ons of the peoples' rights," the letter, which includes the signarures of multiple faith leaders and other hu· man rights organizations, reads.

Those who wibtess in· cidents of hate should also report them, to get a clearer idea of the problem in a community, experts said.

Hoover mentioned the Spokane County Human Rights Task Force's Report Hate website as a place to ensure hateful acts don't go unreported, and thus un• documented. in :1 comm.v.nity.

In addition, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the East· em District of Washington launched an online portal Thursday. allowing residents to report potential hate crimes to the FBI. Plans to increase outreach to communities victimized by hate crimes in Eastern Wash· ington were in place before the announcement of the planned neo-Nazi gathering in Hayden, as the office wns selected last fall as one of three districts in the country to participate in a United Against Hate initiative. The goal in standing up to such hatred today is the same as it bas been, Hoover said.

"We never want to be silent; but the size of the response. and what the response is, has to be incredibly strategic. and grounded in a commitment to always standing with, and for, one another," she said.

Kip Bill ca11 be n,ached at (S09) 459-5429 or at laph@ spokesman.com.

By Charles Apple rm~POKESMAN-\U'.\'IE\\

Officials in Hayden Lake are keeping an eye on a "Keep Idaho White" gathering- supposedly happening somewhere in the area Saturday - by a Texas-based whlte supremacy hate group. Will the event happen?

WiJJ it fizzle out - a possibility, given that organization's past history and the vague language it uses on its web site.

Given the area's history with white supremacy hate groups, it's definitely worth worrying about.

11ER!

C•

What would a white supremacist m<>etlng In Hayden Lake look like? Hero, members of another white supremacist group, the Patriot Front, march In January near the National Archives In Washington, o.c.

WHERE WHITE NATIONALIST HATE GROUPS HAVE CHAPTERS

The Southern Poveny Law Center listed 128 white natlooaflst hate groups 1n the U.S. in 2020.

WHO ARE THE ARYAN FREEDOM NETWORK?

Not much is known about the Aryan Fr~om Network. It's apparently based in Texas. Twice 1n one week last monlh, anti-semitic fliers were rePOrtedly found on front lawns In Atascoc1ta. a Quiet suburb northeast of Houston.

In addition, Indiana Is home to three Ku KllJX Klan chapters.

HAYDEN LAKE: FORMER HOME OF THE ARYAN NATIONS

In 1973, rormer aerospace engineer Richard Buller moved from Calllomia to Kootenai County. Four years later, he ~ood a cOmQOUnd on 20 acres of land on Rlmrock Road. north of Hayden Lake, where he built a white supremacist church - the Church of Jesus Christ Christian. which practiced a mix between Christianity and naz1sm.

A stgn at th~ entrance proclaimed: ''White kindred only.• Butler said the remote location was Ideal. far away from "the mongrel masses.•

The compound also Included a print shop dedicated to printing

.\S.~oet.ATED PRE.,i;s Butle r rac,st and nnt,-Semltoc booi\S. mers and pamph lets. Bu tl er 's group - the Aryan NaUons - held parades in downtown Coeur d 'Alene and, later. summer l~stivals for white supremac ists. Hundreds attended,

In July 1998, a Native American mother and her son were returning from a wedding along a dirt

SP0l{J:!SMAN•REV1£W FILE

The Church of Jesus Christ Christian In 1986. road that ran nr.ar the com11ound when their,., backll red. Aryan Nations guards - who were d ru nk at the time and assumed the sound was gunfire - fired on their car, chased down the two and eventually ran them into a ditch The guards then held them at gunpoint and beat them with their rifles.

Three years iilter. a Jury found that Butler and his organization werP •grossly negligent" In failing to supervise and control its guards. The mother and son were awarded $6.3 million in damages, bankrupting Butler and the Aryan Natioos

The mother and son took possession of the comPOund, which they sold to a group that converted it Into a park. Some of the church buildings were Intentionally destroyed In 2001 dunng fire department training exercises Butler died in 2004 at age 86. Although Butler's Aryan Nations group and his Church of J~us

Chris t Christian no longer exists, plenty of while supremacist activity still goes on In the region Leaflets ana pamphlets are still distr1butecf from time to time. During the national wave of protests foll owmg the George Floyd killing in 2020, uoldenutoed al'!Yled men bragged 1n YouTube ,ideos about protec:tlng Coeur d'Alene and sandpoint from being "trashed•

For several nights, heavRy·armed vigi lantes - the mayor ol Coour d'Aleoe called them "Individuals exercising their 2nd Amendment rights'gathered downtown Bu t protesters of rac ial inl!Qualoty never showed up.

'Clocal

POLITICS: House sends Texas-styled abortion measure to Idaho governor / C5

Trustee addresses violence at NIC

I think it's important io resPond ln her statements toward me lhal ow· to th<! March 11 letter to the editor by employee D1D THE RIGHT THING. Lagonda McDonald beeausc other people She was physically have asked me the same question: Why OPlNION assaulted b>· Trustee did 1 not me a police ropo,1 aga!ru;t Banducci. who towers fellow NIC trustee Todd Banducci when over her at twice her he threatened to harm me? l will actdreSS size. It shook her to her that, but first I will address his physical core. I know this because assault of an NIC female employee. I was In the inter\'iew

I fCt>I especially bad for our with hl'r and watched her employee and all she has endured. Her physically shaking ns she name has been protected, but l know described it. the original incident and the ensuing Christie '!'he day after the public discussion has been dlfllcult Wood assault in December of for her every day I want to make My 2019, she wrote him an it very clear since Lagonda likes lo Tum emaU and copied her capitalize and emphasl7.e her crltlclsm superv~sors. maklllJl It

clear he was never lo touch her again '!'hen she llled a formal oomplatnt that was Investigated on behalf of our previous board or trustees. in 2020, the board determined the lncid•nt had occum>d and wrote Trustee Banducci a letter of censure. He signed a settlement agreement shortly after that with otrr employee, ln which he agreed 10 never b<> near her again. He has never puhllcly denied he signed this settlement agreement. There is no t !me or space in which a trustee should physically 11ssa11l! an employee.

The decision to rue a police report or not is a personal one that victims of

crime have to determine every day Jn my case I was a police sergeant at the time Banducci's threat occw-red I tmd spent a professional career helping others During that time. I had taken a few punches from sus1>ects while e,trectlng an arrest .One time 1 dld try to charge a suspect for giving me a shiner. bnt was told by a city attorney be would not pursue it because taking a punch was pan of my job. As I got older and 1vlser. I came to understand physica l harm can be an effect of the }ob - but It's still a crime.

Seo MY TURN. C2

TH U.S.

Incidents Involving ra<:ist or antisemitic fliers, stickers, banners, pastels and stenciled graffiti. as monitored by the Anti-Defamation League:

C0UJtTN£YST£RN ·\.ONGV1£W NEWS~JOUR.NAL

Streets blocked In Longview, Sept. 2S, 2021.

Area offtclals distanced themselves rrom the event. At 9 a.m the day It was to lake place, local law enforcement began blocking streets around the county courthouse. By 10 a.m police and sheriff's deputies were present. along with K·9 patrols and had set up a metal barricade on the town square In f,ont of the county courthOI.IS8

No Aryan Freedom Network membNS had shown up by 3 p.m so the blocl<ades were taken down and officers were sent home.

'Clocal

POLITICS: House sends Texas-styled abortion measure to Idaho governor / C5

Trustee addresses violence at NIC

I think it's important io resPond ln her statements toward me lhal ow· to th<! March 11 letter to the editor by employee D1D THE RIGHT THING. Lagonda McDonald beeausc other people She was physically have asked me the same question: Why OPlNION assaulted b>· Trustee did 1 not me a police ropo,1 aga!ru;t Banducci. who towers fellow NIC trustee Todd Banducci when over her at twice her he threatened to harm me? l will actdreSS size. It shook her to her that, but first I will address his physical core. I know this because assault of an NIC female employee. I was In the inter\'iew

I fCt>I especially bad for our with hl'r and watched her employee and all she has endured. Her physically shaking ns she name has been protected, but l know described it. the original incident and the ensuing Christie '!'he day after the public discussion has been dlfllcult Wood assault in December of for her every day I want to make My 2019, she wrote him an it very clear since Lagonda likes lo Tum emaU and copied her capitalize and emphasl7.e her crltlclsm superv~sors. maklllJl It

clear he was never lo touch her again '!'hen she llled a formal oomplatnt that was Investigated on behalf of our previous board or trustees. in 2020, the board determined the lncid•nt had occum>d and wrote Trustee Banducci a letter of censure. He signed a settlement agreement shortly after that with otrr employee, ln which he agreed 10 never b<> near her again. He has never puhllcly denied he signed this settlement agreement. There is no t !me or space in which a trustee should physically 11ssa11l! an employee.

The decision to rue a police report or not is a personal one that victims of

crime have to determine every day Jn my case I was a police sergeant at the time Banducci's threat occw-red I tmd spent a professional career helping others During that time. I had taken a few punches from sus1>ects while e,trectlng an arrest .One time 1 dld try to charge a suspect for giving me a shiner. bnt was told by a city attorney be would not pursue it because taking a punch was pan of my job. As I got older and 1vlser. I came to understand physica l harm can be an effect of the }ob - but It's still a crime.

Seo MY TURN. C2

TH U.S.

Incidents Involving ra<:ist or antisemitic fliers, stickers, banners, pastels and stenciled graffiti. as monitored by the Anti-Defamation League:

C0UJtTN£YST£RN ·\.ONGV1£W NEWS~JOUR.NAL

Streets blocked In Longview, Sept. 2S, 2021.

Area offtclals distanced themselves rrom the event. At 9 a.m the day It was to lake place, local law enforcement began blocking streets around the county courthouse. By 10 a.m police and sheriff's deputies were present. along with K·9 patrols and had set up a metal barricade on the town square In f,ont of the county courthOI.IS8

No Aryan Freedom Network membNS had shown up by 3 p.m so the blocl<ades were taken down and officers were sent home.

SERVING KOOTENAI COUNTY SINCE 1 892

Thursday

March 31, 2022

www.cdapress.com

Anonymous no longer

Loca l conseNati ve speaks out on alleged GOP plot

By KAYE THORNBRUGH Statt Writer

COEUR d'ALENE A woman

who said the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee tried 10 recruit her ns part of an alleged plan to infiltrate and d1$mantle the local Democratic

Party is now speaking publlcl)•. The Press published ln early Mru·ch a recorded phone call between Kootenai C'.ounty resident John Grimm Grimm and II person he identlfled as KCRCC Youth Chair Dan Bell. In the call, Bell descnbt'<I

a plan by the KCRCC to 1ake control or the local Democratic PRrty by having Its own candidates run for Democratic precinct captain positions. The Press·reached out to Bell by phone and email on Wednesday.

The man who answered the phone refused to Identify himself, paused to check if Bell was avnllablc and then said 13eil was not there.

Penelope Harries, Inside Morris. a paralCj!al. told TM Press ln early March that Greg McKenzie approached het· at a KCRCC ml'!ltlng ond

• MyTum , Danger in local GOP/ C12 tried lo recruit h~r for what called a "scheme" to infiltrate the Democratic !'arty.

See PLOT, A6

A6 f Thursday, March 31, 2022

County Republican poured in.

The Pre ss

all'lliatlon In order to denfed thls, a,,;sertlng that Women Federa~. Reilly regist11red as a affiliation. mn In the Democratic any comments or efforts But she said the local Democrat this month and Sandpoint M~or primary. "That's them Bell made were that of a from A1 GOP doesn t resemble filed for a Democratic Shelby R()gl\Stad is also saying, ·we don't want the private individual not an the Republican Party she precinct captain position. staging a Democrat official of the KCRCC. McKenzie was elected grew up wltb. He also Jolne I Idaho's campaign as -

1who recently changed his

to the North [dabo Some conservatives gubernatorial race as a I a write-In operating about this with all College board of trustees Involved in local politics write-In candlda\e this I Democratic In Kootenai - kinds of people that I'm In 2<Y20. after KCRCC "hypnotized" by the week, aiming to "mnke

candidate County." .. friends With." Reilly sald. recommended him. KCRCC's rhetoric and Democrats con5"r\'atlve I for Idaho Reilly said0 "If other people think "He asked if I was don't question It, Morris again." governor, he and other ~- that was an interesting willing to register as a said. Reilly told The Press after the :·, crossover ldea. I can't stop them Democrat." Morris said

I Idaho candidates from followlng suit or

She said she was and they're so under the Democrats who changed Secreiary of Rognstad aim to "give Rellly whatever." confu.sEd by the question thumb of the KCRCC that their party affiliation ln State's office lhe people Reilly said he sees until McKenzie explained they have no freedom." order 10 vote in Idaho's determined he would what they want." himself as "bolstering the KCRCC's plan to fill she said. "They just don't Closed Republican primary not appear as an official "H's who we are." he democracy" ln North the local Democratic know It. They're walking races. I candidate on the May 17 said. "ll's our values." Idaho by spurring others Party's ranks with their the llne. They're in lock Idaho bad an open primary ballot. If elected as a precinct into getting involved in own members. step." pnmarysystem until A fourth.generation capta.ln and voted ln as local politics

When Morris refused lfthe takeover effort 20ll. when the Idaho GOP : Idahoan, Rognstad said party chair, Reilly said "I see this as a big win to participate, she said succeeded, Bell said succe.ssfully sued the I h<t previously registered he would use bis position for the Democratic Party." McKenzie asked if sbe KCRCC plants would vote state to dose the party's as a RepubUcan in to bait Democratic he said. would be willing to recruit David J. Reilly in as part)' primary. I order to have a voice in operations for at least

The KCRCC's alleged other volunteers Instead. chair. Since then, sc-me Bonner Cowity's elected two years, when the next plan to dismantle Morris said she declined. "A guy that they left-leaning voters have leadership He Is now primary election occurs. the Kootenai County

In an email to The call racist, antisenutic. changed their pa1:y registered as a Democrat. and funnel money donated Democrats reportedly Press earUer thiS month, Holocaust denier," Bell affiliation to RepubUcan

"It's reasonable for to Democrats toward galvanlzed the party McKenzie said he did not said, "That same guy in order to vote in GOP moderates to try to fmd Republicans. By the March 11 fl.Ung recall the conversatlon. would be the chair of primaries.

The Press is working with Party."

lhelr ploce In th<· political Ro!lly said he'd deadline. 82 people had Be also said he bolleves tho Kootenai Democrat Loum Tcnnc,;on. landscape," he sald. '"They give half of the local filed as Democrats. Just

a lb1iner chair of the have to flnd a voice in Democratic Party's funds 11 people had filed for local Democrats to have A recent Pennsylvania Kootenai Democrats, demooracy somehow" to the Kootenai County Democratic precinct Democrats change their transplant, ReWy was is one of them. She

Rognstad said he Republican Women captain positions just two part)' affiliation in order condemned by the reportedly registered as a 1 believes It's fair for voters Federated. "to help get days before. at least one to vote in the RepubUcan nation's largest pro-Israel Republican in 2020. I and candidates 10 jom the more women mvolved in of whom was allegedly a primary. organi2.atlon for his She told 'I11e political party that bas lhe politics ·· KCRCCplant.

MOITi.~ said on antisemitic writings and Spokesman-Review in best chance lO represent The remaining funds Koch said 19 or Wednesday that called an "antisemitic February she stiU alignecl them. But he doesn't would go to the Catholic those filing were either McKenzie's denial didn't troll" by The Daily Beast. with the Democratic believe that ts what Reilly Church "as reparations unknown to the Kootenal surprise ber. Reilly. whose social Party's platform but ls doing. for the sin of abortion " County Democratic

'1 don't think he media posts Included wanted to have a say in

"David Reilly seems Reilly said any Party or were kno\\11 thought anything was comments that "all Jews races that are es;enlially to have a subversive subsequent do~tions conservat!ves. wrong with lt," Shi' said. are dangerous" and that decided in \he Republican agenda whPre he wants to to the Democratic They Included John

Though she Initially more Americans should l)rlmary. disrupt and disintegrate Party would be "clearly Malloy. a leader of the did not wish to be believe antisemitic Kootenai Democrats the Dmnocl'atic Party:· marked" as f!Oing toward Coeur d'Alene chapter of identified. Moms said stereotypes, ran chair Evan l{ocb said the Rognstad said. conservative causes and lhe John Bin:h Society, she now feels compelled unsuccessfully for a seat local Democratic Party Reilly confirmed as candidates. and Guy McAnlncb, a to step forward and speak on the Post Falls School does not encournge rts much Wednesday In a "It's not like a scheme," Post Falls School Board about her e.xperiences. Board last year. members to change then· phone interview with The he said. "It's not Ulm a trustee who was endorsed "l'm bowled over The KCRCC affiliation in order to vote Pres,,. dirty trick." by the KCRCC. Both by thlS nastiness and recommended him as a in Republican primaries,

"If the people Jn ln the recorded call, candidates have s:ince dirtiness." she said. candidate - the local ·..., ·... I Kootenai County vote for Bell said KCRCC chair wllhdrawn MolTis, who has Uved GOP's verslon of an some Democrats make the us, they know wh..1t we're Brent Regan crone up with Meanwhile. Rognstad in Kootenai Cqunty endorsement · and stood switch. going to do," he said. the idea to install Reilly as called Reilly's actions for almost seven years, by that recommendation Reilly 1sn·1 tho only referring lo conservatives party chair. "duplicitous" and harmful belongs to the Kootenai as national criticism North Idaho candidate who changed their party Both Regan and Reilly to Idaho.

When one political party bas total control. he

said. it drives policy to

extremes

NIC

Continued rrom 1

professional conduct and ethics, and grill\~ ance procedures; 3c~ cording 10 the letter. Beyond the warning. the commission wi11 also monitor colleg,, board meetings and enrollment levels now until the spring 2023 visit.

The s hadow of the aceremtation in,-estigation has loomed over North Idaho College

A report issued by the investigatory panel last month indicnted issues surrounding the board of trustees have resulted in the loss of npprox;mately $4.l million in legacy gifts and an estimated $343,000 in major gifts to the North Idaho College Foundation.

Meanwhile, the resulting publicity could affect enrollment this fall. as guidnnce counselors at Coeur d~\lene Public Schools and the l'l>st Falls S<:hool Di.<rrict ore recommending other schools 10 college-bound students. Interim President Mlchnel Sebaaly said during • board meetlng MArch 23. As of Augu•t. 22% of the college's enrollment was composed of Coeur d'Alene Public School• graduat.,,, according to the school district.

"While this has been• rumultuous time for our college, I'm so proud that our faculry and staH hoVt' continued to deliver for our students and I'm gratified that the NWCCU review recognized their dedication," Sebaaly said In a statement ~rondo)'·

"While there is much work to be done on supporting our bo.trd in ful61Ung its governance role. the NWCCU's action speaks 10 how solid the college is in providing quality educationlll opponunities for our community.''

Accreditation m:tkes North tdnho College eligible for fedentl 6nanciru old and allows more opportunities for a .stud.ent's c.rediu to

transfer to another in· stitution.

The letter of action helps ensure that. at least until next year, the college's accreditation •tatus is maintained.

"The NWCCU ha; identified speci6c Area.• of focus and improvement and J nm personally committed to ma.king sure we sue,. ceed because NIC plays n criticol role in our region. for our srudcnrs and for our local economy." Banducci said in a statement.

The complttints

ngninst NIC were 6Jed by the Kootenai County Task Force 011 Homan Relntions as well <IS the human rights task fore._. in Spokane. Bonner and Boundary counties.

NIC Trustee Christie Wood. who is president of the Kootenai County Tn.sk force on Human Rclations, has srud me recused herself from the complaints due to conllict of interest.

"We believe this ·Letter of Action' from the (Northwest Commission on Colleg,:s ond Universities) to North Idaho College confirms many of our findings as well as our concerns." the task forces said in a joint statement.

Prior 10 Fridav's letter of action. the i:ollege was required to submit a report by August as a result of the first complaint to show how actions by rrustees and administrators meet certain tlCC.redimtion eligibility requirements. Thar report is no longer required.

Instead, the commission has required the college 10 submit reports on a prescribed basis until tbe spring 2023visit.

One set of repons, due within seven dny,; of each board meeti ng. must include that meetings agenda, draft minute,,, links to vid· co recordings from the meetlng. public tom· ments and any crumges in board memben-hip. The reports must include updntes on the progress to 611 vacant

Public forums

North Idaho College will host two public forums this week for college l~adershlp to share additional details about ttie Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities letter of action and what's next.

The hrst Is at noon Tuesday. The second Is at 5 p.m Wednesday. l

Both wm take place , ,, the lake Coeur d'Alene Room of the Student Union Building at North Idaho College. 1000 W. Garden Ave Coeur d'Alen~ leadt>rsbip positions

A national search is underway to find a fulltime replncement for former President Rick ~1acLennan, who w:1s fired without cause by the board in September. Meanwhile, the college's ,•ice pre,sident of instruction. vice pl'esident for stude1services,. vice presid\!i, } for finance nnd bul' ~ ness nlfnirs and dean i,f ill$trUction_ workfui 'e educntion. all l lcft the collei."' at the $tart of the year. At leait two of those departures were motivated by their feelings toward the board.

The other I n:p<>rt.. which must 1nchide full-rimo-equ vah ,r student entollm , \t data, is due immedia.e'. ly ofter the ccn,u., date for each acndernic h:rm. The c,msus dare is when student enrollment,; are firuiliu,d.

The Northwc,-c Commission indicated rhe spring 2023 vi.•it will determine whether to continue or remove the warning sanction.

"Lack of demonstrable evidence of progress to address the lssue5 raised above could result in a sanction of Probation or Show Cause," Northwe>'t Commission president Sonny Rama.swnmy wrote, Gn•g Mason can I,;, reached at (S09) 459.5047 or gn:gm@ spok.(!"$'man.com.

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NIC

to bring the college

into compliance with

1,

- ·-

IRegarding NWCCU's governance at North monitoring or NlC. the Jdnho College."

