3E82419BAD8E1CEA872582C50063A819 Hearing Summary

Mr. FitzSimons provided the committee with information about his professional background.  Valerie Simons, Association Vice Chancellor and Title IX Coordinator, University of Colorado Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance, introduced herself to the committee.  Tamara Dixon, Human Resources Director, Town of Parker, introduced herself to the committee.

Mr. FitzSimons reviewed the recommendations from ILG regarding human resources department structure starting on page 73 of the report. He provided a handout to the committee [Attachment E]. He reviewed the roles of the recommended four human resources employees, which include a human resources director, an EEO officer, a workplace culture specialist, and an ombudsperson. He discussed the EEO advisory panel that would have five members. Mr. FitzSimons discussed the legislative culture committees in each legislative chamber. He discussed the anonymous complaint hotline.

Mr. FitzSimons, Ms. Dixon, and Ms. Simons answered questions from the committee regarding the suggested name of the Office of Legislative Culture. Mr. FitzSimons answered questions about the current human resources structure of the legislature.

Ms. Dixon continued discussing the ILG recommendations regarding human resources department structure. She discussed the need for training of the committee members and consistency between legislative chambers. Ms. Simons discussed how the University of Colorado - Boulder Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance is structured. She reviewed the role of the Education Unit, Case Resolution Unit, and Remediation Unit. She discussed the recommendation of the ILG report regarding human resources structure. She reviewed what she thought were the strengths and weaknesses of the report and potential issues that might arise.  Ms. Simons discussed the rule the ombudsman would have, and how that might differ from the typical role of an ombudsman. She raised issues that might arise with the panel, such as the panel selecting its successors.

Ms. Dixon, Mr. FitzSimons, and Ms. Simons answered questions about what occurs when a complaint arises against elected officials in the public sector. Ms. Simons answered questions about formal and informal resolution process utilized by her office. She discussed how the remedial and protective measures are utilized to ensure safety. Ms. Dixon discussed the business-partner model she utilized in setting up human resources departments, and how she has utilized outside professionals in investigations. Ms. Dixon and Ms. Simons answered questions about the legislative culture committees and trauma-informed training. Mr. FitzSimons answered questions about the ombudsman role recommended in the report. He referenced the Colorado State Employee Assistance Program. The committee discussed involving victim advocates in the process.

Ms. Simons answered questions about how the anonymous complaints are handled by her office. She responded to questions about best practices for training. Specifically, she discussed micro-focusing on specific areas of campus. Ms. Dixon discussed the training her department utilizes regarding culture. Ms. Simons discussed training of supervisors, trauma-informed training, and the resolution process.

Mr. FitzSimons answered questions about the current human resources structure and how many human resources functions are handled. Ms. Simons answered questions about the CU-Boulder structure and relevant federal rules. Mr. FitzSimons answered questions about the role of the EEO advisory panel.  Ms. Simons discussed the potential role for outside investigators. Ms. Dixon answered questions about how questions about the investigations are handled. Mr. FitzSimons, Ms. Simons, and Ms. Dixon answered questions about how investigators keep impartiality. Ms. Simons discussed compliance and recusals. Ms. Dixon discussed utilizing outside investigators and the role of former legislators on the EEO advisory panel.

Ms. Dixon and Ms. Simons answered questions about accountability once an investigation is completed. Ms. Simons and Ms. Dixon discussed how comparative cases are provided to allow for consistency in resolutions. Ms. Dixon, Mr. FitzSimons, and Ms. Simons answered questions about appeal processes. Ms. Simons discussed appeals processes, the number of complaints files to her office, and the number of which are handled informally or referred to another office.