Position Statement

   In his grievance, Jeramy noted that he felt staff violated PSI’s code of  conduct policy by engaging in unprofessional behavior towards him that  amounted to severe harassment. In response to his grievance, Jeramy was  almost immediately subject to  significant restrictions that implied some form of retaliation. For  example, on the following day, August 4th,  Jeramy was serviced with a  “Notice of Trespass and To Stay Away” that  accused Jeramy of acting in a  verbally and physically abusive manner,  threatening and or  inappropriate fashion towards staff including using derogatory and  racist language.  The notice goes on to mandate that  Jeramy have no  in-person communication with staff or vendors unless it  is over the  telephone. These restrictions do not appear to be consistent  with PSI’s Trauma-Informed Care policies and a supportive housing environment. Shortly  after receiving this letter, Jeramy was served with  notice of eviction  by a Constable, which caused him a great deal of  embarrassment, stress  and harm to his reputation that continues to  through the present as  documentation of this notice is still on record  with law enforcement  and other agencies the notice was communicated to.
 

   Although enforcement of the significant restrictions initially imposed on Jeramy  were eventually rescinded, we  are appalled to see that the notice of eviction was merely put on hold  when video evidence clearly shows that Jeramy was a victim and in no way  provoked such an aggressive response  by the staff member. It almost appears that the staff member is using  the term “racist” when he calls the supervisor as a way to embarrass or  further escalate the matter. Furthermore, I am unable to find any  reports in PSI’s Incident Library  that supports the assertion that Jeramy has ever engaged in any of the  behaviors listed in these notices.  It should also be noted that Jeramy  does suffer from mental health  disabilities that should have been  considered and accommodated for by the staff member (PTSD) by using de-escalation techniques and Trauma Informed Care guidelines  as mandated by PSI policies. If there is documentation of similar  incidents, we request these be provided so we can prepare for the  grievance committee hearing.  
 It  is our belief that based on audio and video evidence submitted by  Jeramy, and posted online, that Jeramy was the one subjected to  aggressive behavior on the part of staff. We call your attention to the following video: WATCH ON YOUTUBE.  First, we contend that merely saying the phrase “you people” is fairly  broad and is not a racist statement in and of itself. Jeramy could have  been referring to staff collectively. (I  was referring to knucklehead staff they've been sending lately, not a  skin color. people hear what they want to hear, but it's not my fault he  misunderstood me.) Jeramy was never given the chance to provide context or explain, however, as he was immediately verbally attacked and  intimidated by the staff member who followed him to his doorway. Second,  we believe the staff members behavior is extremely egregious as the staff member comes close to threatening violence.
 

Request for Resolution in lieu of Grievance Committee Hearing:
 

My Conditions:
1. Clear His Name: Jeramy would like a letter formally rescinding the  notices and the  baseless accusations made against him and for the  notice of eviction to  vacated – not merely on hold.
2. Repair Damage to Reputation: In the current climate, accusing any  individual of making racist  comments can cause severe harm and  embarrassment. This could also  result in Jeramy being marginalized. As  such, Jeramy demands that any  agencies or persons who received the  notices be copied on the above  letter, including the Brookline Police  Department. Jeramy also wants  proof that this has been complete.
3. Prevention: If the staff member in question is still employed with  PSI, we demand  he undergo Trauma Informed Care training within the next  6 months. If  this training has been completed, please confirm. Jeramy  wants to  ensure that no one else falls victim to the aggression and  false  accusations he was subjected to.
 

If the above terms are not agreeable, we would like to continue with our request for a grievance committee hearing.
 

Thank you!