One black federal agent says the yearly Good Ol' Boys roundup bans blacks and that its sponsors are racists. But another says he attended it, was welcomed and sponsors apologized when someone called him a "nigger."
Such contradictions were common Friday as Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, held a hearing about whether racist activities occurred at the gatherings, and whether agencies tolerate racism.Treasury Undersecretary Ronald Noble announced he is asking a committee of prominent citizens to review ongoing inspector general investigations into the matter to help assure the public that ethical guidelines are being followed.
He said that among the members of the citizens panel is Brigham Young University President Rex E. Lee.
Hatch last week called for federal law agencies to fire any agents who attended the annual camping, sports and drinking event in Tennessee if racist activities reported in the press are true.
He said Friday that committee investigations revealed some roundups "put on racist skits, displayed blatantly racist signs and sold T-Shirts displaying, among other things, a picture of an African-American man sprawled on apolice car with the words, `Boyz on the Hood.' "
Hatch said the committee also had reports that "Nigger hunting licenses" were available at this year's roundup and that hundreds of federal, state and local officers attended each year.
"If someone authorized to wield a gun in the name of the law can knowingly organize, participate and find comfort in gatherings such as the ones I described, that person does not deserve the public's trust," Hatch said.
Federal officials told Hatch they are still investigating the matter, but it appears fewer federal agents attended than has been suggested and fewer questionable activities may have occurred. They also say their agencies do not condone racism.
ATF Director John Magaw said total attendance of federal, state and local officers plus civilians has been between 300 and 350 people a year.
Justice and Treasury department officials said most officers who attended either reported that they saw no racist activities, or complained when they saw objectionable signs - which they said were removed and offenders were asked to leave. They said they went for camping, rafting and companionship of fellow officers.