GREENFIELD — The town’s Human Rights Commission will hold a public hearing Monday at 6 p.m. in Town Hall to address an alleged series of anti-Semitic harassment directed at businesses and residents in the Hope Street area.
According to a news release from Chairman Lewis Metaxas, the commission has become aware that a neighborhood disagreement regarding the smell of coffee roasting in the air of the Hope Street escalated into alleged anti-Semitic threats and harassment. Sean and Darren Pierce, co-owners of Pierce Brothers Coffee Roasters, said during last month’s Town Council meeting that their employees have become the subject of frequent harassment, including anti-Semitic remarks, and feel threatened.
Metaxas wrote in the release that he has conducted a preliminary inquiry into the matter, consisting of interviews with the involved parties, residents and businesses, and has referred the matter to the full commission for a public hearing, investigation, finding of facts and potential action plan.
“I find this to be extraordinarily serious. Just as serious is the need to protect the individuals, employees and residents of this neighborhood from working and living under this cloud of threatening behavior,” Metaxas said. “So I’m also recommending that the commission look at discussing, explaining and advocating in a proactive manner steps that can be taken to help with that protection.”
Both the Pierce brothers and Police Chief Robert Haigh Jr. have been invited to address the commission. Metaxas said it is also expected that the commission will review and discuss pertinent state laws pertaining to civil rights violations, hate crimes and civil injunctions that are available to victims.
After the testimony, findings of fact and state statutory review, the commission is expected to discuss and possibly adopt an action plan.
The public hearing is open to all.