City Launches Investigation into Artharee's Behavior Towards Commissioner Smith

UPDATE: Office of Equity supports inquiry

By Nigel Jaquiss and Aaron Mesh

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Mayoral Spokesman Dana Haynes this afternoon announced the City of Portland will launch an investigation into the events of last Thursday evening when Mayor Charlie Hale's public safety advisor, Baruti Arhtaree, made what he has termed "inappropriate" comments about County Commissioner Loretta Smith.

Haynes tells WW that Artharee will remain on the job while the investigation proceeds.

UPDATE, 6:08 pm: The Office of Equity and Human Rights has issued a press release supporting the city investigation into the actions of Artharee at a Thursday event held as a get-to-know-you meeting for Dante James, the director of the Office of Equity and Human Rights.

the statement
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physical gestures described by others

ORIGINAL POST, 2:54 pm: Here's Haynes' statement:

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