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Home My WebLink About03-19-2013 Human Rights Commission12IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION 50 Years of Advancing Equality 1%3-2013 AGENDA CITY OF IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION HELLING CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL March 19,2013 6:00 P.M. I . Call Meeting to Order/ Roll Call 2. Approval of Minutes from the meetings of January 28, 2013 & February 19, 2013 3. Public Comment of Items Not on the Agenda 4. New Business a. Proposed Jusfice Center 5. Old Business: a. Learn over Lunch: US Dept. of State Hometown Diplomats Program (April 2) b. Fair Housing (April 23) c. Youth Awards (May 15) 6. Updates/ReDorts: a. UNA Night of 1000 Dinners b. Proclamations c. SEATS al. Education Subcommittee e. Immigrant Subcommittee i. Municipal Identification f. Ad Hoc Diversity Committee g. Building Communities h. University of Iowa Center for Human Rights L Commission j. Staff 7. Set Next Regular Meeting for ApriI16, 2013 at 6 p.m. 8. Adjourn The Iowa City Human Rights Commission meetings follow the Iowa City Community School District closings for inclement weather except for early dismissals for heat. Minutes Human Rights Commission January 28,2013 — 6 P.M. Emma Harvat Hall Members Present: Members Excused: Staff Present: Others Present: PRELIMINARY Orville Townsend Sr., Jessie Harper, Kim Hanrahan, Dan Tallon, Joe Coulter, Katie Anthony, Diane Finnerty. Shams Ghoneim, Harry Olmstead. Stefanie Bowers Jeff Cox (Present for discussion on Proposed Revised Justice Center Plan) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Human Rights Commission meeting ofJanuary 28, 2013. Recommendations to Council: None. Call to Order: Chair Townsend called the meeting to order at 18:02. Proposed Diversit-y Policy of the Board of Education for the Iowa City Community School District: Townsend: First agenda itern. Proposed diversity policy of the Board of Education for the Iowa City Community School District. Before commissioners speak, is there is anyone in the public that would like to address, make remarks on this topic? Okay, if not, why don't we open it up for discussion from the commissioners, Joe was this something you brought up? Coulter: Yes. I believe I did. It seemed to me that the underlying issues that led to a lot of controversy about _ seen in our packets, you know expression of concerns on part of the council and others and I am referring to the apparent inadequacies with regard to the schools in our eastern part of Iowa City, southeastern, that have disproportionate numbers of, at least as evidenced by the free and subsidized school lunch program, a pretty substantial group of people with some socioeconomic issues. This also seems to correlate rather strongly related to the racial and ethnic minority composition of those same neighborhoods and that seemed to me to be a human rights issue. They, I'm not or wouldnt suggest at this time any particular course of action or position I would take on any of the pending referenda or other things out there, but it did seem to me that this commission, given the basis of the issue, and thats the inequities in our school and possibly our housing and some other things, but that should be something that is, at least, on our radar screens, in that we should have some discussions about it. If we need additional data, I think we should seek that out and then, depending on what we could arrive at, some sort of - I - recommendation, or at least an expression of concern on the part of this committee about the need to address this issue in our community. Hanrahan: I would be in 100% support of that statement. I think that it is a hurnan rights issue. I think until all of our students have equal opportunities to education and that education is, matches the highest level that the students are offered in our community, I think it is Townsend: Other comments? Okay. I agree, there are inequities within the district that should be addressed. I guess, my concern, is that it is so broad. You know, there are a lot of things going and it is very broad. Do we deal with everything or, you know, do we deal with specifics, or do we deal with, you know, any individual in the district who feels that they are being treated unfairly can basically, you know, file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission. So, what vehicle do we use to address this, I guess, is my question. Coulter: One possible course of action for this committee might be to stress the need for the school district, the city, this commission and the people of Iowa City to address this and develop a stronger, more credible plan to address this. After we, the others involved in the decision making have gotten all the information that they need. I was, this reflects some of my own ignorance. 1 was not aware really of the existence of one of our high schools in Iowa City. I thought we had three high schools, City, West and Regina. But we have Elizabeth Tate High School. I went to that website, I could not find anything out about it. Most of the links are nonfunctional. I don't know how many students there are, I don't know whai the purpose of it is. It's a mystery to me. I do know where it's located. It's located right where we are talking about and Mr. Harper, I think alertly noticed that there may be some issues there. But it's hard for me to understand to address the problem that doesn't take into consideration the schools that are involved. Nowhere in the plan are there any specifics about where and what would be done. I am rather disappointed that the plan uses language and redefines minorities as people of low socioeconomic status and uses not in the context that I am ordinarily, for most of us I think, consider diversity as racial and-�&ric diversity. They have redefined that term apparently, although they don't say this in the policy that they mean by diversity, diversity of socioeconomic status. Well, and that minority means that those under free or subsidized school lunch program, i.e., low socioeconomic. That's worrisome., when the meanings of words get changed and when there is a lack of specifics in details which some of you know about and are concerned about but, you know, I think there are others who are more knowledgeable about this part of our community and where some of these problems are than I am. Townsend: Any comments? Tallon: I want to know what exact, what exactly you think are the problems and I wrote down that I heard you say, one is that it doesn't take into account Elizabeth Tate High School, and the second was redefining of minority. Coulter: It doesn't take any school into its policy. Tallon: It doesn't take any specific school? -2- Coulter: Nope. Tallon: Okay. And that minority is socioeconomic diversity. Are there other specifics that you can think of that are issues? Coulter: Well, I think there are a lot of questions. I think a lot of them have been raised in newspaper articles and articles by Matt Hayek and others, not speaking on behalf of the City Council, but as individuals, that yes I think there is quite a list of things. Tallon: What do you think they are? Because I want to have like, I think if we are going to have an opinion as a commission on anything, we should have a list of what we, or anyone, considers a problem with the policy so we, so we can actually have an opinion about the problems, instead of talking about the