Click here to RSVP for the discussion
The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) will host their monthly Community Meeting on Tuesday, September 26th from 6pm–7pm at the AADM Justice Center & Bookstore. Joining us for discussion will be special guest speaker Gavin Hassemer, Athens-Clarke County’s new Internal Auditor. We will discuss his role in our local government, his perspectives on civilian oversight over policing, and his plans as the new internal auditor. This community meeting is open to the public and presents a wonderful platform for community members to learn more about the AADM and our local government! To RSVP and/or submit questions for the discussion, please click here: https://forms.gle/RQTq3SMNgiFymQU27
The AADM has been instrumental in promoting justice and accountability in our government by successfully advocating for the restructuring of the Auditor’s Office. It is noteworthy that this office had remained vacant since 2021 following the unjustified termination of Stephanie Maddox, the previous Auditor, after prolonged advocacy to safeguard her rights in the workplace.
Additionally, Mr. Hassemer will assume the role of the Monitor for the Public Safety Civilian Oversight Board (PSCOB). For years, the AADM, along with various community members, campaigned for a committee to provide oversight over police. Between 2019 and 2021, AADM’s executive director, Mokah Jasmine Johnson, served as the co-chair of the Police Advisory Task Force committee. This committee, comprising various community leaders, was in charge of proposing public safety recommendations for enhancing law enforcement accountability and ameliorating community-police relationships. These recommendations received unanimous approval in 2021 by the Athens Mayor and Commission, subsequently leading to PSCOB’s creation. Currently, PSCOB is working on a limited budget and two positions are currently vacant. Now, with Mr. Hassemer as the acting Monitor overseeing daily operations, we are hopeful that this agency will be fully functional by the end of the year.
Make a difference in your community by gaining greater insights into local government happenings. Attend the AADM Monthly Meetings every 4th Tuesday and get involved!