00 " Interim President

submit reports \\'!thin Mike Sebaaly said the from A1 accreditation standards seven days of each college takes the warning related to board

Forums today,

Wednesday on warning

board meeting through very seriously. governance. spring 2023. '!'he reports u1 will continue 10 recently returned from "The NWCCU has will cover governance. work with our board a national governance Identified specific Questions must be presubmitted agenda and draft minutes and continue to ask leadership institute areas of focus and for the board meeting, them to wol'k together for college trustees. improvement and I am by 10 a.rn for today's forum notification of changes and find commonalitY I am committed to Jl('rsonally committed to In board membership, and move forward and Implementing lesson~ making sure we succeed North Idaho College will nic.odu llnks 10 video recordings address the concerns learned In prioritizing because NIC plays a

Ihost two public forums lor Lloyd Duman, interim of meetings and a list or the NWCCU has given.ff the needs of the coUege cnt!cal role in our college leaoership to share BS$0Clata doan of I public comments Sebaaly said. "We're above self-Interest and region. for our students details on the sanction of fnstruchon, will modetale

The NWCCU letter going to continue bringing the higher and for our local warning. questions during the states that despite operationally doing the purpose of good board economy," said Board The Nonhwest forums He and other commitments the board work of the college." governance back to this Chair Todd Banducci In Commlssioo on Colleges college leaders w,11 made over the last year

The college Is hosting board" a press release from the and Universities issued aodress and answer to rectify areas In need two fol'ums for coUege

A peer review panel college. a letter of acllon with a questions submitted for of improvement, " ... the leadership to share convened by NWCCU Banduccl's leadership wam!ng to the college on the forums. institution continues to additional details about previously recommended was specifically cited in Fn<Uly. Both forums will take be non~ompliant with the sanction In the Lake the college's several complaints in the Participation in 111'1 ptace In the Lake Coeur EJlglbJII} Requirement Coeur d'Alene Room accredlta1ion be placed peer panel report. The forums will be limlleo to d'Alene Room 1n tne

9 and Standards 2.A.1 in the Student Union in probuliunary 8lalw. PreN> published d,,tails 1•law-only via Zoom Cdm,nst.er Student Union and 2.t>.2 telatln~ to Building. '!'he flrst but the commission of. the panel report in a Those mterestao In 8\Jlldlog on t1>e NIC main the demonst1'1llion of forum Is toda)· at noon. Issued a warning instead, March 4 article. submitting questions 10 be campus in Coeur d'Alene

high ethical standards and a second forum is with requirements When contacted by addresseo at the forums and via Zoom. in governanc:tl and Wednesday at 5 p.m. for monitoring and The Pl'ess Monday for must submit questions The forum !Oday will management, including '!'he sanction of recommendations additional commenl by 10 a.m. lOday lor the take place at noon, and the NlC Board of warning ma~ be removed Banducci said he did not noon meeting today, ard 3 the Waoneselay forum Is Trustees' responsibility or continued based on have time to respond but p.m. Wednesday for !tie 5 set for 5 p.lJJ, to ensltre integrity in the results of a spl'lng he would try to reach out p.m Wednesday meeting. Zoomtink: Its dellberations and 20'23 on-site visit by the If able to make time. Ouesuons must be nlc2oom.usfJ/ actions. ethical rreatmen1 commission. Lack of

"We are fol'tunate [ ~ilao to Lloyd.Duman@ !162644136651fsuccess or stakeholders and demonstrable evidence of to have avoided being constituents , adherence progress to address the immediately placed NIC." adding a fifth trustee to institutional and issues raised above could on probation." said Wood said the actions to meet the mlnlmum BOllrd polici!'s, and result In a sanctiou of Trustee Christle Wood by the two trustees .l.ll requirement of five adherence to conflict of probation or show cause, in a sratement to The the past year and a half trustees. interest policies. according to the letter of Press. "I am grateful to have been reckless. Fonner Trustee

"In light of the action U1e NWCCU for their motivated by personal Michael Barnes res(Jmed above, the Commission Show cause is decision. However. If agendas and caused great from the board in concludes that the NJC the last stop prior to Chair Todd Banducci and hann to the institution. January when faced Board of Trustees removing accreditation. Trustee Greg McKenzie Followtng the Imposed with a potential tawS11it actions 10 date do not The buroen of proof do not adhere to NWCCU sanction of warning, the over his claims of provide assurance that would rest with NIC 10 recommendations, begin commiS$ion requires that legally residing In 1the Board has or will demonstrate why its to follow policy, la\li and NIC take appropriate zone s. The board is I follow tlu'Ough wiU1 accreditallon ~hould be educational standards, action to ensure the meeting on Wednesday the steps agreed to continued. according to it's clear there will be recommendntions llstEd to hold interviews with ' to restore effective NJC's webpage. immediate and severe are resolved over the candidates for the vacant sanctions placed on next sear This Includes position. e I e

CD/J Prus Northwest

Human Rights task forces respond

Forces provide insight on NIC's response to its accrediting organization

By Press Staff

Four regional human right» 1ask forces have more to say about North Idaho College's response to the peer panel repo1i from their accredlt ing oi,:anlzation.

The task forces, the Kootenai County Task Force on Ruman Relations. Bonner County Human Rights Task Force. Boundary County Human Rights Task Force and Spokane County 'Ruman Rights Task F'orce. sent a follow up to the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Unl,,.rsities after reviewing the Institution's response to 1he pwr panel report recommending the insti!Ution be put probation.

The task forces previously sent two official complaints to the Northwest Comn1ission on Colleges and Universities. citing ,1c11ons of Board Chair Todd Banducci, Trustees Gr~ McKenzie and former trustee Michael Barnes.

I This Jetter dated March 2S ls th.e human rights task forces· perspective on NIC's respon!lt: to the N\VCCU, 1ubmlltud to th<' \IWCCU's presid&nt.

North Idaho _College

Dear Dr. Ramaswamy; After reading the Nor!h ldabo College March 12. 2022 response to the NWCCU Review Panel's conclusions, we wish to respectfully provide our perspectives and clarifications to the NIC re~ponse to NWCCU with the following points;

FIRST: The NIC report to the NWCCU states that only the September and October 2021 monthly board meetings did not permit public comments. In fact. there were no public comments for six months in 20'21. The reaUty ls there were no regular monlhJy board meetings in January, June, July and August 20'.ll plus no public comments were

allowed at the September and October meetings. In addition. the public was not allowed to comment at the spedal board meetings in 20Zl Two of those special meetings produced critical decisions without public Input O) lifted the face mask mandate violating NJC policy procedures and state law and (2) the firing or NlC President Rick MacLennan without cause. There is no b :storlcal record of preced .mt whore the NIC E,bard has ever gone for siJi; months In one year Jn Isolation of the pul 1lic 's I ~terest and Input prior to 202l. We wish to c.ear the record rega 'ding NTC's response to NWCCU when be college respons.i states that Dr. Rick MacLennan approved of no public comment for the September 2021 board meeting by citing two emails from Dr. MacLennan. On September 15, 2021 at 10:28 AM in an email to Shannon Goodrich. the board clerk and the president's ndministrahve assistant, and cc to the Boord. MacLennan wrote: "For what its worth. l think not allowing public comment is a nusta'ke-espectally given the present public interest In NIC:'

On March 24, 20'.lZ at 1:47 PM Or. MacLennan wrote to Or. Mike Sebaaly, NIC Interim President the following: "Unless contradlctory evidence can be produced to show I recommended that no public comment to be allowed at the reference meeting, I

horizon as pertains to financial gifts/donations and or student tuition/ fees with a declining student enrollment if NlC does not change course.

respectfully request an immediate correction to the public record on this matter."

SECOND: The NIC Board or Trustees several months ago contracted wlth the Pauly Group to assist In the national presidential search. We have It on good author\tY that Mr. Banducci has used stalling 1act:ics to slow the presidential search. II has been sL'< months since the firing of Dr. MacLennan. As we come close to the end of tbJs academic year. it will be more dlfficuh to recruit highly qualified candidates, as the mos, opportune months in this aelldemic cycle have passed

eTHIRD: It Is clear that Trust~-es Banducci and McKenzie have blocked an}' opportunity for the NIC Board of Trustees to discuss or respond to the NWCCU Review Panel Report We interpret this position as a lack of respect for the authority of the NWCCU and downplaying the stgnlflcance of the college's status regarding accreditation. Trustee Ken Howard put it best at thls week's board meeting when he called the mactton "shameM."

FOURTH: Although we do not attempt to dispute NIC's Onanclal present general financial status, the NIC response seemed to downplay the recent Moody S. Ratings, Moody's downgrading of NIC's credit. and plus the tremendous loss of millions of dollars in revenue for the NIC Foundation Furthermore, there are dark clouds on the

FIFI'H: When Chaj.r Banducci complained of the release of bis private email to the student discussing the deep state. the fact Js we were able to acquire the email via a public information request due to the student receiving the email on ltis NlC student email account

Finally, we are troubled that many pitfalls still exist Iha t can cause irrepanble damage to the integrity, core values and the accreditation standards for NlC. There are many warning signs in the present environment we have Jn our region. Once again Dr. Ramaswamy. we ex press our deep appreciation for the serious consideration NWCCU bas given our two complaints. It has been with a heavy heart that we have taken this course of action but we would be untrue to our mission of promoting human and civil rights and civil liberties by remaining silent to these serious violations at North Idaho College.

To view NlC's resPonse to the panel report: nlc.edu/modules/ images 'websites/ 46/ file/NWCC0/220401%20 N'IC' .,20Response' .,20 to%20Peer" ,20Panel%20 Report.pd(

To ~1ew the panel re»ort: nic.edu/modules/ images/webs1tes/16/ flle/NWCCU/ NIC',,20 Final •,,20Pan~l ,20 Report r,20With':020 Appendices•1 ,20and%20 Cover.pd(

To view the flnal letter of action: nic. edutmodules/lmages/ websltes/461file/ NWCCUrNJC 01.20 Action%20Lerter•·.,20 w•·,,20Warnlnll ',20 2022 ' 112004 1/1112001 °:.,20rcv

fromA1

Ceniral Committee were ' elected in November 2020 to serve as NlC trustees: McKenzie. Michael Barnes and incumbent Banducci.

Since then, Wood and Howard frequently clashed with the board's majority, led by Banducci.

In an open letter lo the North Idaho College community, Howard and Wood sald they believe they've done all they can to resolve the existing p1-oblems with board leadership. specifically Banducci.

Read the full letter at cdapress.com.

"We're at an lmpaSSe with the other trustees." Wood told 'J'he Press on Friday. "We're not able to get back 10 the mission This Is the only option."

That mission, she said, is to save NIC from the possibility of losing accreditation

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities - NJc·s accrediting organi1.atlon - sanctioned the college with a warning last week. citing persi~tent issues I s()eeifJ.CallY rela~ to the board of trusteeli.

'!'he NWCCU requires NlC to take appropriate action to ensure !is recommendation;, are resolved over the nei..i year. That includes addJng a fifth trustee to meet the minimum requirement of five trustees.

mc·s board has been deadlocked in 2-2 votes since January. when Barnes resigned from hiS Zone 5 seat Barnes stepped down amld concerns he bad established legal residency in South Dakota and was no longer ellgible to serve on the bOard. Unable to muster more ' than two votes for any of 10 trUStee candidates intl!l"V iewed at a special meeting Wednesday night. the board fail!!(! to select a fifth trustee to fill the Zone 5 vacancy Now the matter is in the hands of the State Board or Education. Idaho State Board of Education Executive Director Matt ~man said Friday that the board will soon release an announcement seeking applications from residents or each of the three trustees zones. The board will rep0rted!Y look to the process used 10 create the inaugural \)Ot1rd of trustees at tho College of Ea,,-tem Idaho in 2017

"We're not able to get back to the mission. This is the only option."

CHRISTIE WOOD, rb1li W'IO Colege

Woodsimllgin~de- -•

1· PllrtingfrornrheNorth 9'

it's hard to argue. As we stated Friday, the goal 'l'ruswe$. w

ror those wbo see this as a very temporary fix, IdahoColleseBoardof 1

of Banducci & Co. is to stall until the November w~ hns spcnt a - • g~neral el.ection. when they and their supporters /

to gam full ~ntrol of the.board. Perhaps that hendingelrortstoexctst; SHAWN \.II .... will happen, but ll1 the meantime, damage comes

anaggressivecnncer VESTA!. .__ to an ilmne<tiate halt. and actual progress looms ontheboard,ccmerec1 ''''"''" ' near if the state board fills the three vacancies arow1~ the misn111n"Bt!- SPOKESMAN

1 with qualified, conscientious citizens..

Those three can supplant Banducci as chair ofboard president Todd •

and immediately let in the fresh air of P.ublic Banducci. '(//

comment. They can rebuild the foundation of TheBarufoccierohas

shared governance, where all voices are heard put.thecoUego,·saccred. ---.

and l'espected· where the environment d.oesn't ,mt1o?.iin~ncesnndreput11t1on

! at •enous risk. Following "11

support mtumdahon and petty meddlmg . They investigncion Into• broad ra f ....,

can build a budget, hire a strong president

and ensure that steps outlined by the college's I

~is.<iononcolf~sondUruversi-

accrediting organization are followed rigoro usly ties recentlJ ploced NIC on proba-

Franklv there are some in the community wh~ ~~entirefyforprobfems ....

would like' to see NIC shift from a locally elected

board to state control, which would ease the low trust«> Ken Howard have".i;.

prope1iy tax burdens of Kootenai County citize ns tempted to <let as a counterweighL :

but also relinquish some power. That's likely too f 0 r:Jththcboarcl . • nowdead- ·

big a leap in th is state of emergency too radical a oc L.~2,andu1 th.twoofthose -•

• mem=- Bru,duCCJ ru,d yes-mnn _...

Howard but sa}ute the ~xtraordinary eff?ti fixrheproble,n(giwnthat.thcy • 1111'

they both pu t mto makmg NIC the best It could arc the probfem), w~ d,d t11e ,

be. Unlike their colleagues, Howard and Wood

epiton~ize the term "public servant," putting ,

duty first to the very last. ,,

·

move when smaller, strategtc steps will suffice GnogMcI<erudc-sendinJ:cfeor ..._ .__ l ; Meantime, lament the loss of Wood and signnlsthnrthcyarcunwilllngto

f

Rights fight goes on

Kootenai County task force presents nearly $34K in grants

By Bill BULEY Stall Writer

COEUR d'ALENE

The Coeur d'Alene 'l'rlbe is used to being the one helping oU!ers. Wednesday, tho tribe received SI0,000 from

of kJndness_ You know, we Jost that in our world today All we're saying 1s. treat people with respect:·

"Rrmember that we·re all related," he continued, "no matter what color you are.

Coe d'AI eu 11\JlFY/l'f

th ur ene Tribe Chairman Chief Allan thanks

tlte Kootenai Coumy Task Force on Human Relations, and Tribe Chairman Chief Allan was delighted to accept the funds for a three-year program so youths can study their homeland

In this day and agt> or what's going on In this world, it hurts us. it hurts our hearts. And we don·t have to be that way."

ii:titiative to support aghts , Tony Stewart. task force secretary, said they chose organizalions for Ute nr~t round of grunts that promote human rights. civil dialogue and the principles of democracy.

He said longtime benefactor and 1>hilanthropist Greg Carr's donations made the new fnitfatiVP possible. e Kootenai County Task Force on Human Reial' for a SI0,000 grant received Tuuday In the Ub,i:~ns

and history

"It's about kindness" he said "Just a little bit

The KCTFHJt presented $33,960 In grants to six groups during a presentation highUghting its new

"We recogruzt• the need for such support

See RIGHTS, A4

eShe quit. along with Hownnl.

They'll resign from the boord after the May 3 meeting. They nren't giving up, though. The resignations will leave !he board without n quorum. which clears the wnyfor the state Boru:d of Education to nnmc three new members - the hope being thot these three new members will comprise o. 11cw, competent, decent mnjority that can drive !he college out of the ditch.

·'Itwasoot lhewnyl wanted to go," snid Woods. "I am really attnched co the college and l care deeply for it. You don't wnnt tO go our that way."

In ordinnry timl'S, ohe might have hop<.>d for a departure like that of NlC trustee Judy Meyer, who served for 22 years. retired in 2011 and was namt-d the ftrst emerirus member of the bo:ird.

When she and Howard leove, they'll be tnking 30 years of combined board experience with thcm"l was snd, butl understood what had co be done; Woods said. "It's the only way right now. It's the onlywny."

The sacrifice they are making may save the school.

That's the hope of the rrumy people in the region who have been dismay,..! by the Banducci -reign - from the staff and fnculty at the school, to thll tribes ond chambers of coJlllllerce. to the many in the community who prize having a good college in town. and not some indocai· notion factory for the Kootenai County Republican Centrnl Committee.

Naturally, Banducci referred to the rcsigruitions in a public ,tarement as "undermining the mission or the college.•

Unlike most ofthe hyper-con· =tive ideologues who now dominate politics in Kootenai County, Woods has a long resume of public service in Coeur d'Alene. A political independent. she was city cop for 26 yea.rs, retiring as a sergeant in 201s. For many years, she was the public fnce of the department, as the public infonnn· tionof!icer.

She was on the school board for eight ye:irs, she's now serving on the City Council and the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations.

She was ekoeted co the NIC board in 2004, and was board chair when Banducci joined in 2012. It imn,edlately became clear, she said, that his personal style nnd behnvior were a problem - he was gruff ond confrontational,

poir>tedlyide<'l~-' .: .,.:~~ about hown1uch direct concrol he could exert over college opera· tions.

•·1 was stunned at how he behaved townrd me," Woods said, reforringtoan incident from 2012 that wns a harbinger of things 10 come. ''When he stood up and pointed his finger at me ond said he ought to take me outside and kick my ass- I was stunned because we were having a simple policy disc\assion:" A bully, in other words.

Dmwing on a con1parison from "Back to the FUture; Woods $aid. "He's Biff. most of the time. He's Bill', with a partisan bent."

She snid he begru, to recruit fellow travelers from within the KCRCC - which Veer$ so hard to !he right that it spins in circlesand put up a slate of them in the 2020 election. She re<:nlls him twlingher before the election, 'You know, if my two guys get elected. )'OU're going to sec some changes. •• You'll see. You'll see what i-ou'l\ have IO deal with.' Well, he wasn't kidding." The negative consequences wrought by tliat new majority have been extensively docu· mes1ted. in complaints from four regionnl human-rights organizations. news cove111gll. and the accreditation reports themselves.

eThey 6red the popular president. nnd C()5t the college a hnl£-mi!lion in a settlement of the sub.wquent lawsuit. They cleva!\.-d the unqualified wrestling coach to the interim presidency in a sham hiring process. Along the way, Bnndu~has Bi.Ired it up ouu-ng,.-ously He crlt· .~ized the fonner president's wife for supposedly supporting Hllh>ry Clinton, confronted an employee about n pollticnl donntlon, l,'01 involved in a petty issue in,'OMng a student who felt he wns suffering from bias ngairu,'t con.<CtY11tivllS because he receivt.od an A-minus. complained that a student had omitted •under Cod" from the pledge ofall,ogianc,, •. ln nddition, he settled • com· plaint of physicnl assault against a stnff member. (Woods cannot discuss !he details of the incident, but was unequivocal that "it wns absolutely u physical ussault")

The NWCCU ha$ been clear that the thmt to NIC COmt'< from the board itself - Banducci nnd McKenzie - and it prnjsed sQ/1', faculty nnd admini<trnlots at the school. A:!, the choru.s of concems about the board's mism•llll&"ment has grown thunden>U5. aru,Jucd has resisted call, to ,...;gn.

Now the state Board o£Educa· tion needs to protect NIC from i1" tulllflnntof n bo.-ud, at leMI unill an el<'<.-tlon this fall.

Itw1!$11't how woc,d.swnnted it co end. but she saw it as the only choice.

"It's not obout me or wheth· er I'm on evil liberal:' she said ''We're trying to save the college."

Shawn Vestal can 1"' r<'<l.rhd at (509) 459·5431 or at shawm•@ spoktsman.com.

~~'r:'smi:lty Room. Task Force Secretary Tony Stewart

RIGHTS

from A1

of these groups in a time when we see growing divisive angry words and deeds in our country," Stewart said.

He said the task force is seeing "aggressive attacks" on democratic concepts, such as social justice and diversity.

Stewart said people must stand up against racism and make it clear they will not be silenced.

He questioned what would have happened some 40 years ago when the Aryan Nations settled in at Hayden . Lake. It took decades, but the white supremacist group was finally driven out.

"We're all the same. We're human beings . And we should be treating one another with dignity," Stewart said.

Funds also went to:

Gonzaga University Center for Hate Studies, $7,960; Montana Human Rights Network, Spokane County Human Rights Task Force, Bonner County Human Right Task Force and Boundary County Human Right Task Force, $4,000 each.

Funds will support different areas including

research, web&ites, advertisements, community r:1PGtings and yard sign ~!, all with a goal to J,,romote human rights and "revitalize support for local democratic principles "

Linda Navarre co-president of the Bonner County task force, praised the KCTFHR for giving them the strength to

stand aga i nst Nazis.

"You h a ve been an amazing example to us," 'she said.

"These grants that you're offering to us will extend the level of human rights activity in our r egion for ye:> :-s to come ," Navarre dd. "And once again , we are very indeb t ed to you."

Christie Wood, task force president, thanked the groups for their creativ ity and de dication

"We' re going to watch and monitor s ome of your proj e cts , and then maybe w,: .1 copy you," she said . ' It would be a great tJ- ; ,ig for Kootenai Countf ."

A ~l clil said the groups ar,:; do ing important ,;,rork.

"As a tribe, and as well as people of color, we can be the strongest advocates out there," he said. ''We all need to be the advocates. If we want change, we've got to be that change to see that happen."

Photo / BILL BULEY/Pre ss

Tony Stewart, secretary with the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relationships , outlines new initiative providing grants to other rights organizations at the Library Community Room on Tuesday, as t; s k f orce President Christie Wood listens.

Linda Navarre, co-president of the Bonner Court• Human Rights Task Force, and board member ,1,a, on McCahon accept a $4,000 grant on Tuesday, \\h i•~ Tony Stewart, secretary with the Kootenai Cour \• 1 ! Sk Force on Human Relations, looks on.

NIC 'leaders'

Either they don ' t get it or they just don't care. The not-so-discreet order to keep North Idaho College staff and faculty spokespeople

silent during Wednesday's board meeting speaks volumes about the ignora~ce or belligerence of

those in power. Acting President Mike Sebaaly issued the gag order, but it takes very little imagination to connect his command to Todd Banducci, NIC board chair and puppet master.

Banducci apparently has heard enough criticism,

so turning off that tap is his proposed solution.

Here's the problem. North Idaho College's welldocumented accreditation peril exists in large part because under Banducci's alleged leadership, .

freedom of expression on campus has been curtailed. The accrediting agency has specifically

warned that the environment must improve for stakeholders to freely exchange ideas and do their jobs without fear of reprisal over ideol ugical differences with top administrators or trustees .

Yet now, with every board move under intense scrutiny, freedom of expression gets the guillotine

on the college's largest public stage. Did Sebaaly

and Banducci think nobody was looking? Or Jid

that simply not matter?

As evidence mounts that massive change is

needed at the top, Banducci and his lieutenant

on the board, Greg McKenzie, seem hellbent on

adding to that pile. Case in point: Their failed

lawsuit against the State Board of Education,

which is poised to fill the majority of seats on the

board of trustees, according to Idaho law.

If you 're the college's accrediting agency

and you're looking for proof that Banducci and

McKenzie are heeding their many warnings or

risk untold damage to the institution, how do you

interpret their suing the state body charged with

oversight of public education in Idaho? Probably

with a whole new level of alarm .

n the aays aneact, several things need lo happen.

The . State Board of Education should appoint

thi·ee trUStees - the new board majority - with

proven track records of community service and

leadership. The trustees must soon select a college

president. perhaps the most important action a

board can take.

The new majority should immediately replace

Sebaaly, the college's wrestling coach before

Banducci, McKenzie and former trustee Michael

Barnes gave him the promotion of his life. Until

the permanent president is set~cted and seated,

several outstanding and experienced college

administrators are available and willing to serve.

Banducci should immediately be replaced as

trustee chair by one of the new appointees.

Banducci should remain as a member of the

27-person presidential search committee, but not

as a co-chair. In fairness, co -chair Ken Howard

should also be relegated to a non-leadership

position and one new chair should be chosen.

These are critical steps to help get NIC back

on track. 'rhe farther away from the nuke button

Banducci can be placed, the better the chances I

that our beloved community college can once

again

_..