diversity plan. Coulter: I am a little hesitant as an advisory body, which I take the Human Rights Commission to be, to try to micromanage another school district or city government . On the other hand, I think it would not be inappropriate for us to express our concern that an effective and specific plan be developed to identify the problem and the potential solution and how these will be measured and monitored so that we know whether or not these problems have been or are being dealt with. Hanrahan: And I think just... Coulter: Rather drilling down and coming up with. Hanrahan: I have two points, one is the school board has already voted two times and have voted for this policy. They have one more vote that comes up, so I�m not quite sure well be able to influence any of the, any of what's in the current policy. The other thing that I'd like to always make clear is, this is policy, it's not implementation. So, once the policy is passed, it will be put forth to Murley and the Administration to come up with a way that this plan, policy is implemented. Coulter: Then I have a question there. Would this policy be adopted if the referendum which is to go on the 5th is not passed? What happens to the pplicy9 It's not clear to me. Does anvbodv know? Bowers: I think the school board will vote on February 5th, which I believe is the same day as the vote, so it occurs all on the same day. Hanrahan: It's two separate. Coulter: But if the RPS — the vote, that's two components, the RPS and the policy. If that vote is not in the minority vote, what happens to the policy? Bowers: And that's a question I think that would be forthcoming. I think that it will be determined sometime after February 5th, in my opinion. ,3- Townsend: I mentioned earlier that, you know, at this point everything seems to be so broad and I guess that is what's tying my hands. I would feel more comfortable letting them do what they're going to do and put something in place and then look at that and see if it is adequate and, if it!s not� then basically take a look at what do we feel is missing and what do we feel needs to be added adequately address, you know, the needs that they are trying to focus on. Harper: We kind of know a little bit of what theyre trying to, what they're trying to achieve. I do agree with the idea of offering some, you know, some words of encouragement or saying that we are concerned about the facts that have not been considered and the numerous things that have been said at different meetings here, you know, over at City Council. I also agree with at this point in time they are moving forward and although they are going to implement these things, I think it is important though as a commission that we express and, you know, make sure that they are aware, you know, that we are viewing the issue and that we will be, you know, not making a threat, but you know, making sure that we are staying true to human rights commission as far as what is going on, because this is a human rights issue here. That would be kind of the direction I would take with this issue. Townsend: Would it be possible for you and Joe maybe to get together and put something together in terms of the concerns that we need to make known so that, we as a commission, can look at them and basically send a recommendation forward. Harper: Yes, I would be willing. Townsend: Joe would you be willing to do this? Coulter: I mean, I could have something. Jesse and I could sit down after this meeting and have a statement. Townsend: I would, you know, kind of leave that to you and Jesse. Harper: I guess what he's asking is to the commission, when would you, are you trying to say when would they like to have it or9 Townsend: The vote is February 5th, right. I mean, yeah, so we definitely to get it as quickly as possible so that, you know, we can, you know, get it together and, you know, send it out. Harper: Now will this be anonymous or is this going to be specifically like, I mean... Coulter: No, it should be on behalf of the commission. Harper: Okay, that's. Townsend: Basically just want you guys to take a look at what theyre, you know, proposing, and you know, if it is something that you feel that!s really good but needs to be added on to it, stress that. If it is something that you feel, you know, it's not going to adequately address, begin -4- to address what's going on, then you know, point that out and make some suggestions as to what would be a better approach to take, you know, and then get that email, you know, to Stefanie and myself and we will get it to the rest of the commission to take a look at it and get something drafted and, you know, get it out. Stefanie was there. Bowers: There would need to be another meeting for the commission to look over things, Hanrahan: That's a huge undertaking. Are you suggesting that they look at the policy and edit the policy to fit kind of what we are hoping? Coulter: I don't think Jesse and I are thinking that detailed of level. I think our initial deal ought to reflect the whole of the commission's thoughts. I think weW talking about one sentence or two at the most. Harper: Socially. Coulter: That would be very broad and say that the Human Rights Commission, something along the line wishes to express its concern and interest in the issue raised in regard to the income health and housing disparity that has led to this proposal policy, in that we wish to assist and encourage the city and school district and the community to address the important human rights issues. That would be it. Tallon: I have a fear of broadness just as a general rule, because if we send something that's overly broad to anyone, ifs going to, I feel, is going to fall into the background of everything everyone else has sent and everyone else has said. So I think that we should, if we're going to as a commission say anything, we should say something to the effect, we as the Iowa City Human Rights Commission are concerned about and then list several specific things that we think, maybe we don't have to necessarily suggest how they should be right, but I think that we should suggest what we feel is wrong and then add another sentence, we encourage you to. Well not address these, but consider this aspect for whatever specific issue you think is the, and I really think we should pick three of the most pressing issues that we really, just so we can be effective as possible. I think if we give a recommendation that specifically targets certain areas and encourage you to consider something else about those areas that we think would get them along to the right path; I think that's how we become effective. But if we send a broad statement that we feel strongly about this and that's it, we aren!t going to, we're not going to make them consider anything new, they're just going to put it in the pile and go on with whatever they feel they have already chosen to do. So, I think the more specific we can be, the more effective we are and, I don't really like to not be effective. Hanrahan: Because I hear what you're saying Joe, but I kind of separate the issues, because that's almost a city planning issue and I do think at some point it would be great if we came down with some kind of statement about how we feel about city planning and concentrate on low income housing and how all of that leads to what the school district is attempting to deal with. But just in terms of the diversity policy itself, I'm actual support the diversity