Rights Panel Warns of Bias Violations

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights served notice on government agencies that they will be closely watched for violations of laws banning racial or ethnic discrimination.

The commission held a briefing to explore whether civil liberties are being trampled as the federal government seeks to find those responsible for the terrorist attacks and protect Americans from future tragedies.

Concerns centered on reports that pilots have removed some airplane passengers as security risks because they appeared to be Middle Eastern and that many of those detained in the government’s investigation are being held without bail, some on minor immigration violations.