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....

NIC gets newtrustees

Current trustees reject legitimacy of state board appointments

By KAYE THORNBRUGH Sta1tw111er

COEUR d'ALENE Aller

a s11ate of resignations and an unsuccessful lawsuit that sought to block the appointmeni of new members, the North Idaho College board of trust,'<ls Is back In business.

The State Soard or Education voted unanimously on Friday to appoint David Wold, John Goedde and Pete Broschet

10 the N!C boa1·d. effoct1ve Immediately

Th~ new truswes will serve Uirough the November election and the end or the year.

The now,f\mctiontng board is likely to appoint a permanent president for the college - one of the actions recommended by the Northwest Coaunh,slon on Colleges and Universities NIC's accrediting organization.

The NWCCU sanctioned NIC with a waming In A11rll, citing

n~xt month

N!C's board was deadlockMI in 2·2 votes after Michael Bnrnrs resigned in January, amid questions about his residency The tour remolning trustees were unable lo agree on a candidate 10 replace him North Idaho College persistent is,iues specifically related to the board of trustees.

The departure oflonl!lime Irustees Chr1s1te Wood and Ken Howard lasl week left the board

not have the right 10 deny another group or disrupt what they are doing." he s rt said. t ewa

A woman with Panhandle Patriots. who declined lo give her last name and said she goes by "Bear." told The Press in a phone lntcrvl~w

Tuesday that the man in the video gave out Incorrect informahon

She said he Is a club member, but not their spokesperson. She said the club isn't planning to confront anyone during "Gun d'Alene" at Coeur

d'Alene Clly Park

"We are wanting this lo be an extremely peaceful event." she said.

The mon ll\ tho TlkTok video was speaking April 28 at an event hosted by Rep. Heather Scott, District 1, Seat A at Regeneration Calvary Church In Sandpoint.

"r wanted to bring us together because I am gravely concerned about the Inappropriate materials in our public schools, school libraries Md our libraries," Scott said, in a video recording of the meet mg. Scott, contacted Tuesday via phone by The Press, declined 10 comment.

Pride in the Park is North Idaho Pride Alliance's annual even1 to celebrate Pride Month. It's scheduled 10 a.m to 3 p.m. June 11 at the Cily Pat'k and bandshell It is described as a free, family-friendly community Pvent "Celebrating diversil)I and building a stronger and more urufied commun ity for ALL."

Organizers expect more than 1.000 people to attend. There will be food, entertainmem, an activity area and crafts.

North Idaho Pride AUiance. according lo its web$ite, is a voluatl.'er·run nonprofit organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual. transgender. queer/

questioning, lnter.;ex, and asexual people, community groups and allies "working together to create a more inclusive North Idaho."

A Coeur d'Alene police officer satd Tuesday 1hat Pride In 1he Park is set for June 11. He said he had heard a second event is also going on at City Park that day, but could not comment on what it i& as he needed mor e lnfonnatlon

Bear said Panhandle Patriots reserved the Clty Park pavm,m for Gun d'Alene before Pride tn the Park was scheduled. She said club representatives plan to moot with police and

sherlifs officials to discuss it further.

Bear said the club is planning to put out another video to "cluar alllhis up."

She said the name of their event is "Gun d'Alene: Protect our Chlldn,n." ll will stal'l nt noon with a gatJiering near the Coeur d'Alene Public t..ibrary for a man:h through downtown. followed b)' a 3 p.m. gathering at the City Park Pl,IVlhon, with speakers and informational packets. A promotional nyer for the event uses a quote from Maj. John Pttcatrn: " If the, want to have a war. let ii beiiin here."

during Friday's meeting House-passed

that the state stepped in legislation that would've

only because Idaho law changed the statute died

from A1 required it to. .in a Senate committee in

"The right place for March.

unable to funct ion decision,; to be made 1s· HB 783 would have

without a quorum, with closest to the" institution allowed the State Board

only Todt! Banducci and or the district," he said. to fill only enough

Greg McKenzie still in "We're firm believers in vacancies to r<>Store a

office. local control. We hold majority in NIC's !

Banducci dirl not that in high regard." case, just one

respond to a request This appears to be The blll would also I

for commenL ln a May the first time th.e State have restricted voters in

1. Post on Facebook, he BoaJ"d has had lo fill the districts with more than

called tbe candidates ranks of a college l)<)ard, 2Sll,OOO residents to only "illegitimate" Liebich said voting on the trustee

McKenz i e said Friday Last week. a judge from their geographic

he believes the State rejected an attempt by zone. i

Board's appointments McKenzie and Banducci NIC's new trustees

are part of a to bloek tbe State Board were selected fi-01n

"disturbing from appointing more among 37 candidates

Wold is a retired

Idaho Gov They dropped the ophthalmologist who

Brad Little lawsuli after First has served on tbe I

to ··squ ash 9 11!1 ' District Judge Cyntbla North Idaho CoUege I ~o

local control_ Meyer denied their Foundation Board for 15 '

all power to restraining order against Goedde served for

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Boise." the State Board. a decade as the Senate

anti- Jaw empowers the State chairman. He's a former

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i=ow~==- esat democratic move may Board to fill au vacancies NJC foundation Board

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s~.,,i~~~ .. gg~ s~~i,~ ,-+ State Board President ,itatutory language," she will be on the ballot in I

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Extremist Randy Weaver dies at age 74

ldahu man's sbmd off with fe deral age nts that left famil y memb ers dead was ·wake-up call to nation'

By Colln Titman TIU: Sl'Cl'USMAlHtt. ru:W

Randy Weaver, the white supremacist who became o hc,-o of tho modem militia movement after an 11-day sblndoff with federal ogenrs at Ruby Ridge, hns died. The 74-ycar-old died WednesJa)', according to a Facebook pos1 from Weaver's daughter, Sara Wt'i1Vct.

S·tt1 Wt'!I\O er, who lives in Marion, Montuut, didn't •hnrc details obour her futhor's dcarh nnJ cou ldn't be reached for comment The Flathead County Sheriff's Office, which doubles as the coroner·~ office, srud it hod no infonnotion

on Wenv-rr. Logan Health Med ica.l Cenu,,, the region s ltlrge.~ hos-pitnl, did not llllSwer questions about whether he wos a patient.

Weovcr. nn Iowan who movetl to North ldnho with his fnm[ly 111 the 1980s, became a hou.<eliold nnruc in August 1992. U.S. marshal$ ortcmpred to Sei, WEAVER, 8

HORE OH R4HOY WEAVER

LOOKING BACK AT RUBY RIDGE STANDOFF IN BOUNDARY COUNTY

Nearly 30 years ago, U.S. Marshals and FBI agents lmpc,sed an 11-day sleg.> at the mountain l10me of the Weaver lamily, S·R reooners. authors IOOk back at the tense confllcl. HEWS, a,.9

Tribute to Mike and Sholeh Patrick

OPINION

It is with us. the Kootenai County banquet wbUe Mike to work at newspapers pinnacle of Integrity with great Civil and h uman Task Force on Human assigns rePOrters to cover and TV networks across It was no surprise in gratitude rights, diversity, Relations. those major events. America ln wme 2021 for us to witness the and inclusion, and social Mike and Sholeh The late Catholic priest cases. those journalist,:, Induction or Sholeh and enthuRlasm justice have n o greater 1n their varying and human ri!Ults activist have been recogniwd Mike into the Idaho Hall that the friends than M ike and Job assignments as Father Bill Wassmuth (or their Investigative of Fame. Kootenai Sholoh. During the columnists, editorial once told Tony Stewart reports n>ve.1Ung abusive Finally. we wtll Ile County more than ll years of writers. reporters and that It was the media that bcha,..lo r in both the eternally grate!'ul to this Task force our Kootenai Counti• prominent journalists had given us an open public and prlvnte remark11ble cou ple for on Human Task Force on Human have always been willing window to the world to sectors what they have done for Relations Relations' efforts to to publish our human share our message of civil Mike nnd Sholeh all society and especially Board of advance human r ights, rights organization's and human rights. No are highly J'e$pected the support they have Directors we have had no greater guest opinions. cove r our Journalists have opened and admired by our given to the work of pens this friends or supporters press conferences, sh.are that window wider or KCTFHR board for their the Kootenai County guest than the Patrlcks. our announooments more often than Mike and commitment to the First Task Force on Human opinion in This remarkable couple of major events and Sholeh. Amendment, bedrock Relations. honor or day after day. week afier publicize our calls to It Is lmpo1iant to note support of democracy as Godspeed to you, our Tony our dear week. month after month the citizenry for action that among many of enshrined in the United friends, on this next Stewart friends Mlke and year after year have in support of civil and Mike's accom1>llshments States Constitution, and stage of your Iife and and Sholeh stood up for what ls good, human rlghls as well and part of his legacy especially their supp011

Christle Patrick as honorable, right, Just, as our supPQrt for has been his decades- for those lndlvlduals Tony SteUXlrt is Wood they take fair and yes. advocating victims of hate crimes long men toring of young without e i ther political seffelOI)' and Christle thei r next for every lndJvidual's or d!scrilll ination cases. aspiring Jouma!Jsrs, power or equal voice,, Wood 1s presidtnt of My Turn journey in constitutional rights They have often Joined us turning I.hem Into weu. compared to the powerful the Kootenai C-Ounty life to the to O:eedom. equallty al many nf thP functi ons seasoned professional forces m society. This Task Force 011 Humon great statu and JustJ.Ce undet lhe \\t! Spt)U.Sut :,u1..l1 Q.O u,c- Jvumnusts. Some or those co urage in the face Relot/ons board of of Florida niter decades law that Is the creed of annual human rlfthts individuals have gone on of harsh critics Is the dlrectcrs.

Metl#oro/ogist Randy M,inn

Human rights groups call for action to address domestic terrorism

We call for unmediate action by the federal government and the states for passage of strong domestic terrorist control acts to combat the epidemic of mass shootings In t he Uruted States taking the lives and injuring so many innocent individuals

The recent mass killing of 10 and Jnjuring three Americans in Buffalo.

N.Y .. is only one of a long list of horrible hate crimes affiicting our country.

A report by the Gun Violence Archive (GVA), a n independent research group, with data collection from 7,500 law enforcement, media, government and commercial sources. should cause all Americans to demand swift action.

The GV A reports ~how that from 20H through 2021 there were 3,389 mass shootings in America defined as shootings with four or more shot or killed not including the shooter.

1n addffion to the very publici2ed Buffalo shooting: the Parkland School shooting; the Pulse nightcl ub, Orlando shooting; the Atlanta shooting: the Sandy Hook Elementary School sbooting; the Black church in Charleston, S.C the shooting at the El Paso Walmart in Texas; at the Pittsburgh synagogue; and the Columbine. Colo .. shooting; there have been thousands of other mass shootings over the past several years Jn America causing deaths and serious injuries.

The recent esca l ating and alarming mass shootings from April 1 through May JS or thJs year Include 93 deaths and 407 injuries according to GV A

Data from GVA number of mass shootings per year with at least lour people shot or killec! net Including Ifie shooter.

Year Number

2014 269

2015 335

2016 382

2017 346

2018 336

2019 417

2020 611

2021 693

TOTAL Number of ~~ngs: 3,389

reports , We applaud the past actions of the federal government's enactment Of laws from 1968 to 2022 to protect Individuals and groups from ,, tolence based on race , religion. ethnicity. nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender Identity, disability, American / Pacific Islanders and the Emmett Till Antilynch.ing Federal Act of 2022

On June 21. 2021, the National Security Council published the National Security Countering Domestic Terrorism Plan to focus attention on threats from violent extremJsts, white nationalism, whlie supremacists and antigovernment activists. ~

However. there are glaring gaps in addressing domestic terrorism in both federal and stale law

We urge the passage of lhe 2021 proposed United States Domestic Terrorlsm Prevention Act that would prov Ide and extend efforts or government to prevent, report on. respond to and investigate acts of domestic terrorism by authorizing offices dedicated to combating this threat: requiring these offices to regularly assess tbis threat: and provide trainirtg and resources including funds, to assist :;late, local and tribal law enforcement In addressing the threats.

The act would charge the U.S . Department or Homeland Securit)', the U.S. Department or Justice and the FBI to implement the law. We also urge states to 11nact domestic terrorist control acts. Unfortunately. one of the greatest threats to public safety !\Dd national security comes from within our countr)'

It is inconceivable that we continue to fail to take action that could save II ves and protect our communities from these terrorists.

We also recognize and support those states that have enacted domestic terrorist control acts such as Idaho (1987) In the state of Washington, progress Is being made with Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson's Hate Crimes Advisory Working Group. Vanessa Waldrer. U.S. Attorney for Eastern Washington. has created an outreach program to address and report hate crlmes and hate incidents.

This Is truly an urgent national security issue.

We respond quickly to international terrorist threats and we should do the same for threats of domestic terrorism

Kootena, County Task Force on Human Relations Bonner County Human Rights Task Force Spokane County Human Rights Task Force Boundary County Human Rights Task Force Lance Kissler, Chair of the Spokane Human Rights Commission

Human rights groups

call for action to address

domestic terrorism

l~i

are glaring gaps In addressing domestic terrorism In both Federal '

and state law

We urge the passage " or the 2021 proposed

United States Domestic Te1TOrlsm Prevention

Act that would provide

I and extend efforts of

The recent esca1a' ing C g0vemment to prevent. action by the federal 'I ::s report on. respond to government and the and alannlng mass a. I and investigate acts states for passage of shootings from April 1 I of domestic terrorism strong domestic terrorist through May 15 of this

We call for immediate

by authorli\ng olfu:es control acts to combat year include 93 deaths dedicated to combating the epidemic of mass and 4!:r7 utjuries according 1 th.is threat: requiring shootings in the United I to GVA reports. I ft these offices to regularly States taktng the lives We applaud the 0 assess this threat; and More I nfo and Injuring so many past actions of the C provide training and Data from GVA "umber innocent Ind ! viduals. federal government's ::s resources including funds. of mass shootings per year

The recent mass enactment of laws from

to assist state, local and with al least four people killing of 10 and lrtjuring 1968 to 2022 to protect trlbal law enforoement In shot or ki ll ed not Including three Americans In Individuals and groups address.ing the threats. the shooter. Buffalo, New York Is from violence based on The act would charge only one of a long list race, religion, ethnklty, the U.S. Department Year N umbe r of horrible bate crimes nationality, gender. of Homeland Security.

2014 269 affiicting our country. j sexual orientation. the U.S. Department of 2015 335

A report by the gender Identity. Jw;tice and the FBI 10

2016 382 Gun Violence Archive disability, American/ Jmplement the law.

We also urge states to 2018 336 research group, with Emmett TUI Antilynching enact domestic terrorist 2019 417 data collection from Federal Act of 2022. control acts . 2020611 7,500 law enforcement, I On June 21, 2021 ,

2017 346 (GVA). an independent Pacific Islanders, and the

Unfortunately. one 2021 693 media, government and the National Security I of lhe greatest threats

TOTAL Numberol commercial sources, Council pubIished ! to public safetY and I Shootings: 3,389 should cause all I the National Security national security comes Americans 10 demand Countering Domestic trom within our country swift action. Terrorism Plan to focus

It Is inconceivable that

attention on threat~ we continue to fail to that from 2014 through from violent extremists, take actlon that could 2021 there were 3 889 mass white nationa!Jsm, white save lives and protect shootings In America supremacists and anti· our communities trom defined as shootings with government activists. m these terrorists. four or more shot or We also recognize and 0

The GVA reports show

This is truly an urgent :, killed not inclu ding the 1 suppart those states that :, notional security Issue .. shooter In addition to the have enacted domestic ii We respond quickly to very publicized Sulfa.lo terrorist control acts ..., international terrorist shooting; the Parkland such as Idaho (1987). .. threats and we should do School shooting the In the state of the same for threats of Pulse nightclub, Orlando 1 Washington, progress :i: domestic terrorism. .. shooting; the Atlanta Is being made with ii Kootenai County shooting; the Sandy , Washington State ii Task Forre on Human Hook Elementary School I Attorney General Bob I Relations shooting; lhe Black Ferguson's Hate Crimes

Bonner County Human church ln Charleston. Advisory Working Gro up. L__1 Rights Task Force SouUt Carolina; the Vanessa Waldref, U.S. Spokane Count>' shooting at the El Paso Attorney for Eastern Human Rights Task Walmart In Texas; at the Washington, has created Force Pittsburgh synagogue; an outreach program to Bouru/QJ'}• County and the Columbine, 11 address and report hate Human Rights Tosk Colorado shooting; Utere 1 crimes and hate Incidents. Fore£ have been thousands of

Lanu Kissler, Chair other mas.~ shootings over of rhe Spokane H11man the past several years in Rights Commlss/011 · America causing deaths and serious ixliurles.

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

CdA residents voice disgust, questions

Locals condenm whi tc nationalists' actions as potenti al riot adds another stain to North Idaho's racist history

'

By Garrett cabe:za THESPOKFSMAN·Rf.VII\\

A whit• hate group desc.,nded Satunfay upon downtown Coeur d;\fene, leaving area o.>sldenl$ with di,gwt and questions, nnd ad.ting another stnin to an ma with deep ties torncism.

Will Parker, • 3,-ye~r-<>ld Coeur d'Alene n.•,;ident, said he was not surprised when he leomcd JI membcn of Pntriot Front were arrested S.1turdny on suspicion of eon;,piring to

riol He Sll.id many people ,re coming &om outside the area and u.<!ng Nord1 Idaho's white •upremnei~ hi~ory as a plo,fonn.

The 31 people from the white nationalist group nl't/ &o,n nil over the country, including Michigan. Texas, Alaboma, Colorado. Idaho. Wyoming. Utoh, South D11kotn, Woshington. Oregon. Tllinois and Arknnsas. "That"s ldnd of typical here," Pnrker snid. ".Even back when the Aryan Notions were here.

it wnsn't locnls doing that stuff - 1 don'tthil1k thntn lotofh.ate 110mes &om locals."

Tony Stewart. n founding member ond currem secretary of the Kootenai County Tusk Fore,.• on Human Relation.', soid Richard Buder, founder of the Aryan Ntl.tions, figured evcryon• would support his neo-NIIZi group - given the mo&ly white communities when he came to North Idaho in 1973. But that didn't happen.

See COEUR O'AlENE, 8

Names of Patriot Front members arrested in Saturday bust released

By Qulnn Welsch THESP0KESM.-\N·M£Y(£'('t

All 31 members of a white notionolist group orccsted on suspicion o(conspiring to riot in CO.ur d'Alene durlng a Pride evt!llt had bonJL'1 out of the Kootenoi County Jail as of Sunday ofternoon.

,he Kootenai County Sheriff's Office relea.,ed the narnel' and photos of all suspects on Sunday. o day after the Coeur d'Alene police chief soid the Pntriot Front mem·

bers were en route to the Pride in the Park c,-cnt with riot gear, a smoke grcnode ond poperwork police say resembled ru, opernrions plon.

PntriQt front is a white nationalist group with branch,>s across the country that special• izes in vandalism. racist propaa ganda and •flash demonstration....meant to intimidue minorities. according to n report from the ~ NAMES,8

COLIN MULVAfllY/THlt !-POKE.\ttL\.N•D.KVlfW

A group of 31 men with the white supremacy group Pa•· _..., : ,,n me back of a U•Haul rental truck and arrested after a traffic stop by multiple law enforcement agencies on Northwest Boulevard In Coeur d'Alene.

COEUR D'ALENE

Continued lrom I

'·ttc totally foiled to T<'l:ruit local people;· Stewmsaid.

Still, Parker saicl he muved from New York City to Cocurdt\lcnc 6vcvears ago IO start a tech company and bm,g jobs to :iw rcgio,, But now, h• and hi, wifu d or. r f..,I sol\,in Ihcl'Onlmunityand ur<>lea,ingtown attheend of th~) ear.

Snnirday's am.<ts and open ®lJ of guns. which is legal, by .som, individuals downtown Sntunlny made P-.irkcr think moving out of the stnrc ,, not cnou!(h and that Jl<,rhaps he .uid his tnmlly will leave tlw country.

Parker nttended Pride in the Pnrk, an LCB1'Q celebration, S:itunlny nt City Park.

Several countcrprot<!:Slet< sbow,-J up at the park und others morch,-J tluuugh downtown. The Pntriot front members wcr,, arrested on Norrhwe$! Boulcvn.rd near Paul Bunyan nftcr • tip,,crn.'J'Qned "a little onny• of men iumping into a U·Hnul truck with riot 1,'t'ar. Police helicve the group's pion was to riot downtown.

Parker said he left the Pride event. which wns just a shorr waJk down tlw street from the U-Haul truck traffic sro:,p nnd subsequent arrest,, !O minutes before the arrests.

Pat Milliiran. o Mnrine I et~r.1n and Hayden Lnlce resident. :1sked why Patriot Front m1,.amN:·n.. who wen.· noc: from tht.l

nren. crune to Coeur dt\.lene.

"Wh) ore they doing that7 What's the end game?" said Millig:m, adding- they should ttv< huve conspired to rioL Mary Antlerson,a PostFalls mident said she r~t<,d die group's rights to express their opinion but questioned the :mru1ner in which they did it, like riding in the back of a U-Hnul truck lllld wearing masks that could make them look suspicious.

"I think there's different way,1yau can go about ir." she said.

Stewartsaid Saturday's arrests fueled the nation's stigma of North !daho, which is one ofrncism.

"Anything that happens here, it g<>es out around the country as kind of the unpres.

<ion of, 'Yeah, that's whathappeo.s in North Idaho,• • Stewnrt said.

Stewart crcdited the concerned citizen who cn!Jed in the suspicious members of the IJ-Haul tnack, the three la" enforcement a1,-encfos that responded and the }(oo. tenai County Prosecutor's Office which will prosc:cute the coses ngaiost the 31 charged.

"If you're going to eng11ge in hllte crimes of any fonn, don't come here because you "'ill g,,t arre,;ted Md You wiU be prosecut- ed," Stewart said

Other leaders also chinied in on Sarurdtry'sarre,;rs.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little wrote o, 1\vitter that "intimidation, scare tactics, and violence have no place in our grt'at state.~

''All Americans should be able to peace-

fully expr <s their constitutionnlly guaran. teed right to free speech without the thre:it of violcnc,i,." Llttlo wrote. ••rt is whnt lu.~ always set America nptut from other nations.''

H• 1tlso commended lnw enforcement for '·theirswift action• Saturday.

"Their diligl!nce und quick response helped avoid a potentially terrible situation; Little wrote.

Sarnh Ellis, president and CEO of the Gay Md Lesbian Alliance Against Oefruna. tlon. wrote on Twitter th11t laWlJlJlkers und governors, like Floridn Gov. Ron OeS•ntis nnd Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, nnd "their co-cons')lirntors ot Fox News• must recog. nize "their anti-LGBTQ rhetoric" and "an· ti-LGBTQ bills" introduced this year are responsible for this "dang,!rous climate.•

She wrote that socinl media platfonns must also take responsibility and stop fu. ellog the hate. and misinforlt14tion thnt inspire white nationalist groups like Prmiot Front.

"Today as we mark the si.-.tl1 remcmbmnce or the 49 beautiful and innoecnt lives lost at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, we have to stop the sh11meful nnti-LGBTQ laws, misinfonnarion. and rhetoric that make America unsafe for LGBTQ and other ma,ginalizcd communities," Ellis wrore. "Corporations, media, politicions, have to act now, not send thoughtll nnd prayers in the future."