policy. I think we have been looking for three years since the last redistricting that the city, school district attempted to do. We've tried to address some of these issues and I have faith once the implementation -5- component is developed, that that would be a time where, with public input, we can tweak and maybe change some of what we think may not be completely appropriate. Townsend: I think one of the things you might look at, I thing somebody mentioned earlier that they redefine diversity and, if thats the case, is the way that theyve done it advantageous for the students or is it disadvantageous and, if it's disadvantageous, then let's point out, you know, the negative impact it can take and make recommendation. But I would agree with Dan in terms of having, you know, guys coming up with some specifics that we can submit. Tallon: From what I can tell, the specifics are and I think that they are actually really good specifics are, what you said is that they don't take into account specific schools. I think even more importantly, I think that they definition of minority could be an area that we cited as a concern and then our encouragement could be consider what the actual diversity is, not just looking. If concerning socioeconomic status actually diversifies the schools, then I think that is fine but, if it doesn't, and this goes into the measurements that you were talking about, the measurements and monitoring that you mentioned, if considering socioeconomic diversity actually changes the real diversity and equalizes the diversity, then it's a good thing and, if it doesn!t, it doesn!t. So thafs why I agree with you about looking into the implementation as a part. Because we are really not going to change whats going to happen. I don't think we're going to change what's going to happen. I drink it's going to happen how they want it to. And if we want to be effective, then we should make recormnendations about its implementation. Townsend: Another thing that I noticed is, is there is mention of free and reduced lunches, you know, in terms of part of the guidelines to identify with diversity. I'm sure that the economic, you know, status of an individual may play into it, but I don't see that as being... Coulter: That's the way the policy is written, those are not my words... Townsend: Yeah, but what An saying, what I'm saying is, I don't see that as being a very strong indicator of diversity in terms of, you know, trying to improve the system and eliminate some of the shortcomings that students are having to deal with you. So, you know, that might be something that we can mention also. Finnerty: I would say that I also kind of support having three bullet points in that approach and if we could use language, maybe something, put the language around racial equity in there. I think oftentimes, of course, we all know in the community that social class and equity and racial inequity gets used as proxy for each other and we would want to differentiate and have a bullet be about that we also encouraged continued focus on racial equity. I think it goes along with the redefinition of diversity. Thank you for allowing me to participate. Harper: Would it be, since, you know, as commissioners here and not only as commissioners but as other people in the community have, are plain confused about this policy. A lot of people just don't understand, you know, what they are trying to accomplish and, you know, what exactly is going on. Would it be possible to get it, you know, a sum or you know, an idea of what they're actually trying to focus on for this policy? is some of the things they are attempting to hit on. I mean, they cover some things here, but you know, it's just not... 902 Coulter: The public statements, they're saying they're waiting for the consultants that they have out here. Townsend: Okay. Coulter: To assess, I think they're looking at the physical infrastructure of the schools specifically before they come up with any specifics. Hanrahan: In school capacities? Coulter: The other thing is the way that plan is written, one way to meet the plan's numerical goal in terms of percentages, would be, and this has been raised by others, but one way would just to be shipping the poor kids out across the city, they don't attend their neighborhood schools. They have to attend schools over . How's that going to go? Hanrahan: Well, I think a lot of people jump to that, but again that is part of the implementation and there have been other suggestions about ways to do it without busing and it could potentially be busing rich kids to the poor neighborhoods. I mean thaVs also been a point that has come up. Coulter: Oh, that'll. Hanrahan: Because they have, well, I'm just saying that these things have been thrown around in public. Coulter: Yeah, you could have magnet schools and all of that, but there are no specifics in the present proposal and there is no guarantee or promises made. Hanrahan: Right. And I think again that is implementation. Harper: So it sounds like we're in a position where until they decide to do this, we don't know what they're going to do, or know what will happen, which seems problematic. So I mean in our bulletins, you know, would we suggest that a fair something to say or voice that, you know, it's come to the point until where until this is implemented, no one knows what the outcome will be? Townsend: I think we've got two possibilities. The first possibility is, you know, we can look at what they're proposing and then like we've ask you and Joe to put something together so that we can send that. Then that's basically, you know, offering the cement before it's poured. But the other possibility is once they get this together, then we've got specifics. We can look at that and then, you know, come to what we agree with or what we think needs improved and then we can make recommendations on all those, so we've got two places, you know, make recommendations. Tallon: And of the two, I think the only place that we have any chance to be effective is in the implementation because I think they've already decided that they're going to do this that should be our goal. Our goal should be to make this one of our recurring agenda items that we have a -7- discussion with and act when we see fit and, if not, if ifs going well, I don't necessarily think that the socioeconomic status of equal, that might achieve their goal. They might have already looked into it and thought, if we do this, this will achieve our goal. If that's what they, and that's a good goal, then I don't see a problem with it. I just think monitoring the implementation and making recommendations this is where weW effective. Finnerty: Do we know, I don't even know if this is even possible and I'm not as learned on this as I need to be, but the implementation team, is there any usefulness in us requesting to ha v*e representative on that implementation team? I also don't remember what the actual outcome is, is it educational equity or just diversity9 Coulter: Socioeconomic. Finnerty: Right. But the educational outcomes of those students Coulter: There's nothing in the plan about that. Tallon: It states that the policy is for greater diversity and enhanced learning that will be the result of following the diversity policy. Finnerty: So how enhanced learning is defined I think is an interesting question. Around graduation rates, you know retention rates, participation in AP classes rates. You know, all those