Computer science and engineering freshman, Nikit Parakh, works in a computer lab in the Engineering Building on Jan. 23, 2020.
The Department of Justice announced a Civil Rights Reporting Portal on Thursday, according to a press release from the Western District of Michigan. The portal is intended to ease the process of public reporting of civil rights violations.
The statement said this makes it easier to identify the proper reporting channel. There are 30 reporting pathways.
"The Civil Rights Reporting Portal will make it easier for the public to connect with us, which in turn makes us more effective at upholding these important rights," Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division said in a statement. "I encourage the public to use this portal to report civil rights violations.”
Currently, the form is provided in English and Spanish. More languages will be added over the next year, according to the release.
Those wanting to report civil rights violations may still call the civil rights hotline at 616-808-2004 or email usamiw.civilrights@usdoj.gov, Western District of Michigan U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge said.
"We coordinate with the Civil Rights Division on referrals; so whether you want to reach us quickly with a concern or to actually file a report through the new portal, you will be taken seriously,” Birge said.
Additionally, those who believe they may have been a victim of a civil rights violation can visit civilrights.justice.gov to learn about their rights.
"If you believe that you are a victim of criminal civil rights violations, such as misconduct by law enforcement officers, hate crimes, or human trafficking, please contact your local FBI office," the statement said.
Local FBI offices can be found here.
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