ARRESTS

dogged dedication and your continu ed Integrity when protecting the safety of our community.

Idaho is too great for bate; kindness and acceptance will con tinu e as pinnacle principles ln Coeur d'Alene White said it was a team effo11, and that be remai.ns extremely prou d of his department.

The police chief also commended the citizen who tipped police off to the potential threat headed for the city's downtown area in a U-Haul truck.

The arrests were made not far from City Park, where the North Idaho Pride Alliance's Pride in the Park event was taking place.

"We have no doubt that bad that U-Haul made it to City Park that it would not have been peacefill," White saJd. "That was clear in their operation Plans Md their gear "

The men who were arrested were reported by police to have shields, shin guards and at least one smoke grenade. They are each racing a charge of conspiracy to ri.ot, a misdemeanor.

The Kootenal County Sheriff's Office released the identities Sunday of those arrested and booked into the jail. They

have since all bonded ou t In the park Saturday, White said, with views that differ from that of the LGBTQ community; people who disagree with

White said the c imen who called in the tip, wh ose name has not been released, did the proper thing by reporting it to the police and then allowing local Jaw enforcement personnel to do their jobs.

Things could have gone much differently, be said, had that citizen done what many people do these clays - record an incident on a cell phone and share i t on social media ln search of momentary Internet fame.

"That's not what this is about It's about community safety," White said.

And the police chJef acknowledged not even,one is happy about the arrests.

Be said the ])O!lce department's tipllne has "blown up" With people voicing support.

"Conversely, we' re also bearing from a lot of people who are mad at us for arresting a bate group who wanted to riot," White said.

He said two other arrests were made Saturday. Both people came from Portland.

"They may have been loosely associated with antifa, but that group was not problematic for us at all" White said.

He's ha_ppy, he said, that Pride in the Park took place .largely without issues.

There were protesters

each other did Interact, but most were respectful of each other.

Christle Wood, a retired Coeur d'Alen e police sergeant, c ity councilwoman and president of the Kootenai ColUlty Task Force on Human Relations, said local law enforcement agencies are well-trained in monitoring large-scale events. siooe this is a resort town.

She said Chief White pu1s a great deal of effort .into planning, which adds to his department's effectiveness

Both she and Tony Stewart, a founding member of the hwnan relations task force. praised the message of zero tolerance sent by Saturday's arrests.

The task force was formed in Coeur d'Alene in 1.981 after the nowdeceased Aryan Nations leader Richard Butler and his group settled in the region and community members - a Jewish restaurant owner in Hayden and a biracial fam lly in Coeur d'Alene -were victimlzed

"I hope the message going out today is, 'If you're going to commlt a crime as a bate group, don't come here. You're not going to find a receptive audJence here,"' Stewart said.

Thursday June 23, 2022

47°

NIC

from A1

Swayne s.'lld he's excited about the opportunity.

"During my recent v Isl! to North Idaho College, I met several dedicated. honorable people In college lcadersh ip and on the faculty and staff. as well as students," he said in a news rel-. "There are so many good things going on at the college and I'm looking forward to making sure the community knows that."

Trustees Todd Banducci and Greg McKenzie voted against offering U1e job 10 Swayne

The pair walked out of

Swayne's interview last week, though McK~nzle later returned Banducci said Wt'<ine.sday he was frustrated with the p1-esidentlal search process and believes ii has been nlShed and "bastardized " "l have incredible contempt for this process," he said.

Banducci did not attend two of the candidate Interviews rlue to conJJlcting Air force Reserves obligations and refused to Onish a thinl interview McKenzie expressed concerns that tntstees could not share confidential personnel information related to the search during the public meeting. Trustees ought to

discuss choosing a president In executive session. he said an action that requires fow· votes.

Prior to t.he meellng. McKenzie and Banducci voted against entering exc<:utlve session. That forced trustees to discuss the matter in public , During hiS Interview. Swayne emphasl7.ed the need to rociu; on student recruitment and retention.

Wold said he was unpressed by the priorities Swayne outlined during h!S interview: students, faculty, staff, community.

'"l'he man has the right priorities for this college." Wold said.

Swayne's start date has not yet been determined

NIC trustees choose new president

Vote 3-2 to offer the position to Dr. Nick Swayne

By KAYE THORNBRUGH

St11f!Wrlter

COEUR d'ALENE Alier a national search, the North Idaho College bo:u·d ol trustoc>s have selected the institution's 11th president. Trustees voted 3·2 on Wednesday to offer the pos111on to Dr Nick Swayne and

begin contract negottallons

"North Idaho Coll eRe plays a critical role In this community, nnd Dr. Swayne has the background and leadership Swayne skills needed 10 m~ ke sure NIC d~livers for its

students," Board Chair David Wold said in a news release.

Swayne comes to North Idaho after ~ervlng as the exl'Cutlvc di.rector of 4-Vlri;inia, a collaborative partnership between eight universities in the state of Vrrginla He is also the founder of a comprehensive academic innovation ecosystem at James

Madison University, lfe earned his bachelot's degree from the Unlverslty of Idaho, a master's In public administration from Northeastern University and a doctorote in postseeondary ~trateglc leadership l'tom James Madh;on University.

See NIC,A4

O~inion

Editorial NIC trustees pick best ,of good bunCh

He's an Idahoan headed home.

He served his country in the U.S. Army. He worked his way up the academic ladder to Ph.D. Similarly, he advanced in his career to become executive director of an organization that managed a partnership between eight universities in Virginia. Can you imagine the wealth of best (and worst) higher ed practices he's learned from in that time?

Nick Swayne sounds like a private eye, but he's the freshly named president of North Idaho College. Though all the finalists appeared qualified, a little investigation suggests the college's trustees have chosen wisely.

From Devin Weeks' reporting of Swayne's earlier interview with trustees:

... Wold asked Swayne his Ideas for retaining staff and faculty at NIC.

Swayne said, people don·, leave because of money, primarily - they leave because they don't like working there anymore. Be said staff and faculty need to be supported, and their stories and successes need to be shared.

"That goes a long way," Swayne said. "When 's the last time you saw the board talking about the successes of the faculty. staff and students at North Idaho College?''

He said he watched the NJC board meeting that took place the day of graduation.

"The whole board meeting ended, and the acting president said, 'Wait a minute, we had graduation today,'" he said. "That, to me, is telling that students and faculty and staff are not first on the agenda. To me, that should have been the opening report: Here's what we did today at gradUJJtion. Telling that good story , Alld when asked a loaded question about "privacy-invading mandates," Swayne answered:

"M.v preference always is to inform people, communicate and give them the opportunity to do the right thing."

Now, anybody can say just about anything. Walking the walk can be a whole different deal. Further. until a contract is actually agreed upon and signed, the naming of Swayne as NIC's 11th president is a required procedural step but not a done deal. A full-out celebration today would be premature.

But the entire team - consultant Pauly Group , the community-based Presidential Search Committee, and finally, trustees David Wold, John Goedde and Pete Broschetappears to have found a leader who can stand strong against the turbulent political forces attempting to blow down North Idaho College. Let's get a contract signed, party hearty and then get to work. A college's life could be at stake.

Chri stie Wood , President

Kootena i County Ta sk Force on Human Relation s

P O Box 2725

Coeur d Alene , ID 83816-2 725

Dear M s. Wood,

On be h alf of Temple Beth Shalom and Congregat i on Emanu-EI in Spokane, we are writing to expres s our support and con cern for th e LGBTQ community in North Id aho, followi ng the Patriot Front white supremacist group ' s attempt to disrupt your celebration of Pri d e in Coe ur d Alene this weekend. We condemn the hateful ideology held by this group and denounce thei r attempt to incite violence against members of the LGBTQ+ co mmunity.

Both the Conservat i ve and Reform movements of Judaism hold LGBTQ+ rights as a central value A in keeping with our bellefthat all human beings are created b 'tzelem Eloh i m , in the Divine 'W imag e (Genesis 1:27). We cannot tolerate violence against indi vidual s b ecause o f their id e ntity We st rongly believe that Pride is about supporting every person's right to love openly and live authentically. We will not remain complacent against threats of violence fueled by homophobia and white supremacist ideology.

We stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ commu ni ty, with the North Id aho Pride Alliance and with the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations against these acts of bigotry and threatened violence We appreciate the swift response by local law enforcement offi cers, whose actions helped avoid a more devastating outcome. We call on all elected officials to forcefully denounce Patriot Front's presence in the northwest, and to provide resou r ces to appropriately re spond to this event, i ncluding pro secuting Patriot Front members to the fullest extent of the law.

Hate has no place i n the northwest

L' shalom , Rabb i Tamar Malino, Temple Beth Shalom and Congregation Emanu - EI

St eve Silverstein, Temple Beth Shalom Board President

Meghan Pinch and Rachel Zack , Congregation Emanu - EI Board Co-President s

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vandalized a restaurant owned by Sid Rosen, a Jewish chef

It was reportedly tile first documented hate crime in Hayden.

The task force played a major role in tbe passage of Jaws to combat hate crimes and promote human rights in fdaho throughout the ·sos and '90s.

"For years. we concentrated on threats from tbe Aryan Nations," said Tony Stewart, a founding member of the task force. "We had a lot of cases in those early years."

1n the Aryan Nations· heyday, neo-Nazls· gathered annually at the organization's Hayden Lake compound_

The site was burned and bulldozed after a $6.3 million civ ll lawsuit bankrupted the hate group, more than 20 years ago.

Norm Gissel. the task force's attorney and a board member, joined forces with Idaho attorney Ken Howard and the Southern Poverty Law Center to bring the suit.

For many locals, the Patriot Front arrest on June 11 was a reminder of that Infamous chapter in North Idaho's history. ··TbJs felt like a watershed moment, like back in 1981." Wood said.

Though the Patrlot Front arrest crune as "a shock to everyone's system.'' Wood said, it appeared to be the culmlnatlon of years of escalating rhetoric, much of it spread

Online.

"There has been a long-stewing environment over the last couple of years." she said .

In the weeks leading up to the Pride event, threats of an armed protest organized by the Panhandle Patriots Riding Club attracted attention, both locally and Online.

After a video of a club member promising to go "head-to-head" with those celebrating Pride went viral, scores of social media users expressed intentions of going to CoetJr d'Alene to SUPPOrt the Pride e vent - or to join the armed protest

The event drew the ,ye of L ibs of TikTok.

m 1ronlca!Jy named -onservative Twitter ,ccounl with 1.3 million ollowers that curates •iontent created by liberals and reposts it In , 1 derogatory manner.

Wood said the task force has heard from many North Idaho residents who have faced online harassment.

"They feel like the whole tone and tenor that we know and Jove is changing so fast,• · she said.

Stewart said the turnout and "powerrur· testimonies delivered by residents last week are evidence that many community members oppose hate groups like Patriot Front.

A woman whose family bas lived In North ldaho for five generations said she refuses to leave the area, despite attacks from outside extremists. Other longtime residents echoed her sentiments.

"There are thousands

o( people here who are good and hardworking, but they're on the sidelines," Stewart said "We must get them off the sidelines."

To that end , the task force is developing plans to push back against e.'l:treml.$m and promote human rights in North Idaho.

''It's time to stand up for our community and the cultural values we've had for generations," he said.

Those values Include tolerance and respect, Stewart said One community member is raising funds to purchase 1.000 shirts with the slogan "Coeur d'Alene Rejects the Hate." The project hearkens back to earlier efforts made by the task force.

"We did that back when the Aryan Nations was marching," Stewart said. "This is only the first step."

Those who wish to donate to the campalgn can send checks to P.O Box 2725. Coeur d'Alen e. ID 83816.

Stewart said the task force recently began ,vorklng with a "prominent" private Jaw firm that bas not yet been named publicly and remains in communication with two other f1rms that specialize in civil law ' Other projects are reportedly in the works to encourage North Idahoans who are "tfred of the anger" to step fonvard and help protect their community from outside hate groups, Wood said.

We're going to share our message as loudly as we can that Coeur d'Alene i8 a loving community," she said.

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TASK FORCE

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promote human rights In Idaho throughout the '80s and '90s.

"For years, we conoentrated on t.breats from the Aryan Nations," said Tony Stewart, a founding member of the task force. "We had a lot of cases in those early years."

In the Aryan Nations' heyday, neo-Nazis gath· ered annually at the orga· ni7.atlon ·s Hayden Lake compound.

Front arrest crune as "They feel like the One community mem"a $hock lo everyone's whole lone and tenor ber is raising funds to system.'' Wood said, it that we know and love pµrchase l.000 shirts with appeared to be the culml· is changing so fast," she the slogan "'Coeur d'Alene nation of Year\> of escalat· said Rejects the Hate." '!'he ing rhetoric, much of ll Stewart said the project heJU'kens back to spread online turnout and "powerful" earller etfo1is made by

"There has been a testimonies delivered by the task force. long-stewing environment residents last week are "We did that back over the last couple of evidence that many com· when the Aryan Nallons years," she said. munity members oppose was march.Ing." Stewart Tn the weeks leading hate groups Uke Patriot said. "This is only the up to the Pride event. Front first step." threats or an anned pro-

A woman whose family '!'hose who wish 10 test organ!zed b;• the has lived ln North Idaho donate to the campaign Panhandle Patriots Riding for nve generations said can send checks to P.O Club attracted attention. she refuses to leave the Box 272.5, Coeur d'Alene, both locally and onllne. area, despite attacks from 83816.

AA"1 a vicleo of a club oul3ide e><tremists. Other Stewart s;rld the task member promising to go longtime residents echoed force recently began "head-to-head" with those her sentiments. working with a "prom, celebrating Pride went "There are thousands lnent" private law Orm viral, scores of social of people here who are tllal has not yet been media users expressed good and hardworking, nan1ed publicly and group, more than 20 years intentions of going to but they're on the sldo- remains In communica· Coeur d'Alene to suppot1 lines," Stew,irt said. "We tion with two other lirms ago. Norm Gissel, the task the Pride event - or to must get them off the that specialize in civil force's attorney and a join the armed proteSL sidelines." law. boa.rd member, joined The event drew the To that end, the task Other projects are forces with Idaho attor· eye of Libs of TikTok, an force lS developing plans 1-epo1iedly In the works ney Ken Howard and the irorucillly named consor· to push back against to encourage North Southern Pove1ty Law vattve Twitter account extremism and promote Idahoans who are ' tired Center to bring the suit with 1.3 milllon foUOW· human rights ln North of the anger" to step for·

The site was burned and bulldozed aftet· a $6.3 million ciVU lawsuit bankrupted the hate

For many locals, the ers that curates content ldaho. ward and help protect Patriot Front arrest on created by liberals and "It's time to stand up their community from June 11 was a reminder reposts It in a derogatory for our community and outside hate groups, of that infamous chapter manller. the cullural values we've Wood said. in North Idaho's history. Wood said the task had for generations," he ''We're going to share

"This fell like a water- force bas heard from said. our message as loudly shed moment, like back many North Idaho res, Those values include as we can that Coe!U' in 1981," Wood said !dents who have faced tolerance and respect , d'Alene is a loving com· Though the Patriot online harassmenL Stewart said. munity," she said.

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Trustee McKenzie's stntements were "fake news" about the relationship betwe<>n NlC and the Foundation and he knows It. Tt'Ustee

McKenzie was the trustee liaison to th~ Foundation and attended many Foundation board meetings since taking olflce

The Foundation is not p.-irt of any seoret cabal conspiring to control the college

There have absolutelv been no schol,u-shlp • scandals, and when asked, McKenzie could not give one example

Further, the college president has no authority to "manage" the FoundatJon as the Foundation is a separate and independent entity NIC' s president is an ex officio non • voting member of the Foundation board

The allegations and iruiinuations made by Tn1stee McKenzie

The Press are unbec<>min& of an NIC trustee and an intentional effort to disparage the Foundation and the college. Frankly, I was embllrra."-sed for the college and our community by his (and Trustee Banducci's) behavior at the candidate interviews. I prJvately confronted Tmstee McKenzie m person and requested a retraction and public apology for his baseless accusations and insinuations. As expected, there has been no response. 1 will here again call on Trustee McKenzie to publicly apologize to the Foundation board and staff and to retract his disparaging remarks. The Foundation board and staff deserve no less. Steue MasterSOII is the outsoing president of the North Idaho C.Ollege Foundation and is a Coeur d'Alene resident.

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Reject hate campaign reaches Inany Group di~tributes 1,000 T-shirts and 600 posters

Organizers « the "Nortl· Idaho R jects Hate" .:ampaigr say it will be obvio is Monday at Coe r d'Al0J1 1's· Foul1 of July paradl that FrJ, fay and · Saturday's dist! lbutlon of T-shirts and , ,osters was an overwhe.lming success.

The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relauons. with help from volunteers, distributed 1.000 "North fdaho Rejects Hate" T-shirts and 600 posters Friday and Saturday tn Coeur d'Alene. Community members who came

out to acquire the free items were described as enthusiastic and eager.

"Following the June 23 community meeting hosted by the KCTFHR with community leaders and the distribution campaign over the past two days, it is very clear that the good people of our region are standing up In support of human rights and saying no to bate," task force secretary Tony Stewan. said.

The task force is deeply grateful to all the volunteers who made the campaign possible, be

said.

"We are witnessing a renewed energy and derermination 10 send a loud message that we will oppose bate in all ilS manifestations and suppon those Individuals or communities whO become victims of intimidation. threats and hate crimes:· Stewan said.

The task force announced It will continue working with residents of the region to implement additional action plans in the weeks and months ahead.

O~inion Editorial 1

Hate and · fear have no 1 ! home here

Call it an awareness war.

The soul of North Idaho is very much at stake as invasion forces attempt a takeover These fo r ces can be defeated not with bullets but by alert citizens who give a damn.

The invasion is not comprised of rank· and-file Republicans movingto the region because they want something that's been lost where they previously lived. Rational, constructive conservatives determined to contribu te to the commu ni ty in positive ways are always welcome.

Not so the purveyors of bate and dissension, the supremacists and nationalists who have targeted North Idaho as a haven for their radicalized views and actions.

Some of them h ave moved here recently. They're actively r ecruiting like-minded extremists be n t on poisoning the North Idaho well of kindness and acceptance that for generations made t h e region so at.!!_active to vt5i_!ors and new residents.

Trurty-0ne of them were recently stopped before they could execute what we believe was a full-fledged act of domestic terrorism. But that group's mission to incite riots in downtown Coeur d'Alene might very well have backfired in a huge way.

What the radical extremists count on is that as they build their fetid foundation in the dark, common, decent _people are too busy raising tb.eir families, working their jobs and enjoying life to see what's happening until it's too late. Their strategy depends entirely on unawareness and indifference among the majority until the minorit)' has control.

Awareness followed by action is the antidote and once again, it's being • providoo locally by the Kootenai CoW1ty Task Force on Human Relations. The Task Force, which led the bloodless execution of the antisemitic. neo-Nazi, white supremacist Aryan Nations more than two decades ago, is once again stepping forward to stop u n bridled hatred in its tracks.

Tony Stewart, Christie Wood and the other co.urageous Task Force leaders and members have sounded the alarm that an Aryan Nations-type intruder once again is trying to sink its fangs into North Idaho. Through an awareness campaign that already has many hundreds of locals wearing "North Idaho Rejects Hate" T-shirts, the Task Force and a growing army of concerned citizens are casting bright lights on these dark shadows. So please, pay close attention. By all means, focus on your family, your livelihood and enjoy the many delights North Idaho has to offer.

But when the Kootenai County Task Force and local leaders ask for your help in keeping North Idaho safe and sane, step up. You can start right now by going to IdahoHumanRights.org.

eThe Press, Sunday, July 17, 2022

MUSIC: 'I can't be the only one': A doc on women who rock/ C4

3 charged in scheme to sell stolen 'Hotel California' lyrics I C1 O

CDA's civic courage

Rachel Oestreicher Bernheim describes her only visit to Coeur d'Alene as "an explosion of Joy"

We celebrated that visit ofthe New Yorker in mid.July 1987 much as the Big Apple had toasted three representntlves from Coeur d'Alene months earlier - with speeches, a dedication. and a banquet.

Rachel arrived here as executive dll'ector or the Rao\ll Wallenberg Committee of the United

HUCKLEBERRIES

organization that honors the memory of the Swedish diplomat who saved 100,000 Jews from extermination during World War II.

"It's so beautiful there," Rachel said In a phone interview Tuesday."! was treated with such kindness.''

D.F. Oliveria

States 35 years ago. And remains chairwoman of the

During her three days here, she helped dedicate a human-rights coUoctlon of 311 books and 20 videotapes at the old library on Harrison Avenue.

The collection was purchased with $5,000 given to Ille L.ake City along with the first Wallenberg Civic Cow·age Award months earlier for flghtl.ng racism.

Rachel helped 011,'alllze the Wallenberg Award ceremony Jan. 14, 1987, for the Coeur d'Alene delegation: Mayor Ray Stone. Catholic priest Bill Wassmuth and Undersber!lf Larry Broadbent

Sea OLIVERIA, C2

lesfrom thu specatubr Point H.ydon, 1-uyden L>.l<o Colom! S..uty1 8ouon1

LETTERS - I -

Keep standing up for human rights, CdA

1 would like to eiress my heartfelt gratiru e to the mru,y phenomenal community members, volunteers, businesses, nonprofits and ~ncies whn stOOd on therigbt side of history at Pride in the Pnrk and other CDA4Prlde l I

event,;. 1'hose who refused

to wm..,,. in the wake of Ill organized hate to srnnd Ill for lo\'e and inclusion will

neverbcfoc

J nm com rted knowing J that June U ,;crves as a desperately needed wake- fromC2 up call and rotnly.s< for f

OLIVERIA

I community action. Keep

• On July 18. 1987. standingup fur human .... ; while Rachel Bernheim righi,. Coeur dl'Jeoe. s Ill was in town. Nonb Idaho

Thank you to the Koo- I tJ College. along with the renai County Task Force Koorenai County Task on Human Relations for Foroe on Human Relations continuing its work. rededicated Its beach to · Westtm Stores Ccnthe Schltsu'umsh (CQeur

rcr, a regional advocacy d'Alene Tribe). It was

mpnimtion sin~ 1987 for renamed Yap.Kcehn,Um an inclusive dcmocrncy,

or Gathering Place." The dcser \'esspecial atten• beach was a spot where tion. They reached out to

Native Americans gathered North Idaho l'ride Alliance

to swim, Ii.sh. dance. race. throughout our time of /l3JDble and play s~rts. need ro provide tools.

resources and guidance.

1 would like to thank the loco] bullies for doing a fanmstic job fundraising for U$ and inspiring people ro attend e,'Cnts. We recei\'ed record numbers ofsponsorships and donations and bos,ed more people than ~er before!

Tums our tbatwhen you pick on a small community nonprofit that serves a vulnerable Fopulation, ,'01· unteers wil possionately pledge hundreds of hours

collectively to tranSform

adversity into success

What I learned &om this experience is I.bat it's the scrength ofour relation· ships and willingness to collaborate that keeps us

safe. Let's hope "live and

Jet li ve" prevnils and more caring citizens are brought to the rnble to illldress community concerns.