kind of indicators. So I would push on the learning outcomes thing too. Because, as we know, diversity just means diversity. It doesn't mean improved educational outcomes. But my first point was, the implementation team. Hanrahan: As I understand it, it will be a process. I don't know if theyre going to develop a team or Murley will just handle that and then come back to the board, you know, with a proposal and then it will be revised based on school board discussions. Coulter: If the vote is negative, and they don't establish this new RPS, the whole thing is out. Okay? Or potentially, I don't know. It's not clear what the outcome would be if the vote is against the RPS and policy. Finnerty: If the commission goes the route of writing that letter, we do have some data from that racial equity report that we're working on that looks at things like suspension rate, AP participation rate, participation in both, we don't have the behavioral rooms, learning and disability rooms. So we've got all those kind of indicators that we could throw a couple of those in too, to say we are also troubled by the educational outcomes for certain groups of students, or something like that. I dont know, but we could throw some of those in. Coulter: No, there is data there. Harper: Also when we talk about the implementation team or it's implementation, one of things that I think about, what's going to happen, you know, the children that are not necessarily from these areas or that teachers are not necessarily ready or able to handle that. What will happen to that and is this something that we could possibly bring up or are these thoughts more like a personal thing on my behalf and maybe should not be addressed or, I�n just curious, at the commission level. Because those are some things that I think about when I'm in that specific situation. You know, like some of the kids that I work with when I'm over at this side, if they're there and they don't have FRC or the counseling or behavior intervention, you know, what will happen? Will those kids just automatically be sent home? And then kind of boosts up the hike of kids not being in school, which then goes to the educational piece. You know, like those are all questions that I, you know, again, those are deeper in the policy but I just don't see them being addressed. Townsend: But I think that's, you know, you are knowledgeable of the system. You know, you have access to the system, so I think maybe a way to approach that is to look at what they are proposing and look at each part of it and see where your concerns would fit in and whether or not it adequately addressed your concerns. Coulter: The policy does not go into that. Townsend: Okay, but what I'm saying is to look at it and if it doesn't address your concerns, then that could be pointed out and make a recommendation that, you know, make changes that will bring it more in line. You know, I've looked at the policy and, you know, they seem to deal with everything with numbers, with percentages, you know, that concerns me. You know, it's sort of like, I saw a lot of percentages but I didn't see any specifics addressing issues that our students are dealing with and then giving indications what they intend to do with it. So, that kind of bothered me, but that is pretty typical of, you know, academia. Bowers: Before, you begin, Jessie will you define the FRC? Harper: Family Resource Center. Tallon: So I also think what Diane and Joe mentioned about the, what do we mean byenhanced learning and how to monitor the outcomes are two important issues that should probably be included. Because if the goal is just to diversify, like you just said, what does that mean for the schools? Does that mean better learning? Higher graduation rates? So I think that should be one of our concems that we list down. Coulter: That's not the way they define diversity in their policy. Townsend: And then, you know, if we feel it needs to be defined differently, now is the time to point it out. You know, so, in order to tie this up, we've got Jesse and Joe, going to put together for the commission. Diane would you like to be a part of that. Finnerty: I would love to be a part of that. Townsend: Okay. Finnerty: Even if it's email communication. KIM Townsend: So why don't the three of you basically start communicating, putting something together. Also, we're on the clock. So the meeting is when, February 5th, and we need to have something in before then, I'm assuming. Bowers: Well, I mean it matters. I guess prior to this, there was kind of two different things going on. There was one whether the commission was going to wait until implementation or whether they were going to try address something ahead of time. So, I guess that needs to be figured out and then go ftom there. Coulter: Can I also ask that Stefanie join our small group in trying to draft this statement by the commission. I really value her professional expertise in this. Townsend: We're on the clock. Is there anyway once you come up with something, can we approve it with what you come up with or do we have to meet again. Bowers: No, you would have to meet to approve it, yes. Finnerty: Electronic vote? Bowers: No, because that's a meeting and the public has to be able to participate in a meeting and so, if you're doing it over email, that's a problem. Tallon: Could it be something that the three people draft, sign and send in and then we vote to approve it at the next regular meeting? Bowers: No. The three people on the commission could submit materials on behalf of themselves. Tallon: That's what I mean .... ... Bowers: Okay. Tallon: Submit on behalf of themselves and then... Finnerty: As.members of the Iowa City Human Rights Commission? Tallon: So, I don't know if it's worth meeting Finnerty: The three of us undersigned, members of the Iowa City Human Rights Commission? Coulter: Right. There's only two ways to do this. If you're going to meet February 5th. One would be call another meeting, which I'm not sure with the public notification that we could do that. The other would be to adjourn this for a brief break and let us draft something and bring it back to... 10- Townsend: That seems like it would be hasty and Im concerned about the quality of what we would come up with. How do the rest of.. Coulter: That's the only way we're going to have anything out by the 5th. Finnerty: And I would have to excuse myself from that process because we have a short time line here. I would be okay with doing it with three members who also happen to be Iowa City Human Right Commission members. Tallon: I support the three. I don't know if meeting again would be necessary. I support the three people who draft it, signing it as themselves as citizens, sending it in and then we could consider the language and endorse it as a commission after the vote to further encourage the school district to implement it properly, but I don't think that adjourning will get us anything of high quality and I don't think meeting again will be worth the time. Townsend: We have a very tight timeframe, February 5th. Bowers: It's a Tuesday. A week from tomorrow. Tallon: I think it will have the same impact as three people from the Commission, who happen to be Human Rights commissioners as it would be fi-orn the duly voted upon. Bowers: And the next commission meeting just for reference would be the l9th. Coulter: _ being on the Human Rights or speaking _. Townsend: You could do it as concerned