Hmong 18 Council of WI - Background Check Requirement?

Should the Hmong 18 Council Require Background Checks?

3/24/2015

Wausau- On March 14th, the Hmong 18 Council of WI held its first meeting of 2015. There, the new President, Blia Yao Lo and his team introduced themselves to the Clan Leaders (Nres Xeem). The young Executive Board has been pushing for progress in the Hmong 18 Council. During the election, there was heated debate at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee's election debate, where community members requested a background check on all the 36 Clan Leaders (Nres Xeem). *Note there are two Clan Leaders from each clan, one male and one female. In order to run for the Presidency or serve on the Executive Board, a background check is REQUIRED. However, to serve as a Nres Xeem, there is no background check requirement stated in the bylaws. 

Chong Pheng Lee, an Executive Board member, proposed the idea of having background checks to the Nres Xeem. This would insure that we had the right people doing the job. It was further added by Vice President Mao Khang, that this check would serve as a safeguard for the future in cases and is a requirement for any organization. A few of the Nres Xeem were concerned that they would not pass the background check. But they were reassured that none of the information found would be shared with the public. 

After a few questions, the background check proposal was put into motion by Tong Toua Xiong, the Nres Xeem of the Xiong Clan. However, the Lee clan's Nres Xeem was concerned about personal issues that may affect the eligibility of Clan Leaders. Both the Vue Clan Leaders pointed out that there was no requirement stated in the Bylaws, therefore, it should be amended or thought over at home before making the motion to enforce background checks. Kaying Vue, Nres Xeem of the Vue Clan motioned for the background check proposal to be "taken home for further consideration." With no other choice, the Executive Team seconded the motion along with the two Nres Xeem: WachaKong and Sai Lee Thao. 

What do you think? Should the background check be a requirement for the Hmong 18 Council of WI's Clan Leaders (Nres Xeem)?

What can you do?

If you think that the Hmong 18 Council should require background checks, then, please contact your clan leaders and voice your opinion! The motion has been "taken home" for consideration. This is your chance to speak up. 

Please reassure your Nres Xeem that a background check is not as scary as it sounds. They're required for even simple things like applying for a job. Nothing too personal will be found. 

Please sign the petition here.