Jessica Mahuton

CZ I Tuesday, July 19, 2022

Experts: Idaho law, culture complicates hate crime respons e

By REBECCA BOONE

Associaled P18Ss

BOISE - The number of hate crimes reported to law enforcement agencies dropped sllghUy In 20'll, according to a report from the Idaho State Police, but experts say the state's laws and culture make some people unlikely to report hate crimes and others unlikely to see Justice when they do.

n..uicious harassment charges In coun, according to the Idaho Supreme Court's onllne database. Only six hate crime charges were liled in state courts In each of the last two years.

also met the report's definition of a hate crime because the offender used hate language or left hate symbols at the Crime scene.

Idaho is ont> of 18 states that don't Include hate crime p1-otections for LG.BTQ people, according to the advocacy organization Human Rights Campaign, though most local law enforcement agencies

organization that works to protect LGBTQ poople from emploYtnent and housing discrimination and human rights violations.

The state's numbers Ukely don't reflect the roality, because hate crimes are generally under,reported, said Chelsea Gaona-Lincoln with Add the Words, an still track those crimes based on federal standards. Four of those states - Arkansas. Indiana, South Garolina and Wyoming - have no hate crime laws.

The Crime In Idaho annual reports show that dozens of hate crimes an, reported to the state's law enforcement agencies every year. In 2001, ~7 such crimes were reported the bulk of them targeting people because of their race or ethnicity, followed by crimes targeting LGBTQ people. That's a sllgbt drop from the previous year, when 54 hate crimes were reported.

But only a handful of hate crime perpetrators ever face

"Who even feels safe reporting? As somebody who exists in a brown body, I wouldn't feel safe going to law enforcement based on what we see lrom them, and the way we see certain law enforcement Interact with the Proud .Boys at rallies,'' said Gaona,LJncoln. She's not alone.

Nationwide, only about 41% of hate crime victlmizattons were reported to pollcc between 2010 and 2019, according to a report examining hl\te crimes in the U.S by the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Statistics. Of those reported to po!Jce, only about 13% were con.firmed by police Investigators as hate crimes, though the remaining 87%

Hate crime victims sometimes fear reprisals or choose to handle the issue another way. Some organizations, like Add the Words, have created mutual aid programs to assist marglnali2ed people facing harassment outside the court system. Add the Words' program has helped people get access to mental health providers, find new jobs where they won't have to Interact with a known harasser, or leave places where lhelr safety Is at risk, Gaona,Llncoln said.

Dan Prinzing. the executive director of the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights, said there's been an increase In racist and antJ,Semltic language in recent Years, as well as attacks against the LGBTQ conununlly.

Last December, anti.Semitic flyers were left on doorsteps throughout Boise's "North End" neighborhood. In 2020, someone pasted swastika stickers on the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial In downtown Boise.

Neither incident was considered a bate crime under Idaho's law That's because the

law requires the harassment to intentionally target R speclflc person because of their nice, color, religion, ancesuy or national origin. Targeting an area, a public place or a church doesn't qualify, sald Boise Police Detective Mike Miraglia.

Miraglia Investigated when the anti-Semitic leaflets were left In the Boise neighborhood.

"I actually Interviewed the person who did lt," Mlraglla said. "That person did not articulate a specific 1arget, simply the entire neighborhood A lot or the times it comes down to that fine Hne."

Miraglia tw'lled the Information over to the county prosecutor, who agreed It didn't meet the components of Jclaho's law.

Tagging buildings With stickers or chalk also doesn't qual1fy, as long as it doesn't cause physical damage to the structure, he said. Some aggressors are choosing methods or harassment so they can skirt tile boundaries of the state law, Miraglia said.

''It would be nice If that code was updated," Mlnlgba said. "But that's a task for the Legislature " Police spokeswoman Haley Williams said people should contru:t police If they feel

like they've been targeted for harassment, because even ff the case isn't prosoouted, the department can offer support, such as Increased neighborbOOd patrols.

Lately, lawmakers have been reluctant to tackle d!scrtmtnatlon, said ll'rinzing. The Legislature has passed multiple laws in recent years specifically targeting transgender people, and a few years ago rejected a proposed license plate declaring Idaho "Too Great for Hate."

·•Aro we so afraid to call om what is hate? There was a time in our state history where leadership became not only vocal, they also took actions," Prinzing said, referen,clng decades-old efforts by state leaders to denounce the Aryan Nations group, which built a compound In Nonh ldaho In the mid-1970s.

The ne<>-Nazt gl"OUJ> was eventually forced out of the state a quarter-cenrury later when the organl2.ation was bankrupted by a civU lawsuit after two members attacked two Native American people who were passing by t:he compound.

"Law enforcement can only do so much. Prosecution can only go so far," Prinzing said.

''Idaho lacks a clear deflniUon of what ts a hate crime."

KOOTENAI COUNTY TASK FORCE ON HUMAN RELATION S

P. 0. Box 2725

Coeur d'Alene. ldabo 83816

Phone: (208) 765-3932

Victim Support Services: Christie Wood (208) 819-9813

www.id ahohumanrigh ts .o rg

PREAMBLE A ND PRINCIPLES

The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relation s, Lnc . is founded on the principles of the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the state Constitution of Idaho . Tbese documents support the great principles of the dignity and worth of each Human Being.

We s upport the self-ev ident truth that all persons are created equal.

We be lieve that the dignity of each Human Bein g is invio lable.

We oppose discrimination or the denial of "Equal Protection of the Law s" based upon race, color, religion, creed, gender, age, disabiJity, ethJLic origin, sexual orientation or social and/ or economic sta tu s. We further oppose all attempts to promote segregation or separation o f the races. We reject the doctrine of white s upremacy or any other doctrine that advocates the superiority of one race over another.

We pledge to work for the elimination of prejudice and d iscrimination. It is our creed that "saying yes to buman rights is the best way to say no 10 prejudice and bigotry".

"SAYING YES TO HUMAN RJGHTS IS THE BEST WAY TO SAY NO TO PREJU DICE AND BIGOTRY"

-The Late Bill Wassmu1h, Catholic Priest

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was 6 years old, her family was sining down to dinner in the dining r0<>m of their North End home when her mother, Dorothy, glimpsed the flicker of fire in the window. It appeared 10 be coming from a l neighbor's house.

\. Her father, Aurelius, ran outside to help. He stopped in his tracks when he realized the flames were coming from their front yard.

A cross, wrapped in burlap gunny sacks, was burning in front of the family's home near 19th and Alturas streetsbelieved to be the first time a Black family rented and later owned property in Bbise's Nonh End, according to an application to include the residence on the National Registry of Historic Pia· ces.

Aurelius dOU$ed the cross with water from a garden hose and started to move the charred symbol to the backyard.

"(My mom) said, 'No, leave it right out front,' » said Buckner-Webb, a former stare legislator wbo was the first elected Black member of the Ida· ho Legislature, in an interview with the Statesman. "We left it on the porch for everyone to see.''

Buckner-Webb said the family wns shaken by the ovenly racist threat. T hey filed a police repon, bur no one was ever arrested in connection with the incident.

Over the years, she came to Wlderstand the signif· icance of the cross burning. Though she finds Boise welcoming, for the most part, she said she has seen bigotry in Idaho ll'allSfonn from what she experienced in her childhood.

"There's a critical mass that is no longer doing this in the shadows, n Buckner· Webb said. "Crosses 1Lsed to get bw-ned in your yard in the dark of night, or you covered yow- face. These people are bold. They're emboldened."

CHAPMAN CALLS IDAHO 'ETHNIC ENCLAVE'

Before Kyle Chapman moved to Ida ho in 2020, he was a California resident. He gained notoriety in far-right extremist circles in March 2017 following the incident that earned him the Based Stickman nickname. He became the subject of memes, embracing the moniker with now·deleted social media profiles, and used his fame to crowdfund money for his legal defense, The New Republic reported.

Soon after, Chapman founded a group called the Fraternal Order of the Alt-I<nighrs, a paramilitary arm of the white n ational· 1st Proud Boys. In 2020, Chapman broke with the Proud Boys. He announced on Telegram that he would be starting an off-shoot - the Proud Goys - that would not allow people of color or gay people 10 join. The group's name references the Hebrew word "goyim," which refers 10 nonJewiah people and has been embraced by antisemitic white supremacists, according 10 the American Jewish Committee.

The offshoot didn't reach the popularity of the Proud Boys, who've been photographed counterprotesting recent abortion rights rallies in Boise. A Telegram groap started by Chapman h8$ about 1,500 members. In messages to the group in 2020, Chapman told members he was moving to Idaho, distancing himself from the Bay Area and his Based Stickman title.

"I've been researching this move for almost a decade," Chapman wrote. "Idaho is the best location in the country to weather the storm and lobby for

secession. Ethnic enclave. Fight the battle from high· erground.u

Chapman told the group he arrived in September 2020, purchasing two properties in Boise. Anti· right wing groups already had their eye 01\ him. A group called Idaho AntiRacist Action said on Twiner that it had identi· fied both of Chapman's homes - his private residence and an Airbnband distributed flyers in his Wes1 Boise neighborhood.

"Meer your neighbor Kyle Chapman,tt the flyers read, alongside images o( Chapman and screenshots of him using slurs in refer· ence to Hispanic and Black people. "Boise is nor your Nazi haven, Kyte."

The flyers earned the attention of the Boise Police Oepanmen1, police repo11s showed. Officers said hundreds of flyers were distributed, and Chapman told police he wanted to "docume nt these incidents and ex· pressed his concern that Antifa ls coming for him in Boise, like they have in other pans of surrounding $tales where he has lived previously."

Tbe Idaho Statesman rested in Coeur d'Alene, 'EM BOLDEN ED' IN reached out to Chapman Gov. Rrad Little issued a IDAH O 6tate1h t1--u on .social media via email. He did not re- Rose told the Statesman

The day after Patriot Front members were arMORE EXTREMISTS

5J)Ond to requests for com• that Chapm.an's Yelp r1; dati~ n, scare tactics and extremist to seek like- David J. Reilly, a far• ment. view came after she can- The group began ere·. violence have no place in minded individuals in right figure who

decJa , fng that "intimi- Chapman isn't the only -

In spite of the flyers, celed an appointment he ating antisemitic graffill Idaho. Vincent James, a participated in the 2017 Chapman opera~ed l~ely had at her shop upon and escalated to violence, our great star.e." It made self-described "Christian "Unite the Right" rally in under the radar in Bo,se. hearing that he bad r e- Stewart said. After a~ed nl> mention of tile Patriot nationalist," recently Charlottesville, V"irginia, 1n his Telegram group, Ile peatedly made employees guards assaulted a woman Front or what the group moved to Nonh Idaho, moved to Post Falls in encouraged people to uocomfortnble. Rose said and her son near the com· stands for, or that its tarwhich he described u a 2020. According to a story

move to Idaho to get away Chapman bad been to the pound in 1998, Norm get was a North Idaho breath of fresh air. published in 2021 by the from minorities, whom be shop three times before Gissel, the task force's I Pride evenL James, who also goes by Dally Beast, Reilly b.as referred to with racial that and had requested to lawyer, recruited the

In recent years, extre· Vincent James Foxx, spoke made - and since deleted slurs. In other posts, he have his hair cut by a Southern Poveny Law mists have started to blur at the America First Politi- antisemitic posts on

promoted Idaho, M~nta· Hispanic barber. Center to sue Butler, lines with group$ that may cal Action Conference Twitter, Including comna, Utah and ~yo~g as "When he sat down, he bankrupting him and shut· not share all of their earlier this year - the ments like "Judaism is the places with white, nght· srarted tallcing about ting down the compound. vJews, said Stephen Pig· same white nationalist religion of anti-Christ" wing demograpbi~s that things that disturbed the Stewart said the task gott, a researcher who convention that prompted and "all Jews are dangerwould be weko~g to barber," Rose said, in- force helped pass human studies right-wing extre· criticism of Lt. Gov. Janice ous.'' people ,vith alt-right eluding alleged comments rights Jaws in Idaho, and mism with the Western McGeachin, who gave an Since moving 10 Idaho, ideologies. degrading racial minor- task force members more States Center. When address Via video. James .Reilly has made unsuc-

"We take over that ities and women. than once uncovered they're allowed to particiwas also photographed cessful runs for Post Falls state's capito_l,. small t,:,wns "I was like, 'Why are we criminal activity from the pate without being with McGeachin at an school board and ldabo and local pobacs. Institute even booking this guy at Aryan Nations and its shunned, he said, man}' of event in Coeur !l'Alene governor. According co·

Jaws that benefit us and all?' " Rose said. "The fact splinter groups, leading to those groups take it as an and endorsed McGea- reporting b)• the Coeur eventually vie for seces- that he was comfortable arrests. The task fore~ a!so invitation to spread their chin's gubernatorial cam· d'Alene Press, members of sion," Cbap~an wrote. opening his mouth and held human rights tnunmg ideology. paign on his vlog, where the Kootenai County ReChapman m Telegram saying these things raised at local schools and colleg''Neo-Nazis and other I he has criticized other publican Central Commit· posts has been openly a red flag for me." es led rallies focused on folks IJke that are really Republican politicians. tee hoped 10 inst111l Reilly racist, using derogatory She sent Chapman a equality and raised funds kind of looking to take "If you're a legislator as the chair of the coun-

slurs for Blac.k people, to combat hate. advantage of this moment here, either get in line or ty's Democratic Party

Muslims, the LGB!Q text telling him racism "(The community re-

of people questioning and get out of the way, be· earlier this year. community and Hisparucs. isn't tolerated at her busi- sponse) needs to not trying to radicalize these cause what we're planning Idaho has seen a spate

As recently as last week, ness and informed him his just one incident, !t sho!!'d folks even furthl r, which I on doing here in this ,tate of other ties to !)ate groups

posts in the channel en- appointment was can- be ongoing at aU times, is really, really a oubling," is inevitable," James said in the past few years,

couraged people to teach celed.

Stewart told the StatesPiggott said. in one video about ldabo including a white suprem-

their kids to "fight and " "I needed other people man. "It creates a cultural Marina Villa Eudave politics. acist rally in Hayden Lake avoid blacks at all cost~ (in Boise) to know you environment in that com· said pan of the pushback According 10 nonprofit in March and public dis· can stan with people aoa said, "We are not e need to stand up for your muni:y to where those standing up in their own misinformation watchdog plays in Boise from ~-

same." people," Rose said. "He that are peddling hate group Media Matters, mi.sl groups including the

In July 2021, Chapman was counting on us being oftentimes find it so uo;, social circles, not just to James used his now-de- Proud Boys and Patriot

was again called out pub· afraid." comfortable they leave. funct website The Red Front. In June, 31 mem·

licl>'· He posted a one-star

Yelp review for the Be:trd· HOW CAN I DA HO OUST director of the Idaho 97 prominem figur_es or orgn- conspiracy theory that including the group's

Mike Satz, executive Elephants to promote the I bers of Patriot l'ront -

smith Barbershop, saym, EXTREMISTS? Project, a group found~ niled groups. Villa Eu· Jewish people control th e founder - were arrested

there was a "toxic feminist Rose said she felt com- in 2020 to counter dis!"· dave, who works for Lall- media. On his own in Coeur d'Alene, where

attitude among.t lh;e peUed 10 show Chapman formation and extrerrusm, no advocacy group POD· Telegrwn channel, he said they allegedly planned 10

staff." Chapman said that his views aren't ac- said he doesn't see that ER, urged Idahoans, espe- Jewish people control riot at the Pride rally.

women at the shop "!ere ceptable - and expens kind of widespread pushdally white people, to call other influential institu· 1

"judging men ~or ~mg, say that kind of pushback back today. out racism when they tions, including Congress, these groups point to Jdn·

acting and talking Ul(e can be crucin I to ousting "The regular communiencounter it in conversa: Hollywood and social ho as a haven because of

men." extremists. ry isn't standing up; lions with loved ones or in media.

dy Rose was quick to re· founders of the Kootenai against these people," Satz

Like Chapman, many of

Beardsmith owner Wen· Tony Stewart, one of the the}"re not speaking out other daily interactions. James also said in a population. But Census

Like Piggott, Villa Eu1 video shared on Telegram data show the state is spond. County Task Force on told the ld aho Statesman. dave said some people that the Holocaust has becoming more diverse.

"Bigotry is 001 tolerated Human .Relations, said "If you look at the Ar>:an don•1 realize their sil~nce. been weaponized to incite at our shop," Rose wro~e; commuoiry outcry was Nations, the comm~ty. may be signaling an m1pli- white guilt and in a sep"As a business owner, ti IS part of what helped push made a statement: This IS cit approVlll of bigoted arate Telegram po~t said my responsibility to StaOd the Aryan Nations out ot not 2cceptable. ideas. Speaking out can the Holocaust is ''literally up for my team and refuse Nonh Idaho. The group s "But right now we don't help disrupt thos~ ideol· the onl)' genocide you're service to any person who founder, Ricllard Butler, have that," Satz said. "Our

~. even if the people Inot allowed to question!' expresses hate. , created a compound near leaders aren't standing up, espousing them arc,~ I part James has used hls Tele·

"Kyle 'the stickman is Hayden Lake in the 1970s ottr 1.egislature i.s an ab· of organized extrerrust gram channel to d~ny not oltowed at The Beardwhere neo-Nazis and ject :allure at this Th~, groups, Villa Eudnve said. accusations of an11Se1I11· smith Barbershop," Rose white supremacists would governor is not trying. t!sm. added. flock for conferences and training.

its overwhelmingly white

I IDAHO STATESMAN I 'AM I SA FE H ERE7' For people of color or members of the queer or

Between 2010 and Jewish communities in 2020, tl,e Hispanic pop- Idaho, the increasingly ulation - Idaho's largest visible extremism has minoriry group - in· FBI data on hate crimes been impossible to ignore, creased 36%, from 11% of doesn't match with state though it's not new.

Defaced LGBTQ pride the state's iota! population police information. In Growing up in Nampa, flags and homophobic to 13%. The state's Black, "skinheads would tatget

vandalism at t heir ldnho Asian and Pacific Islander 2020, the most recent Hispanic kids or kids of Villa Eudave said she college was the final straw populi\tions also saw slight year .ivailable, the FBI color, n Villa Eudave told experienced more racism tbat convinced them to increases, and the number 11oted 42 hate crimes i the Statesman. "We have around 2016, when Don· leave for Washington of multiracial people against people and an to realize those people a re aid Trump was elected

state. jumped from 2.5% of the additional U targeting still here." president.

"It became a situation total population in 2010 to properry. That was nearly Timber Lockhart, who is

Fink told the Statesman of, ' I don't feel safe in the 8.3% in 2020. double the previous year'• white and Native Amer- that's when he began place I've grown up, the hate crime totals.

While the S0uthem A Department of Home- ican, recalled finding feeling unsafe, too. The place I was born and Poverty Law Center in Ziploc bags filled with synagogue's doors were raised, 1 " Emerson said. 2017 reponed trac king 12 land Security official re- flyers that espoused racist locked, and Fink set UJ> a Lockhart also left Idaho bate groups in Idaho, it cently told McClatchy and rhetoric while riding their security committee and a In large part because of the Statestnan that Idaho currently records half that has been "microtargeted" bike through a Coeur security budget. He start· growing hostility toward number - among them, with eXtJ'ernist onllne d'Alene suburb as a kid. ed noticing when new the LGBTQ community. the Proud Soys and Pa· content because of its "I filled m)' bike basket people joined the congre· Lockhan moved to Washtri_ot FronL That doesn't history. and ran home 10 show my gation.

ington to attend college mean extremism has de·

In late 2021 and early

1 "(In the past) if I saw and doesn't see an appeal creased in Idaho; for ex- this year, Boise saw a rash somebody there for the in returning to ldaho. The ample, some of the previ· of antisemitic incidents, first time, I didn't 1bink

politics have b<!come too ously recorded groups, including graffiti at the mom," Lockhart told the tw;ce about it," Fink said. exveme, and the polit· like anti-Muslim ACT for Idaho Statesman. "Theil "L don't have that luxury lcization of topics like the America, have obscured city's Anne Frank Human we went to pick all of anymore."

COVID-19 pandemic c~eRights Memorial and information on their local antisemitic flyers spread them up."

Fink said be fr~uently ,ued further division, chapters. The Western through part of the North

Despite Idaho's history hears from Jewish people Lockhart said. States Center told with white supremacy considering a move to I "l would love-io take up McClatchy and the States- End. groups and racism, Sntt Idaho. They'll email him space here as a loudmouth Rabbi Dan Fink, of man that more than two Boise's Congregation said seeing cnre10ists run to ask if it's a safe place 10 queer person and make dozen bate and anti-gov- Ahavatb Beth Israel, told for office this spring was live. He still says yes, but space for other people, but emment groups are active the Statesman he thinks especially alarming. It now with more hesitation. I can't do that if my menin Idaho. antisemitic ideals are still signaled that the candi-

eeIIIleIe"I'd like to be able to tal health is (suffering),"

The number of hate a rarity in Boise, which dates - many of whom encourage my kids to Lockhan said. crimes in Idaho appears t o experienced a rash of were defeated - see sup- \ come back here," rmk Lockhart said they have be consistent the past antisemitic graffiti eadicr port in Idaho for their said. "But I'm reluc:tant to hope for overcoming ex· several years, according 10 this year. But elsewhere in beliefs. tell my own kid& (h's tremism, as long as Ida· Idaho State Police dam. Idaho, he said, he's "deepSatt said he's seen poll· safe).n hoans keep talking about The agency's records ly, deeply concerned" ing that shows Idahoans Emerson, who is non· the issue. But personally, totaled 47 reported bate by and large don't agree binary and asked to be they couldn't s1ay. They crimes in Idaho in 20:U, a about anti-government with the views of people identified only by their could no longer call this and antisemitic ideologies decrease from the 54 hate - particularly because the like Chapman and James. first name out of safety place home. Lockhart will crimes reported in 2020, But their beliefs and calls concerns, was a congre- speak out from afar - for an all-time high for the two often go hand-in· for an ethnostate threaten gant at Fink's synagogue. now, at least state. The majority of hand, he said. real harm. They said they were called "I'm truly ashamed 202J's hate crimes were "Some groups are expli· "You have people who a "Christ killer" while sometimes to tell people racist or homophobiccitly antisemitic and some are here and being violent, wearing a kippah, a tradl· L'm from North Jdaho," tho,~ the latter is a careare anti-government ex- bringing a level of vio- tional jewish head cov· Loekhart said. "It's such a tremists, but there's not a gory not protected under dear line," Fink said. lence and discord and cring, in Boise. They wor- beautiful place to be from, Idaho's hate crime law. "People who believe in hate and attracting other ried about the synagogue and it's such a beautiful Idaho State Police spokes· government conspiracies people to come here," Satt being "shotup" and I 1 place to leave " person Aaron Snell said in are at the very least highly said. "That alone is fright- dreaded recurring vandalan email that tracking prone 10 antisemitistn. To ening because itmakes ism at the Anne Frank Nitok Blanch11rd: hate crimes against the those or us who are di· memorial. 208-3n-64IO, LGBTQ community is part me, ifs one web." verse look over our shoul- e e @NMBlan,hard of national hate crime der - is this person going reporting criteria. I to attack me? Am I safe here?,'

Idaho resurfaces for a new generation as aWestern refuge of the radical right

By Michael WIi ner lDAHOSTATBSMAN

Editor's note, This story is the second in a two-port series on white nan'onalism and extremism in Idaho that ran in The Spokesman-Review's Northwest s«rion on July 24. Same photos of messages in the dmelint contain offens{ve and derogawry language.