citizen status. Tallon: I think for what it is going to got us, meeting again just to prove the language of something that is likely going to have zero influence wouldn't be worth it, where we should really focus is what Kim is talking about the implementation of it, so. Hanrahan: I'm sorry Joe, what would you not want to be a part of.? Coulter: The lady suggesting that we submit this as a letter to the editor or something Hanrahan: As a private citizen you mean? Coulter: Thafs awkward to be a publicly identified member of a commission which should be discussing this and taking ad hoc action. Hanarahan: What if you shared with us your proposal and we were all in agreement? Coulter: That cannot come from the commission unless it is voted on in a formal meeting. -11- Townsend: I think we have a situation where our enemy is the clock. The school board is meeting in February. So it kind of looks like us as opposed to overreacting and doing something that is going to be not as effective. Seems like maybe we've lost the opportunity to be proactive and maybe we need to back and focus on seeing what they come up and then basically we, as a commission, you know, take a look at that then and focus on responding and making recommendations to specifics. Hanrahan: — next meeting we could also discuss some of these same issues and just have it as policy is implemented these are some of the Human Rights Commission!s concerns. Harper: At this point you know, I agree with Orville about how the time is really just not working with us and we do not want to put forth something that is questionable or 100% to our best of knowledge and capability, so, you know, I would agree, you know, focusing on the implementation of that diversity policy at this time. Townsend: When is our next mecting? Bowers: The 19th. Townsend: Okay, so can we, you know, you can kind of go on and get your concerns together and share with the rest of the commissioners and then make this an agenda item for our next meeting. Tallon: Then we benefit from the ability to know what was approved, what wasn't. Initial community reaction. Townsend: Does that sound like a plan? Tallon: I move that we place the Iowa City School District diversity policy on the agenda for the February 19th meeting. Townsend: It has been moved? Coulter: I second. Motion passed 7-0. Coulter: I would like to make an additional motion. I would hope you put down that the Iowa City Human Rights Commission has concerns about the implications of the Iowa City Community School Districts diversity policy, especially as it regards educational equity outcome. Townsend: We'll kind of use that as like our foundation focus point for addressing... Coulter: Making that as a motion that that be part of our... -12- Bowers: Joe, can you do me a favor and say that one more time. Coulter: Yes. Bowers: Thank you. Coulter: The Iowa City Human Rights Commission has concerns about the implications of the Iowa City Community School District's diversity policy, especially in regards to educational equity outcomes. Tallon: I would second that as a good summary, but we discussed it. Finnerty: I would have a friendly, I think it's an interesting tactic. Also concern about the redefining of diversity. If we're going to do it, we might as well put the other things we talked about, the redefining of diversity to. I don't know if they address racial equity or if they were just saying diversity socioeconomic status. Tallon: From my understanding from the school board minutes here, just 100% whether or not you're on price reduced lunches. Finnerty: So, I would support the tactic and I would want the language to state the other things that were concerns expressed, which were redefining of diversity as exclusive of other forms besides socioeconomic status, the elimination of language regarding racial equity, and the lack of attention to educational outcomes. Does that capture what we're talking about? Tallon: It's your motion. Coulter: I would accept it. Can you articulate that? Finnerty: Concern about the redefining of diversity to be exclusively focused on socioeconomic status in the district, the lack of acknowledgement of distinct areas affecting racial equity... Coulter: Say racial/ethnic... Finnerty: Racial/ethnic equity, and the lack of identification of educational outcomes as measures of success. Coulter: I did say in the original sentence, especially as it regards educational equity. Finnerty: Okay. Tallon: How about saying educational and racial equity outcomes. Finnerty: Outcomes, yeah. Coulter: Racial/ethnic. IME Finnerty: Then we go on, and you know, our letter would have gone on to say, here is the equity outcomes we look at it, but we doift need to do that for this statement. Townsend: Do we have a motion for the amendment? Coulter: I ask that Stefanie read it back. Bowers: It will be in the minutes. Coulter: I'll be comfortable with your understanding? Townsend: Yes. So, the motion for the amendment? I'll second. Have a second for that? Tallon: Yes. Amended Motion passes 7-0. Finnerty: Thanks Joe. (Finnerty no longer present) Provosed Revised Justice Center Plan Townsend: Our next agenda item proposed revised justice center plan. Before the commissioners speak, I want to open it up to the public and see if anyone would like to speak on this topic from the public. Okay. Open it up for discussion. Joe, I think this is you. Coulter: Well, this again I think is pretty clearly a human rights issue, that we have in the state, as well as nationally, a disproportionate number of racial and ethnic minorities and, in particular, the African -American and black populations that are incarcerated in this country, in this county and in this city. There are those who I think we have to be sensitive to that the construction and resources in the millions of dollars, over $40 million going to enhance our jail and court system capacity is not a good way to deal with what I believe is the core issue and that's the disproportionate number of people or the individuals who are being incarcerated in this country, in this county and in this city. Tallon: I would begin this personally by asking with the diversity policy, that we consider what we think are the problems with it and from what you just said, I am following this issue via the racial inequity with regards to incarcerations seems to be the most important, and the price obviously is a very similar price to the November ballot issue. So, I think those are clearly two of the larger issues. But is there anything else that anyone thinks is an issue, would be my question that I pose. Coulter: We do have a little less pressing timeline... 