To promote and protect justice and the civil liberties and human rights of everyone in Lincoln County, the Coastal Progressives’ Immigration Information Response Team (IIRT) has scheduled a panel discussion for Tuesday, June 7, at 7 p.m. in the Community Room of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 9th and Hurbert, in Newport.  The goal of this forum is to help make Lincoln County a safer and more welcoming community for all its residents.
    We'll host a panel of local public officials to discuss the status of immigrants’ rights in our county to raise awareness among the community members and leaders of the economic and cultural value immigrants bring and about the issues impacting immigrants locally.  The panel will include Commissioner Bill Hall, County District Attorney Rob Bovett, County
Sheriff Dennis Dotson, Newport Police Chief Mark Miranda, and Defense Attorney Richard Scholl.
    Panel members will be asked to discuss the immigration issues that come up in their positions, what steps they take or would like to take for the unity and safety of our community in addressing these issues, and how the IIRT and other community groups can support them in these efforts.
    The United States Bill of Rights guarantees all persons due process and equal protection under the law. This forum is part of a series of public presentations and documentaries we are sponsoring to inform ourselves and the public about these human and civil rights. Join the discussion on June 7, and bring your questions for our public officials.
    For more information, contact 541 265 6216.