Extremists arrested en masse on June U in Idaho's idyllic lakeside ciry of Coeur d'.Alene came from all over the country. The Pntriot Front's lea der traveled from Texas, and followers joined from the Midwest, the Deep South, and across the border in Washington. or all 31 people arrested that day, seeking 10 disrupt an LGBTQ pride celebration with a potentially violent riot, only two were Ida· ho residents. Yet some locals hod their own pltlllS to protest.

The Pride Alliance of North Idaho e"pressed concern that the Panhnndle Patriots Riding Club, • far-right group, intentional!)• scheduled Its annual "Gun d'.Alene·· rally downt.OWn tn coincide with it..1 June II ewnt nt a local pnrk. Focebook nnd Telegram po5ts reviewed by McClatchy from members of the Panhandle Patriots and other a li gned group$ featured <:nils for warmre and an ·•operation order" for milirio 10 come armed wearing r,.>J. Two posts promoted the use of snipers agains t adult:> attending pride. Multiple groups were mobilized.

The range or acute threars ro this relatively smnll citv and mas-< arrest of such a I~ group, based on the luck of 11 tip· ster alerting police to men bo:u-ding a U-Hnul thnt day in military formation. shook a community thnt has seen its hisroric share of extremist>;. "We arc not going back to tl,e days of the Aryan Nations; said Coeur d'Aleue·s mayor. Jim Hammond, after the arrests. "'We are pnst that... Bu< Idnho moy be going in n more ominous dire<:· tion. Counterterrorism experts and U.S. officials are W11tching the evolution of extremism in tdaho with alarm, as the state that has won hard-fought victor~ against entrenched but isolated extremist groups becomes a refuge for a brooder TIUlgc of for-right ideologies.

"We are looking at a resurgcnct, in this type of activiry, whether it be white nationalism. white su· premacy. anti-govurnmeot rhetoric - a combination of them all;" said Josh Rurwit. U.S. attorney in the oistric< of Idaho. "From a lnw enforcement perspe,:· tiw. wl!'re using •II the tools that we hnve to monitor threats ,. Devin Burghart. pre,,ident nnd executive direc· tor of the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rlgbts. said a new generation of exttemists is settling in Idaho. which rnnk.s nmong the top states in the nation for far-right ·~viry.

"They've n ow decided to make northern ·• Idaho a home; Burghart said. "nnd in essence, rekindle some of the same ideas thnt the Aryan NatioM had 40 years ago. but insteod put it in a much more palatable pnckng,, - to take off the swnstika armband tuld put on a suit and tie. "

Regionnl and national civil rightS groups are now cnlling on the Justice Deparunent to increase its criminal prosecutions targeting white nationalist groups such GS the Pattiot Front and Pru,handle l'l!triot$, with four major organizations ,vrlting to Attorney General Merrick Gnrlnnd on Monday urging new action.

·'We bclie,..- it's past rime for the Department of Justice 10 step up and launch a criminal investigation of this group; said Kate Bitz, program m:u,ager n.nd trainer 3t \.Vestem States Center, referring to

rhe Patriot Front. ··There have been minimal prosecutions:'

But Idaho is not just facing a chnllenge from one or two organizations. The Southern Poverty Law Center has identified at least 19 hate and anri•go\'• emment groups spanning a vest ideological spectrum actively operating in the state. Experts at the We,-tern States Center told McClatchy and the Ida.ho State,-man there nre more than two dozen. And individuals switch between groups frequently or j oin several at a time. challenging law enforcement and independent watchdogs to keep up.

"lt i;, • trul: mix of the spectrum of the bard-right - everything from the more explicitly rncist iuoups involved in white nationalist activiry, to groups aligning with the anti-government militia movement;· said Raebel Carroll Rivns. lead senior research nnillyst for the lntelligl!nce Project at the Southern Poverty Law Center Across the coun· try, of course, nil those group$ exist. But there tends to be a trend line one way or onother. Idaho really is • miarocosm of what the hard-right looks like in th e United States."

U.S. officinls hnve monitored instllnces o( seo.soned groups and provocateurs "microtargecing" rcgi,;ms of the country with extremio,"t online content, including Idaho, "specifically taJ'g\!t· ing its population" due to its history as a haven for extremists. n senior official at the Department of Homeland Securiry told McCl3tchy and the Smtesman.

The targeted use of online i.-onte.nt. i.s "not some,.. thing thot happens randomly." the senior officiAl said. speaking on tl1e condition of anonymity. ·

"lt's being used fu a very sophi,,1:icated way by threot actors to exacc..-rbate the polarization and tn'bal nature ' of our public discourse, to ·rip npart those frnctures of our society, with the intent to sow discord nnd promote vlol"!'ce; the official said.

"There certainly seems to be an increased level of online activity from groups of people who are coalescing around anti-govemmenr ideological beliefs: conspiracy theories about the election. con,,l)U'8C}' theories about COVID-19, conspirncy theories about immigration," the official continued.

"Those are iswcs that have tended to resonate in certain pnrts of the country for generations. And now they're being pumped our on steroids."

'A different challenge'

Richard Butler's decision to found the Aryan Nations in North Idaho in the 19705 fueled the state's reputation as n hotbed for oeo-Nazis ond white supremacists. But it was locals lil<e Tony Stewart who successfully uprooted the group back then.

Stewart has been a part of Idnho's fight against extremism for 'll years. A co-founder of the Kootenai Counry Tosk Force on Humon Relations and now secretary of its board, he has seen what he described as the state's "cycles up and down" of far-right threats.

""\i\"'"e had our successes with both Republican nnd Democratic governors in the 1980s and '905." Stew• art said. "But in those day,. we hod such uniry within our state in combating the Aryan Notions. the Klan and nil that."

The Kootenai Couory Tosk Force rallied the rd,ho Legislature to poss state laws against h:u-assmentand banl<rupted the Aryan Notions with a lawsuit

•The folks I've spoken with in North Idllho on the front lines of this issue from n policy perspecfrve, or n community organizing perspective - they're ready to push bock against this threat; Hurwit told the Statesman. "Many have told me.

•we·,·e don1: this before, we'll do this again: That's

a cause for optimism."

But the nl>ilit)• of these orgnnizations to secure political support across td3ho haswnned.

Leading up to the state's primary election in May, Janice McGeachin Idaho's lieuterumt govemor, host• ed n voter rall y in the Boise area and invit ed several oational fur-right figures to join, including former Fox News commentator Michelle Malkin, Arizona state Sen. Wendy Rogers 11J1d podcaster Stew Peters. As armed members of right-wing groups. including the Proud Boys, crisscrossed the communit)· pork. a crowd of roughly l.000 rnllygoers listen ed intently as the cast of speakers took the stage. They ginned up support for McGeachin and o ther right- wing political candidates in attendance. while promoting conspiracies about COVID-19 and 2020 election £mud. McGeachin went on to lose the Republican primary by more than 20 percentage points. Fellow right-wing candidates who also appeared lost their statewide races. too. But others h ave proven more successful

"In recent elections in the north h ere. those who hn,•e advocated discrimination have really been ,-eri• suc,cessful," Stewart said. "These peop le who are veri• far-right, it's not about violence - it's abouc taking over political offices and tar&"ting curriculum In school s nnd such. lt's a different challeng.-."

New te$Carch from the Institute for Research and Education on Human !tights found 24 Idaho state lawmakers have joined farright Facebook groups, representing nearly a quarter of the state Legislature - more than :uw state in the nation but Aioska :md AJ'k!Y"'BS, Burgiuu! said.

Most of these groups in• sist they ...-e peaceful. But Thom"" llous..<eau formed •he Pntriot Front as l\Jl offshoot of a neo-Nazi o,:ganization after participating in the "Unite the Right " rally in Cha.rloltC$ville, Vlrginia, that resulted in a woman's death . Michael "Viper• Birdsong, head of Idaho's Panhandle Palriots, was in Washington for the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol and coUed the -violence of that day "a nece5'ary evil."

"In some ways, with the Aryan Nations, it was a much easier battle - they were o very clear and obvious threor., but they were contained; said Sophie Bjork-James, on assistant professor of anthropology at Vanderbilt University.

"There was one compound. They were very marginal. They were responsible for violence and harassment, and they were widely looked down upon by the majority of Idahoans, including the L<?gislnture."Tod~y. there's n much broader part of the populotion tha, holds extremist ideas, and they're in local government; Bjork-James srud. "They're in state government. They'l'll organiz.. ing gun rallies."

Stokin g eonf

llct

After Diana Lacltiondo, • fourth-generation Idahoan and a Democrat, won a. seat on the Ada County Board of Commissioners in 2018. she was placed on a local health board where the most controversinl issue nt the time was septic tank approvals.

Then the cornnavirus pandemic hit.

During a virtual Centrol District Health bonrd meeting at the end of 2020, as board memben debated mask mandates and limits on public gathe.ring:s

- and Idaho topped 1,700 COVID-19-related deaths

- Lachiondo received a c•U from her U-year-old son. Protesters were outside their home banging drums and blasting clips from ·Scarface." At least one had agun.

''r hove chosen to back away from public life, for my mental health." La· chlondo said, tearing up as

Coeur d'Alene pollce Chief Lee Whiter, second from left, takes questions !Tom the media during a Jun e 13 news conf ere nce In the Coeur d'Alene Library about the

s h e recalled the episode in a video interview. ··There was a breaking point of - I have let my ehildren down. My children are being nifected and targeted because I'm on this health board."

Protests were not limit· ed to Lachiondo's home. At least one other board member was targeted. A largt,r group tried t o force their way into the Central Health District building. prompting Boise's mayor. Lauren McLean, to call on the bo31'd to cancel its meeting.

The protests were organized by th e People's Rights Network. a Jl'OUP founded by Ammon Bundy, an anti-government activist who led a 2016 standoff with fede r al law enforcement at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon. Bundy is now a candidate for Idaho governor.

f'V-'c like to refer to it as a network, not necessarily an organization - it's only as effective os people make it," said Casey Whelan, who become an Idaho •state assistant" for People's Rights in Coeur d'.Alene in 2020 and promoted a protest of the June 11 pride event "It's. tool ;r people want to use the network to notify their neighbor of any ki nd or ~rnment,J!VCrreoch."

An lnsfifute forResearch and Education on Huml\Jl Rights database published last rail found tbnt Idaho had the highest number of members in the People's Rights Network per capita in the United States. Whelan said that more recent internal numbers indicate the grnup has over S,000 members in Idaho alone Membersh.ip rolls in these groups are always more flu. id than an ernnll list would susgest. "People often operate in more than one group, or move betM..~ various groups," said Rivas. of the Southern Poverty Law Center. But the emergence of COVID-19 restrictions undoubtedly led to an e:q,losiOn ofenpgemenL Bundy and other lead· ers in People's Rights will occasionnlly put out "calls to action" that prompt-protests such as the one outside of Lachiondo's house. But while group leader$ take credit for the size of its membership, V.'h•lan said the mis1ion of Peop1e's Rights to promote liberty precludes them &om telling members how to conduct themselves.

"It's been demonizcd quite • bit,• be said of th, group. "It's not pretty all the time, and ( memb er$) will act depending on the situation maybe differently than someone else would We don't advise people haw to act."

That position nllows groups like People's Rights to fuel politiotl dikord without taking responsi• bility for the consequen ces, experts so.id.

"They're not violent in every scenario or in every situation - they have Jots of things to point to where they're engaging in what would otherwise be cMl disobedience-like activiry; Rivas so.id "But there are also plenty of exam • ples where the message the)"re putting out there i..;that they're willing to engngc in violence, not jtut in a moment of heat, but in planned confrontation with the government, whether ,i t be federal or local."

Pamela Hemphill, a former member of People's Rights from Jloise nnd one of tho:w who protested outsid• of Lachiondo's house, Inter attended the Jan. Q riot in Washington and pleaded guilty to a federal charge of parading. demonstrating or picket· iog in a Capitol building. A total of six Idaho residents

faced federal charges in connection with the insurrection.

Publicly, RemphiU has since acknowledged "we -were wrong:" and lament• ed how extreme the far. right had gone in America, before entering federal prison last week to serve a 60-day sentence.

""1 was with A.mm.on Bundy since the very first meet!ngo<People's Rights." Hemphill told McClatchy. ·'I left them. and I have my good reasons. They're farright, a.nd they're not good for our country."

Lachlondo lost her bid for re-election in 2020 to Rynn Davidson. a Repub· lican who the following year was investigated by (daho's attorney general for attempting to influence a judge in" cnse over Bun· dy trespassing at the Ida· ho Capitol. The attorney general found no criminal misconduct but suggest· ed he get trained "on how to properly communicate ,vith the judiciary!'

Other. more activist con· servatives ore slated to win elected office in November.

Lawrence Wasden, Idaho's attorney general for 20 years, declined to join Texas' lawsuit to overturn President Joe Biden's win in swing sme,;. He lost his re-election bid in tbe May primary to Raul Labrador, a former congressman who expre5'ed skepticism over former President Donald Trump's loss - and accused Wasden of being "nbsent or late" t o critical national fights.

"'Ne've bad Republican dominanc,, in the state for 40 years, but the tenor of who is filling those seats hos changed dramatic.Uy; Lachiondo said. "We now have politicians In Idaho who ...-e listening to these people."

"\'Ve've been the canary in the coal mine; she added.

Call for federal aetlon

In May, the Western States Center ""'1t o letter to Garland and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas alerting them to an ideological mix of groups - including the Panhandle Patriots - crossingstate lines to harass migrants at the US. southern border.

The organization followed up with another letter on Monday - joined by the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Anti-Defamation League, the North Idaho Pride Alliance, the Matthew Shepard Foundation and over a dozen other organizations - calling on the Justice Department to prosecute the Patriot Front and its members "to th e fullest extent of the law" over jts activity in Jdaho.

"While dozens of the group's members were or· rested last month before they could act on plans to riot at a. Pride e,.,ent in Coeur d'Alene more must be done to hold the group accouomble and ensure they do not continue to in• timidote historically marginalized communities." the groups wrote.

A White House oilicial. providing background on condition of anonymity, srud the Biden administration hos increased its intelligence production on domestic extremist threats three-fold in the last year, creating smartphone apps for local law enforcement to quiclcly access uocl assi.fied com1tenerrorism reports and intelligence products.

The Bo ise Polic,, Department is not using these apps, said Haley Williams, a spokeswoman for the department, *but will con· tinue to look into whether they are goo.:! tools and fits

JJ;SS&TlNSL&Y/rff.£ SPOKE..<;M,AN•R.EVIEW

arrest of 31 members of the Patriot Front natlona llst group.

for our community." An of-

ficial with the Ad, County

Sheriff's Office also said its agency does not fonnal-

ly use the apps. The FBl's

field office in Salt Lake City

declined ,o comment.

A spokesrru,n for the Ida-

ho State Police said that fu The senior DHS official

sion centers~ working as o said the deparanent does

conduit between Slllte and not break down its threat

federal lnw enforcement, picture by region.

have nnalysts proce.ssing But "when I hear from

homeland security intelli- our folks deployed around

gence on a near- d1ily basis the country, it's clear that

"to discover indicators of there are certain narrati\res

violem terrorist activity in th nt resonate in some parts

Idaho." of the cow1try more thlln

DHS, rhe FBI and the others:' the oflicilll said.

National Counterterrorlsm ! *'And where there~s a tra ..

Center recently updated a dition of suspicion agn.i11st

federnl handbook for locru the fede.rnl government,

hollce with guidance on narratives that foc11s on

ow ro spot threatll of do- government overreach and

mestic vio1tot extremism. immigration as n ploy to

and are providing addl- undermine white superior...

tional training to US. attor- icy tend to resonate more.

ncys on reporting potential and inspire organizational

cases. activity ns a result."

In May 2021. DHS cs- 'The primarr terrorism

tablished an entirely new threat facing the United

domestic terrorism branch States todoy. the officinl

to produce intelligence on added, comes 001 from for•

potential threats. And the eign terrorist networks or

Treasury Depnrunenr has enemy stll.tes. but individ-

mode it • priority to iden- uals and small groups of

tify groups nnd individuals people, willing to carry out

who are financing .domes- acts of violence motivated

tic t..'X'tl'emist p.romotion by extremist ideologicnl

and plots- beliefs.

In its latest natioual Idaho - rhe fastest-grow-

a terrorism advisory bulle- jng state in the nation - re• tin. DHS warned that the m.Blll$ as much o draw for country faces a height- these groups ns ever, ro· .! 1gS-3'~S'f!l !,;':

ened threat of emembt mmticaUy portrayed by I o!l-"'se:f E.S!!S violence lending up to the radical networks ns a white ' a.=21! ~.., P-g:iJ''< n s·-n "'"' -a 2022 midterm eleetions. Christian haven on the old :,Q iS~ .:g E.?'~;;-:- .. The priority is to expand American frontier.

:,~ (,/',CT~o:l.o'~::&. I communication with local "'Tradition matters a lot/' g-g O =«::s 5.., =~ ::s law e11forcement agencies Burghart said. ''They are -~~2gCI);~~~~ thnt •often serve ns the lirst drawn to the individualis-

K. !'.? ::s ~·- Q S; ::. & line of defense; the White tic nature of the West, and

~-c~- ...,.,,g:< '" ,: rl • .., g-- 1a <> House official said. constirutiona1 interp-reta- E! F ::,[ ::- .,,., ro ~ ,o'rt. o'ct ;:, 0

In JDJ1unrY, Mayorkas tions that were long since

":.., 3'!3 a"' ;'fiD. told McClatchy and the left in the past."

Statesman thot evidence "These ore the kind of

ga thered through open- frames they're using." he

source intelligence shows added. "to find that new

thnt t!Xtremist groops are generation."

operating in all 50 smtes.

"We have obseived. of Idaho Statesman reporters I

course, through ou- com- Nicole Bla11chard and Kevin

munication• ,vith local law Fix/er contributed co this

enforcement, porticu lar report. ~--

pockets of nctivity, in te.rms of physical activity,'' Mayorkns said. ''But you know, this is one of the challenges that social medin prescn~ I t knows no boundaries."

KcRec primary. Their proposed Being part of the rule change would KCRCC's "official'" ~ ty from c1 require Republican Party infrastructure is abo~ \ affiliation one full year individual commltlnei a front-page news story, prior to the election, to execute "their" age .da.

highlighting Reill,· and blocking anyone who an agenda that bas no '. • members of KCRCC as has been unalUllated, previously been clellr they planned to hijack anyone afflllllted with a or transparent to most the local Democratic different µarty, anyone Republican voters. It Central Committee who is disaffiliated from Is now crystal clear

Reilly also ran as a the Republi can Party, or Theirs is an agenda that

"write-in" candidate anyone who bas donated takes sound Republican

for governor on the to a candidate fi:>~ principles and policies

Democraticballotin anotherpartywtthmthe andmoves themf\irther I

May, finding only 21 last two to three years. and further to the right,

Idahoans to write his Reilly would have violated whore they are no longer

name. every one of these familiar - and no longer

After reviewing proposed rule ctianges, yet "Republican."

KCRCC's public they chose bim. There is still hope.

campaign finance report Following the July Last Friday, Idaho Young

in the Idaho Secr~tary convention, It was Republicans. an affiliate

of State's office. \\e confirmed through of the Idaho Republican

learned KCRCC chair various sources, Party. voted to expel .

Brent Regan and Elaine Including camera two members, reportedly Price, KCRCC treaSurer footage, that KCRCC David Reilly and Daniel

and District 4 legislative delegate David Rellly Bell. KCRCC Youth

candidate authorized w11s the instigator who Committee chair, from

three payments totaling distributed mis leading their organization based

SU,000 to Idaho pamphlets for "free•· on their involvement

Dynamics U,C for pizza to homeless in several disreputable

"operations." lronically, shelters to discredit the activities throughout

ldaho Dynamics is then-current chairman the last year. The Young

not an Idaho-based of the Tdaho Republican Republicans said their

business. but rather one Party. This was not group ";t!ms for a high

created and regisiered a friendly prank. but standard and one beyond

ID Wyoming Just a few further evidence of the repro.ach" something

months earlier by David manipulative, dishonest that seems to be sorely

Reilly. Wyoming has and now routine missing from KCF :c.

it attractive to entitles some members of KCRCC question for you. l) o ;: g § .3 ., 3 . ~- [ [. t. S.;; ET [ iii *.

a set of laws making strategies Reilly and We have one simt e

who may want to are willing to use to David Reilly and KC~C('. if§ 'lS ls Ei"' :,;- :;; - ''' '° Ii-"' g,;. '" "' !:l ..; !!

remain anonymo·Js or advance their agenda: really _represent you I

a';;, f ro o' :Ji° "' 3 a i';;; i,t g {:, g f !ii a. [ s· !;i hide information. In an agenda that is not values? I t ::! •'..• §..., '2 § [E!'~s: ::i :,;- - - - ";,::~ -

1.hisca:ie,issomeone tradltiona!Republican, Asllfelong ·I -g5 ~-g.~:rn_.,.,,;;ig-r;::o.8g:S~g, 2 ~~

hiding something from but on.e that is becoming Republicans and. · '<l

Idaho's sunshine laws? dangerously successful more importantly.

When KCRCC Wh~e Rellly may not Idaho citizens, we

member,; voted on be an 'elected" member desperately need to set

May 25 to make white of KCRCC, It is clear he a high standard for

nationalist. ant!semite Is a trusted member of the Republican Party.

and I_)emocratic their i~er Ci!'cie pespite We still believe most

caruhdate David Reilly his white nationalist. anti- Republicans strongly I

an official delegate to female and antisemltic condemn Reilly's bigotry.

the Republican state connections. KCRCC We reje<:t KCRCC's I

convention: they were h~ endorsed him, paid efliOrt to mainstream

already qwte familiar rum and then chose him the Ideology or hate,

with his views and to represent Kootenai violence and hard·rlght

actions, They would County Republicans at the authoritarianism that

also have been aware GOP convention. Despite the white nationalist

of his change in party Regan's comments, movement represent,;.

registration back to the oppa11Unity to Rather as stated in

Republican less than be a delegate to the the Idaho Republican

24 hours before the convention from Kootenai Platform preamble: '"We

delegate selection County has nothing to believe In equal rights

meeting. The hypocrisy do with "Republican equal justice and equai

gets sadder. as nearl)· credentials ... After all. opportunity for all.

all the 65 KCRCC there are ove,· 60,000 regardless of race, creed.

convention delegates registered Republicans to :;e.~. age or disability."

voted in favor of 8 choose from in Kootenai

highly controversial County. To be a delegate So11dy Patano a11d proposed rule change in Kootenai County, Jack Riggs arf two of for anyone wan ting to however you must be in the many rofou11ders of vote in our Republican KCRCC's Inner circle. Nortli Idaho Republicans.

fromA1

than J,000 shirts and POsters were given away last month.

Another 600 shirts are expected to go before the weekend is over.

"It's going really well." said Mike Gridley, recen tly retired city of Coeur d 'Alene attorney and task force supp0rter. He said the campaign is an effort to make It clear what Nort h Idaho stands for in light of the June ll Incident when 31 members of the white nationalist group Patriot Front were arrestoo

in Coeur d'Alene on misdemeanor charges of conspiracy to rlol

The event garnered national attention.