14- Tallon: Yes. Coulter: On this particular thing in terms of how we might do it. I think we might want to take a look at some of the implications that this thing has, what some of the concerns of the community, especially racial/ethnic, the young people, the socioeconomic group, and the students who would be impacted, or potentially could be impacted by this initiative to create the justice center. Townsend: I'm wondering if the proposed revised justice center plan is something we as a commission should be dealing with. Obviously there are some problems with, you know, the incarceration rate and how it negatively impacts minorities, but at the same time, the city council has already appointed the ad hoc committee to address law enforcement and transportation, so that's something already in play. I have knocked this around and for some reason, I keep coming back with, you know, this is an issue that the voters, we're talking about voting to get the center built and that's something that basically, you know, the voters, the citizens of Iowa City will make that decision. So, I!m. Coulter: I've spoken once —. Townsend: So, I guess I'm just wondering if this is something that we, you know, we should be dealing with. Coulter: Well, I've raised it because it clearly seems to be a human rights issue. Townsend: You mention Joe that you expressed your concerns on about what you've been hearing from the public. Can you share some of that with us? Some of those things you've been hearing. Coulter: Yeah. I've had people say why isn't the Diversity Committee or Human Rights Committee dealing with these things? I mean, what are you all suppose to be doing.? Of course, I can!t, you know. Anthony: Are they looking for? Coulter: I have to agree, yes that these are human rights issues, and yes they are important and yes I am concerned, but thafs why I suggested that we put it on the agenda. Anthony: I was just wondering what they were looking for. When they bring up to you, what are they looking for? I mean, what's the outcome? What specific goal? Coulter: Well, you know, in the whole scheme of city government, you, of course, would go to the City Council and many people have. When regards to this, we are advisory to the City Council. We have an agenda which includes human rights, this is clearly human rights here and it's, you know, painful though it may be, I somehow feel like the commission can hardly avoid at least discussing it and expressing at least concern, if not I don't know, be advisable to take a position on the possible outcome of the proposal. or anything. 15- Tallon: I'm somewhere between you Joe and you Orville. I look at the jail issue and I don't necessarily think the jail or the justice center itself is a human rights issue, but I look at the underlying problems and the two that you mention would be is the racial equity and the possible student impact I think would both be two that we could consider. So I think we should consider the justice issue in that light and discuss, and since we are only an advisory committee to the city council and not to the county government, I think we should take on the racial equity and that's why I agree with you if you're already taking that on in your other committee, that that maybe should be what we off of Coulter: The other committees is very narrow and has to do with law enforcement and transportation system and we wHH—be developing our recommendations and will go out of existence as of March 1. And so, it's gone. Tallon: Well, and thats a good time. I mean we have four months, I think that that recommendation can be where from your, because both of you serve on that committee, right? Coulter: Yes. Tallon: Because I think that is where we can step off as human rights from that recommendation and continue it on. Townsend: And I mean, I can understand where you!re coming from Joe, because, you're right. You know, it's like the problem is the individuals being placed in jail, is it necessary to place an individual in jail for blinking an eye or, you know, the disproportionate who has been put in jail. So, if you build a larger jail, it just means that you know, it will expand, but the same thing about that though is the ad hoc committee is basically dealing with that, so maybe a compromise would be. The ad hoc committee is close to getting our recommendations to the city council together. What we might do is, as commissions, wait until those recommendations are submitted and then take a look at those and, if it is not satisfying, then basically, you know, make our recommendations as to how they can be improved. Does that sound like a... Coulter: Yeah, yeah. I would only modify that and point out for the other members that the ad hoc diversity committee cannot, will not be able to say anything about the justice center, which is the topic we are about right now. Townsend: But we will be focusing on some of the, some of the procedures that have, that are leading to the large number of incarcerations. Tallon: And I understand that the ad hoc committee that the justice center doesn't fit within their charge, but I think that the, like I said, that the justice center itself isn't a human rights issue, it's the underlying aspect, in this case, racial equity in incarceration, which would fall under their law enforcement charge directly and I think that's why we should see what they come up with. You guys only have another month, to see, where within that timeframe and fi-ankly, I don't know if we should have an opinion on the justice center itself since it's a referendum issue, that I think we should focus more on the underlying racial equity with incarceration. -16- Townsend: I think the biggest problem I have with the justice center is that we're talking about a structure. If you make the structure bigger, then the inadequacies and the, you know, inappropriate procedures will just basically put more people in the structure. So, the citizens are going to vote on the structure. Tallon: Yes. Townsend: So, let's try to separate the justice center and keep the focus on the procedures, law enforcement procedures that need to be addressed. Tallon: And that is an agenda item on your ad hoc committee, right? Townsend: We're getting close to putting our recommendations together. Tallon: And when, will they be done by the February 19th meeting, do you think, because that it's right before the end of your charge? Townsend: Yes, we may have something. Coulter: We might have something. Tallon: So, I think if that does exist, I would like to, the ad hoc committee is already and agenda item, correct? So, I think that's... Coulter: Our underlying problem is not going to go away, which is a referendum or anything. This is something that this commission needs to regularly address what is recognized out there and maybe it's just because I'm an academic and in public _ stuff, but where is the discussion about prevention? You know, if we've got a problem with something, thaVs like trading sick people. It's always better to prevent people from getting sick and I look at the justice center and the responses to society's concerns, is building a jail and court. That's not prevention. Hanrahan: _ prevention. Coulter: Wherds the program to try to get at and rectifying the underlying causes. Townsend: But that's what the ad hoc committee is doing, what's been appointed to take a look at law enforcement in terms of, what other practices, you know, what is the culture? And what needs to be done to improve it. So. Tallon: I personally think we already have the structure going forward that we need on this issue. I think that the ad hoc committee will be making the recommendations fairly soon and hopefidly by February 19th, we already have it on the agenda, we can consider those and also discuss how we are going to take those recommendations and continue the ad hoc committees work after, especially with two of the most active people that I know anyway, already on the Human Rights Commission, we can discuss how we want to turn that it in to this issue and I think if it becomes a major issue, that would be cool. 17- Hanrahan: I — that as well. Disproportionate confinement has been around for decades and it has to do wit� d7iscretionaryjudgment and police force training