Yachin Center Demands Freeze on New Government Racism Complaint Procedure Citing Overreach

The Yachin Center for National Strategic Studies has formally requested State Service Commissioner Doron Cohen to immediately halt the implementation of a new directive on handling complaints of racism and discrimination within government institutions. Signed by Dr. Tal Greenfeld, the letter argues that the directive, numbered 3.26, exceeds the commissioner's authority, undermines the rule of law, and disrupts proper administrative governance.

This new procedure, developed by the State Service Commission in cooperation with the Government Unit for Combating Racism at the Ministry of Justice, mandates that each government ministry appoint a dedicated official to centralize complaints of discrimination and racism. It transfers complaint handling from local managers to a structured disciplinary process involving external bodies.

The Yachin Center contends that this shift grants excessive power to legal and external entities, weakens managerial authority, and increases the legalistic handling of routine workplace disputes. They warn this could harm the operational efficiency of government offices and public hospitals. The letter highlights that the directive unilaterally expands the Government Unit for Combating Racism's authority beyond the limited scope originally approved by the government, without new legislation or cabinet approval, constituting an overreach.

Furthermore, the directive removes the ability of ministry and hospital managers to conduct initial factual investigations, mandating referral to external bodies. This, according to the letter, infringes on managerial discretion and deepens the "legalization" of public service work, potentially damaging management effectiveness and labor relations.