Gridley said an element of North Idaho Rejecis Hate ls simply about belng friendly and welcoming, which t he area is. anyway.

"For some reason, that got derailed," Gridley said Friday. ' 'North Idahoans are really nice people."

But no t everyon e ls on board with the campaJgn

One anonymous person recently sent letters critical of it to a few downtown Coeur d'Alene businesses. Emily ll<)yd, executive

director of the Coeur d'Alene Downtown Assootatfon. said as far as she knew, The Art Spirit Gallery, The Crown and 'l'l1ist1c Pub, and Mountain Madness Soap Co. were the only businesses to receive the letter

All three were among some downtown stores that display the "North Idaho Rejects Hate" poster.

"What an ugly sign," the letter said. "Posting such II sentiment is a slippery slope."

The letter went on to state, "Do yo u want to become Seattle? no you want to b.,com, one of U1ose businesses

who cares more about J)(>litlcs ll1an customers?

Downtown Seattle has become a Cl'SSPOOI."

The letter writer asked, "What is your end goal'/ Do you think more people will purchase things from you!' store because you claim to be 'woke'? I reJ~t businesses who want CDA to become Seattle.

"Please reCQnsider your position- ft I$ only bringing a division to our beautiful city."

Jennlfe1· Drake, owner of Crown and Thistle. fired back. She said they stanct behind thP sign In U1elr window 100%

In a ~·acebook J)OSt, she wrote, In part; "What is my end goal? It's to show people like you 311d everyone else that Is new to town that there are good, inclusive people here that w!U always stand up against hatred and the people who spew It. Love isn't dividing our city, it's people like you 1 will do whatc>ver I can to protect MY community fr(,m the divlslvenl'SS and blgo1ry that you 'cultural refugees' brought with YOU"

Grldwy said he was surprised 311d disapp0inted when he re.'\d thE' letter.

letter." he said "Are you pro-lune'/ ls thai your deal?"

He also L~n ' t wild about people trom other cities moving to Coeur d'Alene and then teU!ng residents what's acceptable Gridley said nearly all North ldllhoans, regarcUo:,s.s of p01ftical affiliation, treat olhen, with ll.'l;pect and support • the tlle$Saging behind North Idaho Rejec1s Hate. "It's been amazing to me. the energy, people coming up and saying, 'Thank you for doing that,"' he said.

''I Just don't gel the people who wrote the "f strongly believe we are lhe major! ty :· Gridley added.

Sunday August 7, 2022 56°

isiii'dividing our city'

'Love

An o nymo us lette

Cost of Tickets & Tables: $50 for individual tickets . .

Silver Tables: $500 for a table for 8 persons & incl~des being bsted m the program as a Silver Sponsor & a good table location.

Gold Tables: $1,000 for a table for 8 persons & ~eludes beingb~sted in the program as a Gold Sponsor, and a prime location for your ta e.

Payment must be in b~Wednesday, September 21! -------·-------·-----

---------------------------;;;~~::~; & rez~rn zhis registra;;~: form wilh your check or money order. KCTFHR F more info call· 208-765-3932

Makecbeckspayableto: . or R 1 ;. PO Box 2725 Coeurd'AJene,ID83816

$50 individual tickets: Number of tickets per pr Name:

Mail to· Kootenai County Task Force on J!luman eatons, . . ' $ • • @ $SO eson Total , _ _

SATURDAY, September 24 , 2022 at The Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn, 506 W. Appleway No Host Bar at 6:00 P.M and Dinner at 7:00 P.M.

Program: KCTFHR Presents

Documentary produced by Jeff Crowe, Bunk House Media, Inc.

Dinner Buffet: Honey Glazed Ham and Broasted Chicken

Oven baked ham with assorted mustards and crispy broasted chicken, mixed green salad, assorted dressings, fresh fruit array, coleslaw, pi&tachio chiffon, cheesy Au Gratin potatoes, sauteed seasonal vegetables, oven fresh dinner rolls, coffee and soda.

Chef's choice dessert array.

"What Are ldahoan~s True Values: This Is Who We Are ..

O~inion E ditorial Letter's another reason campaign is timely

Cowardice.

That's the first word that comes to mind when reading the anonymous letter sent to several downtown Coeur d'Alene bu iinesses. The writer spreading a not-so-veiled threat is first and foremost cowardly, much in the manner of neo-Nazis and other white supremacists who occasionally litter local lawns with their anonymous and hateful letters. There are other descriptives we could add, including some choice words having to do with ignorance and hatred - frequent and unsavory bedfellows - but a label-spewing session of Itself won't advance enlightenment or promote the community's welfare. So let's get th.e filth out of the way and then focus on the cleanup.

The filth: As explained in last Sunday's Press, somebody sent an anonymous letter to downtown Cd ' A businesses that support the North Idaho Rejects Hate campaign. North Idaho Rejects Hate is one response from the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations after a group of 31 alleged domestic terrorists targeted Coeur d'Alene in what prosecutors describe as an attempt to incite riots during a Pride Week celebration.

The anonymous letter writer grossly misunderstands the meaning of the North ldaho Rejects Hate campaign, suggesting that it is political in nature, an example of the "woke" mentality and proof that downtown Cd' A is becoming a "cesspool" like downtown Seattle.

North Idaho Rejects Hate has squat to do with politics. It has everything to do with human decency.

We look forward to the day when North Idaho Rejects Hate T-shirts and signs in store s will be relegated to dust-collecting closets because the influence of hate-mongers will be ancient history. But that day isn't here yet, and if the Patriot Front plot and subsequent poison spewed from its supporters is any indication. that day remains a ways away.

In the meantime. when you see a business declaring North Idaho Rejects Hate, that's probably a business worthy of your patronage. We agree with former Coeur d'Alene city attorney Mike Gridley that the majority of North Idahoans are really nice people.

The minority likes to distribute anonymous letters.

- Mike Patrick for The Press Editorial Board

'Clocal

ENTERTAINMENT: Janet Jackson front row at Siriano's glam fashion week show / C7

Human Rights banquet Sept. 24

Th e a n n ual Hum an Rights Banquet returns Sept 24 to Coeur d'Alene after a two-year hiatus due to the COVI0-19 pande mic.

Now In !ts 23l'd year. the banquet will take place al the Best Western Plus Coew· d'Al~ne Inn. It is hosted by the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations. This year's banquet represents a continuation of the task force's o ngoing work with community leaders, ori:anizatlon, and volunteers following the ,lune 11 arrests

of 31 whi te nationalist Patriot Front me mbers in Coeur d'Ale ne.

The Kootenai Coun1y Task Force on Human Relations, thanks to a grant from the Coour d'Alene Tribe, has comml%'!oned Jeff and Susan Crowe of Bunkhouse Media to produce a documentary titled "What Are Idaho's '!'rue Values: This Is Who We Are

"The documentary features outstanding Idahoan$' testimonies from indiv iduals of different backgrounds discussing Idaho and

A111crlcan cullural ,alu~s." said a news release. "The Interviewees will share th~ir personal, powerful life experlcnc~ as to why these values are so important."

The lilm will premiere at the banquet, replacing the traditional keynote speaker Following the banquet , the documentary will be made available tree of charge te> civic group•• businf.'.SS(>h. educational instllut!o ns and_ many other interested parties.

Attorn ey Mike Grldle)' wlll receive lh is year'., fiC'!T :rn

BUI Wa,;sm11th M1•mC1rinl Vo lunt eer-oftho-Yeiu· Awa.rd tor h is man)' contr ibutions to the community. including coordlnnting the task furce·s recont Reject Hate '!'-shirt campaign Gridley 1s also bemg rl'cogn!zed for drafting the 2013 city of C0<-ur d' Alrne antl distriminution ordlnanC\' proposed by tlw task fom, The ordinance prevents discrimina tion in public housing, emplo)'lnent and i,ublic accomm octationfi base/I on sexual oricntatton

Thi' 20'.!2 KCTFHR Civil

Right. Award 1\111 b<• presented to Coeur d'Alene Police Ch ief Lee White for his cvorthnatlon or lawenforcemen t ag,•ncies during t he June II thrl'at to thr community's safety resultil1g in till' arrest of 31 members or lhe white nationalist Patriot ~'ronl TI1c banquet'• no-host bar begms at 6 p m and dinner wUJ be :11 7

Individual hcket~ are $50. gold tables aro Sl.000 and silver tables are $500 lnformouon 208 7ti5·3932

Kootenai County T ask Force On Hum an Relations

23rd Annual Banquet

Celebrating 41 Years of Promoting H uman Rights

SATURDAY, Sep tember 24, 2022

at The Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn, 506 W. Appleway No Host Bar at 6:00 P.M and Dinner at 7:00 P.M.

Program: KCTFHR Presents

"What Are ldaboan~s True Values: This Is Who We Are,,, Documentary produced by Jeff Crowe, Bunk House Media, Inc.

Dinner Buffet: Honey Glazed Ham and Broasted Chicken

Oven baked ham with assorted mustards and crispy broasted chicken, mixed green salad, assorted dressings, fresh fruit array, coleslaw, pistachio chiffon, cheesy Au Gratin potatoes, sauteed seasonal vegetables, oven fresh dinner rolls, coffee and soda.

Chef's choice dessert array.

Cost of Tickets & Tables: $50 for individual tickets

Silver Tables: $5 00 for a table for 8 persons & includes being li sted in the program as a Silver Sponso r & a good table location.

Gold Tables : $1,000 for a table for 8 persons & includes b eing li s ted in the program as a Gold Sponsor. and a prime location for your table.

Sunday Septeniber25,2022

Equality for all

By BILL BULEY Staff Writer

COEUR d'ALENE -

More than 300 people gathered at the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn Saturday night. They were different Young ancl old Men and women Black and white. Liberals and conservatives. But they ~hared something in common: Standing strong, together. for equalicy

"There 1s a struggle betweien those who want to deny some people their righis, and those Individuals who want to s1ippon dignlty for all people, inclusion and diversity," said Tony Stewart, master of ceremonies for the banquet hosted by the Kootenai County Task Force on liuman Relations

'!'he event was back after bemg canceled the past two years due to COVTD-19.

More than 300 attend KCTFHR's annual banquet

Stewart. !leeretary of KC'l'FHR. was pleased with the turnout and noted that many of the SPQnsored tables have been thare all 23 years the banquet has been held.

"They're all here to promote the dlgnlty of all pe0ple," Stewan s.~id While he believes they ai·e winning the battle. Stewart said the "struggle for the 5oul of our people," Is far from over. Still. he was confident in the outcome

11s long as people remain vigilant and opposed to mcism and Intolerance. "We're on the side or democracy. we're on the side of equality for everyone," he sa id. Mike Gridley, who retired earlier this year after 20 years as attorney for the ell)' of Coeur d'Alene. received the KC'l'b'HR 8111 Wassmuth Memorial Volunteer-Of· the-Year Awnrd. Gridley has long been involved in the rights fight and was a leader

in the task force's nwnt North Idaho R1.>ject~ Hate campaign that MW 11bout 2,000 shtrt.s and posters dlstribut,,d. lie said the movement was an effort to n1ake It cle.1r what North Idaho stands for in light ol the June 11 incident whun 31 members of the white natlonnilst group Patriot Front wen· orrcstL'll In Coeur d'Alene on misdemeanor charges of conspiracy to not They See EQUAUTY. A2

Saturday, September 24, 2022, 6:00 p.m. No Host Bar, 7:00 p.m dinner. - The Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn All profitS go to the KCTFHR with portions of the profits designated to NIC minority studen t scholarships

EQUAUIY

I.om A~

were repor tedly on the lr way to disrupt a r rlde in t!Je Park event a t City Park

Gridley said he felt 11ndeservlng of the e\\.-ard. He pointed to pe11 ple seated in the room and cited their ccomplishments.

"l'm overwhelmed bc- cau,., there are so m any peopl e before m e who have done so much good work," he s aid

eGridle>· is convinced the majori l )' of people ln North Ida h o are "to lurant, accepttn g, loving, " '!'he onl y problem. he said, is i hey tend to be "the silent majority ' Thi' Reject Hate campaign gave them a visible WIIY to express their feelings Gr idley said. adding ti's necessary to spea k u p ,r equali ty j "'The bu.Illes. the ,- it'tremists. they're out there being loud:' he sa id

Rather than look for a fig h t, though, Gr idley sa id common ground is th e g oal.

Police Chief Lee White received the 2022 KCTFHR Civil Rights Award for his er ordination of law .,; ,forcement agencies on ,June 11

White declined to take any credit, and said t h e award was n ot for hi m b ut for the po.Ile~ departnw'II and

the community

He said the arrests of Ih e Patriot FTont members that day started wi th a concerned citizen.

" Th e community really r a ll ied b e h ind the law enforcemen t who h ad to do their

Jo b ," h e sa ld

The event Included i h e prem ier of the documen t ary. " Wh at Are l da'ho s True Va lue.~: Tbls Is W h o We Are" produced by Jeff a n d Susan Crowe of B unkho u se Media and fu n ded by a Coeur

Bill.

d'A l ene Tribe grant S l ewart said -it shares the stories of individua ls who faced discrimination and tells of the cu.lrural values that depict the rea l Idaho

"It's very powerful:· he said.

BlrL£Y/P1

Tony Stewart, secretary of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations:, right, Is Joined by Peter Soderberg as he looks on during the organization 's annual banquet at the Best Weslem Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn on Saturday

55

TRIBE fromA1

Board ~lary Tony Stewart said the task force will be "dedicated and committed in using lhe funds to continue our over 4l ye:irs of service in promoting human and civil rights and oppo,\lng au fonns or hate action lncludlng intimJdation, harasslnent i bate crimes."'

eeThe h1unan rights grJup haJ been active on multiple fronts.

ll \Vorked tor the J)aSSaJ!e of laws to protect

citizens against aets or hate or discrimination, worked ,vlth schools to fund programs such as ihe annual Dr Martin Luther King. Jr. celebraUon ,md provided grants to N11rth Idaho College for minority student scholarships.

The task force also commissioned Jeff and Susan Crowe of Bunkhouse Media to produce a documentary titled "What Are Idaho's 'Ihm Values: This Is Who We Are." that premiered at Saturday's banquet

The J)Nject was funded by a grant from the Coeur d'Alene Tribe.

Stewart said since bts

arrival in 1970 a.. a faculty membe1· at NYC, the task force has had "no better friends or alJ les than those of the Coeur d'Alene Tribal people."

"We have seen many wondPn\tl days and celeb111tions with ow· tribal friends as wt!ll as st.anding together in times wh~n confronted by forces of hate and raclsm," Stewart saJd. He added, "'Ttiere ls no wa)· for our board to adequately express our gtatitude for what tbls gift means to us and our work but we are deeply thankful to our dear friends."

Ch ief Allan ol the C oeur d' Alene Tri be laug hs during the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations' ann ual banque t at t he Best Western Plus Coe ur d'Alene Inn.

I Cd'A Tribe gives $75K to rights group

Pra ise d as great fri e n d to task force

By BILL BULEY Staff

Wmer

COEUR d'AU: NE

The Coeur d'Alene Trll>e .:ave S75.000 to the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Rcl:itions during Its 23rd annual human rights

banquet on Saturday "We have had no better partner and friend over these more than 4.l years than tho Coeur d'Alene Tribal Council and the members of this great Tribe," said KC'l'FHR President Christle WO(>(L

She said ever>· dollar of th<' donation will go to programs and efforts that are In line with the tribe"s nussion Coeur d'Alene Tribal Chairman Chiel Allnn and Vice-Chairman Donnie Sczenski , announced a $75,000 gift

10 the KCTFHR at the Bi,st w~stern Plus Coeur d'Alene fnn to assist ln fts work promoting human anti chi! rights as well as suppo11 fol" victims or hate crimes or tlfscrlmtnation

See TRI BE, A9

HUMAN RIGHTS BANQUET: Thank you tor support

On Saturday. we held the 23rd annual successful Kootenai County '!'ask Force on Human Relations Human Rights Banquet and had a great event includin 5 the premier of our documenllU;· addressing Idaho values pr<>duced by the outstanding Bunkhouse Media Company

The financial success of each year's banquet makes it possible for us to fund programs such as our NIC minority student scholarships. We wish to thank this year's table sponsors Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Judi Kenyon Hanna, Marshal and Dolly Mend. ASNIC, Friends of ASNIC, A vista Corporation, City of Coeur d'Alene. CDA Police Assoctatlon, t,;Cllo Springs, Gomaga Center for the Study of Hate, Mike Gridley and Carla Cicero, Hagadone Hospitality. Human Rights Consortium - HREI. Human Rights Education Institute, Lewis-Clark State College, Love Lives Here - HREl. Joyce and Edward Lidor. NIC Board of Trustees, NIC Diversity Council. Deborah Ross, Tony Stewart. Jan and Daniel Studer, University of Idaho. Parkwood Business Properties. COA Charter Academy and Kootenai Clinic Family Medicine Residency. In addition to the table sponsors, we received two generous gifts from tho Margaret Reed Foundation and Vita Fullor

We hope mru,y of you will join us again next year for a great event.

Sincerely,

CHRISTIE WOOD

KCTFHR Board President

The Press, Friday, September 30, 2022

C'LoCal KCTFHRreceives$30K grant from Carr Foundation

The Gregory C. Carr F'ounda tion has granted the Kootenai County Task Poree on Human Relati ons $30,000 to help suppon a number of human rights initiatives in Koorena l Councy

The task force announced the grant award 'l'hu rsday, and noted the wo1·k or Greg Carr, an Idaho native who Is a philanthropist I and human rights acth•ist with a long history of suppo1ting human rlg hl.li in North j Idaho l "Our work promoting

hmnan rights has been greatly expanded due to Greg's generous annual gift to the task force over recent years," said KCTFHR President Christie Wood, in a press release. "We are so lndobted to this man,"

Working with Tony Stewar~ a task force founder and current board member, Carr purchased the former Aryan Nations compound after the ciYil trial in which the Keenans were awarded the property_ CSJT paid for the dismantling

of the compound and deedod the propeny to the North Idaho College Foundation The property was recently sold and the proceeds were used to establish the Gregory Carr Human Riglus endowment with the NIC Foundation.

In 2002, when Stewan was president of the Human Rights Education Institute. Carr awarded $1 million to HREI for programming work At the same time. Carr comm,ssioned a large marble piece with the preamble to the United

Nation's Univet-sal Declaration of Human Rights carved into the stone and gifted the marble to the ciry of Coeur d'Alene. The gifted package also includP<l $20.000 to th~ Unlversify of Idaho for a lecture In honor of Cathollc priPst Bill Wassmuth

"I cannot overstate my admiration for my friend Greg over all these years as he has become an Idaho human r-1gh1s icon in his

See KCTFHR, C2

as across America and internationally." Stewart said, In the release and the Coew· d ' Alene Tribe, two giants In the campaign to S('() that fromc1 beloved state as w~u "No ono has lx'!'n more blossl'd lhnn I lhruu11h mr fHN1,J,;lnr 111111 Oreg every humnn b<Jlng Is mv.itcd with 1,•,1"!<!1 nntl dismlt}''

KCTFHR

The Press, Saturday, October 1, 2022

C"Local

Return Idaho to our true values

Last W~'ekend was to me one of the best weekends in 0 Kootenai County OPINI N It truly was a countywide effo1i to peacefully fight back against hate and some distorted vi1•ws about what democracy means. .Phil No national Ward headlines -. M~· Tum nbout white supremacists. extreme rightwing lll'Oups and such occupying our community after an absolutely amazing weekend In Kootenai County. Let me list these events In sequence. The first

on Friday evening was the annual Democracy Dinner at The Coeur d'Alene Resort. The event Ulis year included several cand idates seeking election to Idaho s tato oJllces. Saturday morning ,t was to Post Falls for a Symposium on Democracy, Extremism and the Dobbs Decision . This Included panels composed of educators. experts and some genuinely smart people. Saturday evening, a return to Coeur rl'Alene for two separate events. The Human Rights Banquet presented each year by the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations a group formed to counter the Aryan Nation type of hate

See VALUES, Cs

VAWES

spit out. You can not iusttce or right. We are

claim to be seeki.ng at a turning point in our

lromC1 rights for all when you In democracy which will

groups in our area.

justice, freedom and understanding and belief

exclude certain people. may well be resolved

Drawing lines on race. Nov. 8 of this year.

This Saturday evening religion, national origin. Either we are one nation event saw a local police sexual orientation and or a divided nation. chief receive an award women cllsgualifies you ''There is a struggle

for pre\•enting the 31 from the use of such between those who want so-called Patriot Front words. The words in our to deny some people r As you prepare to cast your ballot in the

arrivals from disrupting U.S. Constitution are, their rights. and those

our Pride in the Park "We the people," without individuals who want midterm election, here's one exercise that could event. At the same exceptions. Segregation to support dignlty for help you make the best possible choices. time our chapter of is wrong, as is excluding all people. Inclusion

the NAACP held their people for their religious and diversity," said following seer ario. second Freedom Fund beliefs. where they come Tony Stewart. master

Gala , The keynote from. their lifestyle and of ceremonies for the speaker was Dr. Robin now even sex itself. banquet hosted by

Consider each candidate and apply the

We'll call it The Greatest Generation Litmus

Test. and we'll attribute it with admiration Kelley. chief d1vcrsily Rece11Uy, I learned the Kootenai County to Dalton Elementary School Principal Jody officer of Gonzaga that members of the Task Force on Human Hiltenbrand.

University. Coeur d'Alene Tribe Relations. Stewart said

arrived to cover these Spokane rather than of our people," is far I events. These events confront the Aryan from over. Still. he was imagining what members of The Greatest provided a clear Nation intimidation confident in the outcome ,

No national media had chosen to shop in the "struggle for the soul produced locally, Hiltenbrand suggests I

In an important documentary recently

Generation - the men and women who joined message for those here in Coeur d'Alene. as long as people arms, confronted and defeated one of the

who come to Idaho That must never happen remain vigilant and I world's most profound evils - would have done

advocating hate: stay again. The recent opposed to racl~m and if they'd been transplanted in the year 2020. away We are getting Supreme Court decision Intolerance. The event together. standing up In the Dobbs case isn't included the pn:rnier

Had they been facing the global pandemic I and speaking out. we just about a woman's of the documentary. and other enormous challenges of 2020 and do not accept yow· false right to choose, but "What Are Idaho's True 11 beyond. Hiltenbrand asks: and distorted view of more about the medical Values: This Is Who

"Would they have donned masks to protect

I freedom, rights and treatment that women We Are" produccl by the least amor g us or would they have n!ll democracy. All decent. are allowed to receive Jeff and Susan Crowe caring and responsible m life-threatening of Bunkhouse Media , yelled at schcol board meetings and called cltucns have reached situations. and funded by a Coeuri\ school administrators 'monsters,' and attached I their limit of tolerance Our goals must d'Alene Tribe grant. ,, the Don't T ead On Me to their homes or their of misinformation, include diversity, equity, "We're on the side I pickups? dlsinfonnatlon and Inclusion and justice of democracy. We're on

ballot box Nov. 8 to rid our electoral process is ~'<>nlrontlng hate and al "t

··would they have been the ones that attacked outright Iles. We. as a nation. as a state the sido of equality for I citizens or all pollt1cal and as our community everyone," he said. our Capitol? No, I don't think that generation stripes, wlll use all of Kootenai County. Let's join his efforts I would have done that. They were committed to legal means at our Sowi.ng mistrust In and those of others a greater purpose tJ1an just their own selves." disposal including lhe ow: elected leaders and in our community in A number -of the names on your ballot would

our commlmlty of this wrong. Dividing each return Jdaho to our true not pass that litmus test. On Sunday, we'U refer

canc<'r called hate. other Into those who values. you to several information sources that will

Some of us fall to are acceptable or those provide a wealth of background on candidates.

understand the meaning who are not can never Phil Ward is a raskient of But an investment of 42 minutes and 27 seconds

of words we callously equate to freedom. Coeur d'Alene. before then could reap great benefits for our

community.