and it can be very complicated and involved. I too would hope to hear what your proposals are from the ad hoc committee and potentially continue with this through the Human Rights Commission. Bowers: And I just want to add since all of the commissioners here weren!t on the commission several years ago, but the commission has done programming on disproportionality as it relates to African -Americans throughout the State of Iowa. They have also done programming as it relates to the high number of school detentions and expulsions with Afirican-American kids here in the school district. And I think the cornmission is probably one of the first in the community actually back in 2007, is when they did the first one. And I want to say the next, I mean they did followup things, but then the next well attended forum was probably 2009 maybe, so just to give you that history, this isn't something that the commission hasn!t looked at, discussed, or dealt with. Tallon: Could, if any of the existing material is available, could you add that to the next packet. Not necessarily as an agenda item, just so we could all review. Bowers: The only thing I would have is flyers from those events. Bowers: There has been programming on tha4 so it's something that the commission is just looking at or dealing with. Townsend: When the commission did that, do you feel that it was beneficial? Bowers: It was probably two of the most well attended programs. When you deal with race, when you look at equality, and things of that nature, there tends to be an interest in the community and people do come out to those events. They're obviously important issues to discuss, but also Ws a nice way to invite the community to kind of have these difficult discussions which don't often happen in other venues. Townsend: One of the things that is surfacing, you know, that's really negatively impacting our minority communities, is the lack of education. So what we might consider doing is, as a commission, automatically build into the commission!s agenda to do certain things each year so that we can get that knowledge out there. TaIlon: Stefanie, my question would be, would the ad hoc, the agenda item for the ad hoc committee report be sufficient to discuss how to move forward with those recommendations and any educational opportunities. Bowers: Yes. And for those newest members, I think Joe you know this, but the ad hoc committee was based upon at last a partial recommendation from the Human Rights Commission. And so, that was looking at inequality as it related to what was, you know, the concern being that people of color were getting arrested or being treated differently with respect to certain city services. I" Townsend: So we already have the agenda item set for our next meeting, so, do you feel there is any need for additional discussion at this time? Bowers: I don't know. Did you have something to say9 Bowers: And if you could just say your name so 1 can mark it down. Jeff Cox: My name is Jeff Cox. I'm a history professor. I would just like to say a few things about the justice center. I've been involved with these issues of what I regard as over incarceration problem for 20 years. I was treasurer of the Alternatives to a New Jail campaign back in 2000. 1 was, as president of the faculty senate, set up a special committee to look into the over incarceration of students in the community, which is really how I got interested in this. You know, we have a disproportionate arrest rate of students in this community, of young people generally I think, but it shows up because we keep stats on students. Depending on how you count it, it is 17% of our BA students have a criminal record when they get their degree. This is way of whack. Others say 12%. The University, I mean _ keeps telling me we don't arrest students. The Universitys best estimate is that 500 of our 19,000 undergraduates spend at least one night in jail per year. That means over the last 10 years, thousands of undergraduates have come here to get an education and have ended up in jail, as their experience of Iowa City. The Sports Illustrated only two years ago listed the University of Iowa Athletic Department as the second most criminal athletic department in the nation. Is this because our student athletes are criminal? I'm on the Presidential Committee on Athletics and I can tell you they are not disproportionately criminal. What we have is a disproportionate arrest rate on our Iowa City police force, which is, I believe is a serious humans right issue for our young people who grow up in this community. Now, we have had two successful campaigns to defeat an expansion of incarceration in Iowa City. The 2000 campaign and then the most recent jail bond issue. What's changed between those two campaigns, was the growth of an African -American, largely working class African -American population in Iowa City and that changed the character of the debate. Finally when the jail committee wrote out its proposals in the spring, there was no mention of race at all. They just said population growth, we've got to have more beds. Well, incarcerations rates are not a function of population growth. They are the function of policing policy. If it were just a matter of population growth, the United States wouldn't be the largest prison. We have 5% of the worl&s population, 25% of the prisoners. It's policing policy that matters. And one of the things that we did in this no campaign, late I have to say, is bring up the issue of The New Jim Crow. A lot of people in Iowa City know Michelle Alexander's book, the New Jim Crow. I think it was like the book that everybody was supposed to read one year and everyone started wringing their hands, saying isn't this horrible, 12% of African -Americans in America, 45% in prison. Well lo and behold, 5% of the population or maybe 6, depending on you count them in Iowa City, 40% of the inmates in the jail. So the proposal to build a newjail is a proposal to make things worse, to make the new Jim Crow worse. And that's why I am here to encourage you to take a stand on this May 5th bond issue. I've told people all along that I would support a new jail if it met current needs, which is 150 beds a night, which is what we need. We need to build a jail to meet our current needs and figure out a way to incarcerate fewer people, not more people. We need a plan in place before we approve any expansion, because any expansion of the jail is simply going to make the new Jim Crow worse in Iowa City. You know, people kind of -19- make fun of us for this slogan, if we build it, they will fill it, but I think it's true. And all you have to do is look at the soaring arrest rates in this town. Between 2009 to 2011 the Johnson County Drug Task Force doubled its drug arrest, doubled it. The population didnt double. They put resources into this in this drug arrests. Now, there are other issues besides just jail beds in thisnewjail. Lonny Pulkrabek says we can expand treatment and education programs. Well, I've looked into these treatment and education programs. They're not treatment and education programs. They are alternative forr-as of punishment, that's what they are. Two hundred eighty- one people since summer of 2010 have been arrested for possession of marijuana and put into a drug education program. This drug education program is designed to force them to show remorse for something thaVs legal in Washington and Colorado and it's not too surprising that