HOTLINE PURPOSE
The Anti-Racism/Anti Oppression (ARAO) Hotline is a resource created by the Black Education Act (House Bill 43) that is available for students, families, staff, community members, or any stakeholder to report school-based incidents of racism, injustice, or discrimination against anyone.
The hotline provides a variety of ways to file an incident report and operates under IPRA and FERPA guidelines.
There is no expectation for anonymity when reporting to the ARAO Hotline. The Hotline utilizes the information reported to encourage communication, and positive engagement of all parties during the follow-up process.
ARAO HOTLINE GUIDELINES
IPRA – The Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) is a New Mexico state law that provides the public and media access to public information. The law requires open access to almost all public records in state and local government, with few exceptions. Under IPRA, the public has the right to take legal action if they are denied access to public records, an important mechanism to empower the public.
FERPA – The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. (2.ed.gov)
FILING A REPORT
The Anti-Racism Anti-Oppression Hotline is available for students, families, staff member, community members, or any stakeholder to report school-based incidents of racism, injustice or discrimination against anyone. Callers will reach a trained department employee from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; if calling after hours, they can leave a message. The hotline was established as a requirement of the Black Education Act, passed in the 2021 General Session of the Legislature.
DEFINING RACIALIZED INCIDENT
A racist incident is any incident that is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person. Racist actions might include:
- Physical abuse: spitting, punching, kicking, slapping, pushing, or behavior that leads to physical injury.
- Threats: words of a threatening nature: For example, “I’m going to beat you up” or “I’m going to get you and your family.”
- Verbal abuse: racist name calling, swearing, abusive telephone calls, etc.
- Sexual abuse: including degradation, rape, assault, etc.
- Written/printed abuse: letters by post, leaflets, or posters using racist language, abusive text messages, abusive messages on Facebook or other social media..
- Graffiti/racist language or images written/drawn onto property.
- Attacks on property/home: eggs/stones thrown at property, tires slashed, windows broken.
- Harassment: persistent intimidating or threatening behavior that is spread out over a period of time.
Callers will reach a trained department employee from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; leave a message if calling after hours.
To report an incident:
Call (833) 485-1335
Email [email protected]
Fill out the online form at bit.ly/ARAOhotline