By Sandy Chang
Investigative Reporter
Ana Lopez
Society Reporter
Some of the names involved in this developing story have been altered to protect the identities and safety of victims and advocates.
CHICAGO - The Asian American Institute hired a group to harass and intimidate former victims of discrimination and journalists. On Friday, September 28th, 2012, AAI sent a combination of messages, both electronic and physical, to the private residence of a former victim of discrimination.
The forwarded document sent to the victim by Laura Waller, a staff attorney, was delivered on Friday and claim "damages" to AAI. "I'm honestly shocked," stated Jabari, the Asian American Institute's victim. "How did they get my contact information and are they attempting to intimidate the very folks they discriminated against?"
The Asian American Institute encountered investigations by the Illinois Department of Human Rights, the Illinois Human Rights Commission, and the Corporation for National and Community Service - Office of Civil Rights and Inclusiveness for alleged discrimination towards former applicants.
In the document, the Asian American Institute via Laura Waller claim that Jabari, a Latino applicant who sought employment for an AmeriCorps Vista program through AAI, was "not discriminated against". To add insult to injury, they claim that evidence, which supports blatant discrimination by AAI towards the applicant based on race and ancestry, "in no way referenced...race or ancestry".
Investigative Reporter
Ana Lopez
Society Reporter
Some of the names involved in this developing story have been altered to protect the identities and safety of victims and advocates.
CHICAGO - The Asian American Institute hired a group to harass and intimidate former victims of discrimination and journalists. On Friday, September 28th, 2012, AAI sent a combination of messages, both electronic and physical, to the private residence of a former victim of discrimination.
The forwarded document sent to the victim by Laura Waller, a staff attorney, was delivered on Friday and claim "damages" to AAI. "I'm honestly shocked," stated Jabari, the Asian American Institute's victim. "How did they get my contact information and are they attempting to intimidate the very folks they discriminated against?"
The Asian American Institute encountered investigations by the Illinois Department of Human Rights, the Illinois Human Rights Commission, and the Corporation for National and Community Service - Office of Civil Rights and Inclusiveness for alleged discrimination towards former applicants.
In the document, the Asian American Institute via Laura Waller claim that Jabari, a Latino applicant who sought employment for an AmeriCorps Vista program through AAI, was "not discriminated against". To add insult to injury, they claim that evidence, which supports blatant discrimination by AAI towards the applicant based on race and ancestry, "in no way referenced...race or ancestry".
Laura Waller claims this document, sent to former applicant by the Asian American Institute "in no way referenced...race or ancestry".
In addition to AAI sending intimidating, coercive, and harassing messages addressed to their former victim, they also include notes to members of the media, including journalists.
In an attempt to censor freedom of the press and freedom of speech, Waller claims that allegations by those claiming discrimination by the Institute are "stunning". Some of the journalists and members of the media Waller contacted are well-known reporters in Chicago - often investigating high-profile cases of discrimination in education, housing, business, and politics.
"AAI is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any individuals...(AAI) is not under investigation...", states an email correspondence sent to the victim's personal email account.
However, records from both the Illinois Department of Human Rights and the Illinois Human Rights Commission prove otherwise. Additionally, a charge was filed with the Illinois Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2011 against the Asian American Institute for failure to hire an applicant based on race and national origin.
In an attempt to censor freedom of the press and freedom of speech, Waller claims that allegations by those claiming discrimination by the Institute are "stunning". Some of the journalists and members of the media Waller contacted are well-known reporters in Chicago - often investigating high-profile cases of discrimination in education, housing, business, and politics.
"AAI is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any individuals...(AAI) is not under investigation...", states an email correspondence sent to the victim's personal email account.
However, records from both the Illinois Department of Human Rights and the Illinois Human Rights Commission prove otherwise. Additionally, a charge was filed with the Illinois Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2011 against the Asian American Institute for failure to hire an applicant based on race and national origin.
The Asian American Institute claims it was "not under investigation by the Illinois Department of Human Rights". However, this document not only shows AAI underwent investigation by the IDHR, but also by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
"I don't understand why AAI would stalk their victims, collect their private information, and send strange men to their homes," Jabari stated. "I honestly fear for my safety and the safety of my loved ones. If anything were to happen to me, my family members, or the journalists involved I will hold the Asian American Institute and Laura Waller accountable."
As of Saturday afternoon, Jabari is reviewing his legal options to protect himself against further intimidation by the Asian American Institute.
As of Saturday afternoon, Jabari is reviewing his legal options to protect himself against further intimidation by the Asian American Institute.
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