That's lhe length of time you'd devote to e II I watching a documentary called "What Are e Idaho's True Values: This is Who We Are.''

Type that into your search engine and watch it on YouTube -

fntheftliii, Hillenbrand is just one member of the cast of some of our area's leading citizens, representing churches. businesses. governments, education, health care and more.

One thing all of these North Idahoans have in common is an abiding respect for the values that made our state the magnet it has become for people seeking a better life.

Please watch it. The documentary offers a clear lens through which all candidates should be evaluated.

Readers Write

The rough road ahead for NIC

Let's put on our cardinal-colored glasses for a moment.

Let's assume that the 2023 edition of the North Idaho College board of trustees looks more like the late-2022 model rather than the 2021 and early 2022 rendition.

Timing meant everything. In 2021, when N1C was brought to its administrative knees by ideologically miscast trustees Todd Banducci. Greg McKenzie and Michael Barnes, existential alarms were going off. Local college supporters heard them. So did the accrediting agency that holds NIC's future in its hands.

Barnes quit and the two conscientious, qualified trustees, Ken Howard and Christie Wood. resigned. That opened the door to the Idaho State Board of Education appointing three outstanding men to hold the fort - nay, to reinforce the walls and ramparts - until Nov. 8 rolled around.

The election produced two aces and a

The aces: Brad Corkill and Tarie

Zimmerman. The wildcard: !\,file Waggoner.

and McKenzie, so you might think that a

All three are Republican s, as are Banducci I

royal flush would guarantee a winning

hand. That's what the view through cardinal-

colored glasses suggests, anyway, and until

the three newcomers take their seats and

cast their votes, let's cling optimistically to

the idea that North Idaho College proceeds in

good and thoughtful hands.

and Zimmerman are fresh I

faces on the local political scene. relative

unknowns who at best have a hefty learning

curve ahead of them.

Corkill? If the new majority takes its gloves

off, as many expect, they're in for a hell of a

scrap.

Corkill is a lumberman who's picked bigger

splinters than Banducci out of his calloused

hands.

He·s a former Idaho Fish and Game

commissioner who's hunted fiercer critters

than McKenzie.

And when it comes to political bonafides,

Corkill is a former chairman of the Kootenai

County Republican Central Committee. He

. led ethically then and he'll lead ethically

now.

Slipping off the cardinal -colored glasses,

-·

c,'i <O°" g C •.ij ::s

...

I same foundation rot that undermined NIC

j you might envision two more years of the

,,.... . . while Banducci wore the chairman's hard g hat. But take heart even if that happens

f= I ,v... -1 ca

\ <>?:r:i::~-o:rn o5'~~~

-, 0 s 0 :,i<> ll) :!:o again.

E:(/):, ::s 5 ::r..., --3&~;'~ i;i'&o c. o!:i --..,.,,.,,.,

Those who claim NIC's imperiled g_-·!;j:=::i; cg!"xi:sc accreditation is a convenient political myth

I

... -g ~o

l ···,1 •.. i oo :,;08::,o!.,.E i,;;ig' agony might lie ahead as the college is P.;; ::s§9:i;l?.9. gs·g brought to the precipice of a fatal plunge,

,il O a:.§ C <> !;i'< o' :;! °g ul will be proven wrong. Turmoil and academic

.. ~~lf; !:i~;[ but with the community firmly behind the -! .. i "' a=i"' institution. its faculty, staff, students and g e :i -¥i ~:T!'.l

"':,' _.,. - C. i O aill 3· administration, North Jdaho College will g;o!E.,::s~- -· :s t.6·~,a.; g~ e: [ctJ '< survive and, eventually, thrive.

The next trustee election is two years I away.

We can get there from here.

«·:: -sen

By DEVIN WEEKS StaffWrilar

Idahoans

organued by ,Josh Hurwit, U.S. attorney for the Dlstrlcl of Idaho. in cortjunotion with The Coeur d' Aleile Tribe, the Kootenai County Tasl; Force on Buman Relations. Ult! U.S. O,,partment of ,Justice and the FBI United Against Hate 1s an inlliatfve launch~ by the Department or Justice lo improve efforts 10 comb~t hate crimes and hate Incidents through building relationslups al lhe local level. The objective Is to create an<l stl"l•ngthen trust among conununily fonders, law enforcnm~nt

and merntx>rs or the r.ublic "1'hr moniker of hate and that Idea did not exist on this land. h was an Introduced thing," Coeur d'Alene Tribal member Hemene James s,t!d "The Coeur d'Alenr 'tribe Is committed 10 lhe Intention that love, The Interaction that the Creator had when he placed us here for all beings - and 1haT's what we see ourselves as, as beings, not the ruler or this land. but lhe beings that belong to It and See UNITING, A7

~NWEEKS.P,eu

Chief Allan, chairman of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, far right, discusses hate crimes and Incidents experienced by his people as he participates In a panel during the Untted Against Hate forum In lhe Coeur d'Alene Casino evenl center Thursday. Also

pictured, from left: Coeur d'Alene City Councilwoman Christle Wood, the Rev. Heather Seman and Sandpolnl Mayor Shelby Rognstad.

actual ,•iolence," Hurwjt in court more often said. prosecuting these." she

Re said pmi of the said "We cam because goal of l11e forum and we·re seetng the cJTects into the future ls to In our community .·· bring together people of A panel highlighted

dlJTerent backgrounds perspectives from 1he and views. Rev. Heather Seman. I "'l'hafs our Coeur d'Alene City community," Eurwit Councilwoman Christle said. "We have Wood. Sandpoint Ma1·or differences, we mai• Shelby Rognstad and disagree on many Coeur d'Alenr 'l'rlbal things. but we need to Chairman Chief Allan.

find a place where we "Native people ha~.,

respect differences and been experiencing where we can have civil hundred$ of years of discussions, rather than hate crimes. not only

to turn Jnward and to against our people. but

rum toward hate. our women:· Allan United

"I believe it Is possible said. "Our women are to avoid this in North being taken. beawn and

of Idaho Idaho." he contmued murdered."

"I believe that if we do These topics are it here, we can inspire deeply painful, Allan

the rest of Idaho. And I said. bur also show how believe that Idahoans can his people are resflicnt. Inspire the rest of the "We're warrior nation." people, we're strong. We /

The forum featured don't back away from

information on the that kind of stuff.'' he difference between said. hate crimes and hate

He recalled when a ,r

incidents, how Idaho bu;, full of Lakeside High attorneys prosecute School football player~ ·, hate crimes, the call for was a1tacked as It left :i

unJty across the Inland game In Clark Fork in

Northwest and the need 2020. for people. to t(tl)Ort

"They were often und~rrepotted hate bombarded with rvcks.

incidents. but at that time. we

Traci Whelan, ctidn 't know it was

assistant U.S. attorney rocks. We thought it was Iand branch manager gunfire," Allan said.

of the Coeur d'Alene

"Dld our community

branch of the U.S. get afrald and all that Attorney's Office for the stuff? No. we w~re

District of ldaho. talked pissed. Thank you to

about how hate creates the FBI office. the ~'Bl trauma that affects was very responsive." not only victims. but he continued. ··1·m families. neighborhoods a very optimistic

and communities for person br nature. but genera tlons. I will also defend our

She said as a people. We defend all community looks of our people. we're all

10 stand up agaJnsl related. If somPbod~· hate.'. ft's critical to Is weak and hurting.• recol!nlze its far-reaching we're going to defend unpl!calions them because we need

"Neuroscience is to stand up for them . telling Us that trauma Come on people. this can be carried through is 2022. we're on the in DNA. You can bave verge of 20'l3, and we're cultural inheritance:· still talking about this. she said. "It affects more we as human beings? than just the person who There's no place in our

was ,•iclimized." world for that."

Whelan shared data

At the clost- or thr from 2020 sho\\ing hate forum, Hurwil said hate crimes In Jdaho are on will not be accept~d ln the rise. Idaho's communities.

"We care because "Love ls what we·re finding ourselvei; thrlves." he said -

;~::~!~J.':'.'. O~inion

OPINION· : Idaho n1ust once again send the hate 111ongers packing

Hat<' and bigotry often lurk just beneath the surface of civil societies. So long as a society ls united in disapproving of hateful words and acUons, those evil twl ns remain suppressed \"i'hen they receive official approval, they rlM" to the surface and infect society like a virus. A society must maintain continued vigilance to keep them in check

When ihe Aryan Nations hate group started flexing its muscles north of Hayden, Idaho. in tile early 1980s. drawing in white supremaciSts from across the count,;•, a number of local folks <>rganlzed to counter it, lncludlng Father Bill Wassmuth, attorney Norman Gissel, educator Tony Stewart and leadership of the eoeur d"Alene Trlbe.

They formed the Kootenai Countr Task Poree on Human Relations to educate the public and counter the malign activitJ<>s llf thP h~tP mon1ters. A significant part of the local

community took part in that effort. but it was not until the bombing of Father Wassmuth's home in 1986 that area Republican leglslators and the business Jim conununil'Y across Jones the state woke up to the necessity or lending a labo,ing hand. '!'he "-trength of that untied front was s~ In eradicating the evil or, at the least, driving it underground during the next decade.

Recent years have witnessed the grov.1h of white natioru:illst sentiment In north.em Idaho. due in significant part 10 the promotion of this beaut ll\ll area as part of the American Redoubt., a refuge for I.he so-called "whlte race." Realtors marketed the area as a place where extreme conse.vatives could live amorm like-mmd••d souls. That has brought a large

inflttX of people fleeing liberal states on the west coast and elsewt,ere to Uve in a rightwing Christian h.aven. Donald Trump has provided a wink and a nod of approval to the worst elements in while nationalist groups, superc harging the movement. including the northern part of the Gem State In a welc<>mP piece of history-repeats-iiself nc1vs, a new anti-hate effort was launched in Coeur cl'Alene on Nov 17 to counter the white nationalists. United AgaJnst Hate is an Initiative of the U.S Attorney General. presi<ied owr in Idaho by our U.S. Attorney. Josh Hurwlt

Although the revered Father Bill died in 2002. the KCTFl·IR and !ls usual suspects Stewart. Gissel. the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and many locals joined in the campaign to place a check on the new crop of hate mongers

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"The college has County property taxes. Boundary counties

j bought a tremendous sntdent tuition and rees - filed a complaint

from At amount nr land since and funds appropriated with the Northwest then." Stewart said. by the state. Those Commission on Colleges He pointed to the funds mainly comprise and Universities. NIC's Most of the funds Parker Technical dollars collected accred !ting body. came Crom a fP.deral Education Center statewide through The task force cited grant. totaling $130,000 in Rathdrum as an lncomll tax and sales numerous \•lolatlons of The state of ldaho example tax. the NWCCU's eliRiblllty and Koot,•na I County Tho:, •10 acres on which Th<' college owns all requirements, as well as provided another $75,000 the center sits have building:; on campus, violations of me policy.

between them and NIC no deed restrictions. 1vith the exception Stewart said it was with provided $55,000 toward However, NIC purchased of the NIC Student the desire and hope the purchase . the land :,t a discount Wellness and Recreation that trustees would take Toda)', tho beach with the w1derstandlng CentPr, which is corrective action. is permanen tly that It woulcl be used for financed through the The NWCCU went on protected, thanks to the education and to support Dormitory Housing to sanctton North Idaho community 's e fforts and th e college's mission Commission. The College with a warning. the lOl!al arguments of In July 2016. the U.S. building, developed Last week. after a the late Scott Reed. an Economic Development and planned In concert series of chaotic trustee

Iexpert , ln ~nvironmental Administration with NIC's student meetings at NlC. the and/ later law who also !nvei.'ted $1 .3 million government at the NWCCU sent a letter he)• ed preserve Tubbs in public works funds time. will belong to of warn i ng, giving the

H' !' for public use and to purchase equipment the college when the college until Jan. 4 to sa ,'I' the land that is to ~upport workfot·ce bond is paid off In the explain how it is not out now McEuen Park. training programs at the meantime. students pay of compliance with the

"He was so brilliant," Rathdrum facfllty a $180 fee per semester eligibility requirements Stewart said , "He locked Similarly. most of that goes toward the and standards for >

eI to the ongoing runnoll NIC';; main campus drops; fees will likely "It's really serious."

It up forever •· the equipment used in construction fln.·mclng NWCCU accreditation. Now Stewart has 1he Meyor Health and of the facility. "Tills .is really a turned his attention Sciences Bullding on lf student enrollment crisis," Stewart said.

eat NIC. Beyond the was paid for with rise in order to satisfy With NIC's future

enonnous impact on grants from the Idaho the debt. If the college uncertain. state-level srudents, Stewru1 said , Workforce D<ivelopment closes before the debt Is leaders say they have NIC losing accreditation Council paid. own<'rsbip of the limltf'd ability to act. would create another It's unclear what building would likely Idaho's community crisis. would happen to that revert to 1JS Bank - colleges are governed by

"The legal equipment and other though the land on locally elected boards.

complications are of ('(}uipment likl' a , which it sits belongs to "I think that ·s the a magnitude greater should the college NIC right way to do It,"

than any In thP hlstorr lose accreditation and Other properties Idaho State Board of

I of higher education in pot~ntially fall owned b)' the college Education President

The Idaho Stato, include the Rlverbend Kurt C.iebich said

Idaho'." Swwart said I Much of 11,T(C s main Board of Education Workforce Training during the board's

campus sits on n tract hru; complete control Center property. which regular meeting

of land donated to over NIC'$ caroor and has no deed restrictions, Wednesday. "I think

Kootenai County by 1echnical programs as well as eight that is the right way to

the Winton Lumber The board may choose residential properties do It. We are a local·

Company for lhe to limit appropriations along Military Drlve control state."

purpose of developing to the college if it loses near the main campus. Stewart said he

a public park. public accreditation. but there When the college believes It will take

hospital or public is no precedrnt !'or this began purchasing action from the Idaho

edu dfl lonal instltulion. situation , the M!Utary Drive C,egislature to protect

Tl j county conveyed "There's no real properties, trustees accreditation for

the l :tnd 10 the North frrunework !' said at the 1ime adopted a students and prevent

Idaho Junior College Mike Keckler. chief resolution agreetng the numerous "legal

District 1n August 19-11 communications and properties would be nightmares" as different

The property is deed legislative affairs officer used in support of NIC's entities that have

restrioted :md must for the st,.'l\e board. "We mission invested in NlC work

be used for public just don't know what Stewan is a founder out who owns or bas

education or a hospital. would happen." of the Kootenai County rights to what.

j It cannot be ust'<I for It's also unclear Task f'orce on Human "It'S a can of worms."

commercL-ll purposes if tho state of Idaho Rrlations and sen•es as Stewart said. "There

But the acro:agr gifted would ct>ntinue to the group's secretary are so many legal

I by Winton C.umber fund an unaccredited Last year. the task arguments. I don't know Company now only institution. The college force along with how l ong It would go makes up part of 1he has three tnam sources tts counterparts in on because of all these college's properties of revenue ; Kootenai Spokane, Bonner and complications "

North Idaho College ao ard Cha irn,an 1'0dd Banducci UNFIT TO SERVE

NIC' S accredltatklll IS at risk of being revoked , which will destroy the college as we know it. The NWCCU r~ shows the reason is the behavior of B~~rd Chairman Todd Banducci. Todd BandUCC• has violated his oath of office to the c1t1z~ns of Kootenai County. He has tailed in his duty of care to the position to which we elected him.

Osr ko Carolyn Pe'lerson Dain Kunz

Pie ipw Muelef Carrio Busch

M<Artiluf B Ham ason Came Sampson Dan Pamller

and M•<Y Dee Dodge

ar,y • c.sey McC-O<mack Dana and Darryl Sbeoeme.er

Calhenoe J COnley o.na and vi-. MIUO! Doug Evw

Allie Kur1i Yogia/ld Poler D. Vogt Beck\' Hanro Calhe..., s E,jln o.na GulQn oouv wagoner

Alison Knoll Ben and Klmbe,ty Zle!ller C- Ryan Sanborn DIN Sc,er;ht Dougtas Si"'*'Oham

Allison Wilke Bffl SIJllngs Callll' dlulo KIWS Douglas~-

Aly Mesclll<o llenjamin Orakl C:.,l- -llclltljr OOlllll&I Him>, 2004 NIC

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Amallda t>wall liver Chad SchOben Danyl Sl,ogemole< Dr. Jamie ff. JooH

Mllllda Leaoh Beisy aowen Ch¥ Beach Dov• Chim- Dr -'"" -·NIC -

AmlMI Smith Belsy Hawl<il>S Chinene Babb DaYe Eubinl<s • Or: Joo Dlnlp

.lman<la ThOfOPSOO -Ammon CllarlesCaswo" CDAScilool- Or. -w,,gt.C.

Evans David Rawts Ean AndetSOO

Andrew Spencer BObbi B,oo1<S CMS 8al:e• David Ter llalll Ed and Joonie Hodge mt, covington BOblll Day Chr\$ Jones DiMd Townsend Ed Halle<

Andy MOflell M WillOughby Cftris Kulle<ul Davoo Sj(lstrom Ed HOOd

Angel Beier S..S C0<1oll Cllrfs Meyer Dawn Colli<I$ Ed Kol<

Angela Clwldler Branoon "'11• CMS WiUougtrby Dawn Downs Ed Morse

Angela Orewien Bnnl BOfCheft Christa Hm1 O;rwna Shepa,d Eden I/gens

AA9ela same, lkeontia 5- C1111•tina Konek Dayne and Judi Hanna EClltll K"'""

Angie Ptllllit>S Bllnda and BOb hltther CM,..,. M&,<h Dean ttugenson Ectwatd and Unda Joy

AMandOOuOSl»M BrtndaCMs1ensM ChfioijneH-<I DeonR BeMell E-8-

AM eurveson Brono. Hammon<! Cmstine Mee.be Deana Kalberll El Lyon

AM Rule BrlOdaJolm Clm$1Ul0 - Deana LKalbet; Elaina M&111leWS

AM Smar! 8<ei!.a K•mbJey CMs1ine Moon, Pn.o. Deanne Atloerald EJ>na Hall

AMa Taylo,' ll<ett Cl'fi$111le Schalief Deb Andmon Ell Clemons

Annalee Hixson Btian Beari Clvistine Thunnan Deb CO<de$ Ells AAner

Annett• Nolting Boan L•"' Cllrisly Doyle Deb Rossell Elosa James

AnnleAlllen®la Brian MIiier Ciar.1Pla1l OeWeMcKlnney Ellzabell\Druttel

Annie 'l!adO'ISQ. fOfffle< ASNIC Brian Ddenlllal Cindy J. AJoeO Debbie Paul Elzabelh Henkel P11Si<len1 B~an Seguin Clary family Debi Tem1cc1ano Ellzabel!l Malhes

AnlhonV {TOC11) TalbOI Bnonsto,11 Cla•dla Brennall Debdta S Townsend El!Z:abelh Rose

An1llony Rllfel 8<1an llulo con.en Lal<e Oeborlli:I O.COll Ellzibe!II TollelsbOI

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GeoN Parl<er

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George Sayfet

Georgeanne Gnffltl'l

Georu~~sen

Gerard Mat11es

Geri Wood

Gel1anne

S.r,y Hogoatt

GlnaBmolc.s

Ginger Rynn

Ginny Wliteslde

Go«JyHannlgan,LINler

Grant Maclean

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llauooah Mclnefy

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He3111er Erikson

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Heall>er Schnitz

He3ll1erSolS'1lk

Heather W. Buller

Heidf9 Rogel$

HelenTalldngtt,n

Henry Amon

Hiedi S<~rodef, B~..,..11

Hilary Anderson

Holioday m sar.o, sanc1erson

Holly Brawner

HolySIElsoo

HoffyTach

Holly Weber

Honey Sayler

Hope EdUCa1iO<l

Howa,dJones

Hll9hMaloney

lngrtdYares

Isaac Clemons

Jam,a YOllnQ

Jan and Dan Slllder

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Jan Fay

Jan Geren

Jan MoseleY

Jane Habermann

JaneMOroan

Janet Broe~

Jaoet canon

JaAOtSlevfflS

Janette Godwin

Jank:• Odenlhal

Jared Lyda

Jasmine Addington

Jason ff0$1

Jason Laurttzen

Jay Logsdon

Jean Sweela1)ple

Jeanne Emerson

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Jan,es TFarns

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Jamie:Esle, JamieLtllil

Jat111 Wilson

Jennifer Greve

Jennifer Malet

Jennifer Matloy

JeooyGray

Jeremy \/ Thoo'4)Soo

Jeri Huf!ll)l)f8y$

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Jer,y 8alallll, LI Col. USAF/ANG {ll!l)

Jer,yRose

Jesse Garcia

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Jessica FetTy Jessica Uni

.lesslca Levy

JIIIS-Young

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Jim W Nancy1hmey JimJ 1mCOlier'nan JimC4Mra

Jim Faucher

.l*nFreeman

Jlmll<mmood

Jim Heade\' JlmJefl!IOs

J.mPflimps

Jim Runge and Donna Runge

JlmY.lne

JlfflWlndis<~

Jo.Ann and K. v. Nelson

JoAm and Mike CurllS

Joanna Schmitt

Jody Hiilel>btand

Joe Bulle<

JoeJaeol>)'

North ldaj Board Todd UNFIT

NIC'Saccreditation is at risk of as we know it. The NWCCU r1

Todd Banducci has violated his oi He has failed in his duty of care-:

Lany M. BdmO<lt

Larry Simmons

Laooi As"1enbrener

Laur.> Bonneville fflC Grad •94

l.alJ<1 Burg.son

Laura~ord

Laura Ternl)leman

Laura Tenneson

La<n WilUams

I.Uerl Bonedlc:l

Laun Annon

la<Jrie Delany

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AR~ !. CHAMBERSSUPPORT NO. ,lli IDAHO COLLEGE

' "'· nIJiaho College programs and servidp are essential t. o the e . c . anomic vitalitf·of the busine§s community in North~ldaho:~~.Pl .of FFRltuJc18 Wfll · ,· ·

Regional Chamber, Post Falls Chamber of Commerce , Hayden Chamber of Comme rce and the Rathdrum Chamber of Commerc e stand in support of North Idaho College.

We call on our Community to unify behind the goal of maintaining and expanding this important resource.

We call on the NIC Board of Trustees to bring unity and focus to North Idaho College once again and to address the accredj tation issues noted in the findings reported by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Let's ge t North Idaho College back to business and doing what they do best.

R EGIONAL CHAMBER