about 30% of them fail or unsuccessful, either theyre unwilling to show remorse or they fail a urine test. Marijuana stays in, some of you may, much longer than more serious drugs and longer than alcohol. They put more people into these alleged diversion programs for marijuana possession than they do for all alcohol arrests put together, 202 have been put in there for alcohol, which can make yourself a danger to yourself and others. Two hundred eighty-one for first offense marijuana possession. Second offense, you're not eligible for this. What does it get you if you succeed, you don't get a conviction on your record, but the arrest stays. The arrest stays. Iowa City Police is harvesting our young people on marijuana arrest charges and those things stay on your record until you go into the � I mean the nursing home. There you got a drug arrest for life. And believe me, employers, graduate schools, professional organizations all ask you not about your convictions; they ask you about your arrests. The law school here asks you about your arrests. They even ask about juvenile arrests, which are suppose to be confidential, right? The new jail proposal proposes to expand these education programs, which in fact are punishment programs and they are going to result not only in more African - Americans, but more young people generally being incarcerated and also being put into these education programs. Now, I'm addressing you as a body of the Iowa City City Council, which is really your, this is a city body, not a county wide body, because the people down at the county always say, oh well, it's all, everybody says it's somebody else's fault. And don't talk to us, talk to the Iowa City Police. They can talk to the Iowa City Police, but I would really encourage you to take a look at ways in which the policies of Iowa City are making problems of racial discrimination in this community worse. One is the high arrest rates, which is leading to bond issues. The other is trolling of young people for marijuana possession basically, they say we don!t arrest people for marijuana possession, but they do. The other is the curfew. That curfew, I've never, I don't think there is anything about it that wasn't racist. Iowa City is one of the few communities in Iowa that didn't have a curfew because welre liberals here, until we had a significant number of Affican-American young people in town, and then all of a sudden, then all of the liberals are saying, "we've got to have a curfew." Now, what are the effects of this? One of the effects of it are more than half of the juveniles in secured detention, that is up in Cedar Rapids in jail, are African -American. I thought it was half, but somebody told me the other day, oh no, thats an underestimate. Were getting policies promote disproportionate minority contact because of the policing policies of Iowa City. And this may seem like a minor matter to you, but it doesn!t to me. I grew up in the segregated south where there were signs everywhere telling black people where to sit where to stand. I still talk of my father, who was a small town doctor. I've still got his colored waiting room sign; I tried to find it to bring it down here. I show it to class sometimes. Here's what it used to be like. All of sudden I go over to the Old Capitol Mall and there's a big sign that says stand 10 feet back from the glass doors. Ever since I've lived in IKIII Iowa City, mostly white people have been standing behind the glass doors, waiting for the bus. Now all of a sudden, you have a significant number of African -American young people standing around down there with complaints about their behavior and a big apartheid -like sign goes up, stand behind the sign. I went by there during the break, it!s a multiracial group of people that were inconvenienced now, but over the break I went back and there were 10 black teenagers standing behind the sign with a white security guard standing at the end, right? Wait a minute. This is what weYe doing to the old racial issues in this town. So, I hope that you will speak up to the City Council on these issues. Whatever has been done on education and disproportionate minority contact obviously hasn't worked. Otherwise, we wouldn!t have 40% incarceration. Before we expand the jail, we need a plan, we need a plan. The city needs a plan to reduce minority incarceration, not good intentions. So, I hope you will recormnend to the city that they, unlike last time, that they oppose this until we get a plan in place. Thank you. Tallon: Actually, I have a question. Jeff Cox: Sure. Tallon: My question from you. You mentioned that you had two campaigns previously on this issue, are those going to become campaigns for the future? Or for this next referendum on this issue. Jeff Cox: Probably. I mean until we have some kind of I mean we need to incarcerate fewer people, not more. Tallon: And my second question is, you mentioned a lot of numbers and you mentioned that you led a faculty senate review. Did those produce reports? Jeff Cox: Yeah. I'll send you one. Tallon: Could you send. Jeff Cox: It's called "The Hidden Cost of College." Tallon: Could you send them to Stefanie? Jeff Cox: Sure. Tallon: So they are correspondence. Jeff Cox. Yep. Bowers: I'll get you my contact information. Jeff Cox: Yes, No, I'll be glad too. I mean this was 2003, and it was a faculty senate report on students. I will say since then, there are so many issues here and there is so much misinformation, Chuck Green's empire, the Department of Public Safety, has doubled its budget -21- and now they used to have 10% of the intake into the jail, now they have 25% more. They have 12.5%. The University administration, I really don't want to get into this, but this is a city, I mean, they've cut 60 ten-year to tenured classroom teachers while doubling the budget of the police and increasing the intake into the county jail from the Department of Public Safety by 25%. So, here's an issue for the University as well. I mean, this thing is coming out from all sorts of directions from over incarceration and of minority African -American contact and, so I just encourage you to speak out on this. It's time for people to take a stand. Townsend: Jeff, I had a question. When you first started speaking, you indicated that 17% of Ul students at UI basically by the time they get their BA have a criminal record. Jeff Cox: Have an arrest record. Townsend: Arrest record, okay. Now, did you ever break down on that in terms of them how many were minorities? Jeff Cox: No absolutely don't. Nor do I know what the minority figures on the athletic department. I tell you on the 17%, there have been two different studies here by the Gazette and, one of them showed 17% and the other showed 12%. Whether that's a downward trend, since the 12% will last, I don't know, but it's too high. Townsend: Another question and I'm not sure about this, but this is just hypothetically off my head, is it possible that a large part of the large arrests is a result that's money -making, budgetary advantages because once youre arrested, a lot of these arrests lead to having to participate in programs and things like that, those programs generate income. Is that possibly.? Jeff Cox: I don't know. I am really very reluctant to say that is about money. I think that the people who are doing the arrests think they are helping people by getting. I don't think they're bad people with bad motives, but the fact is theYre not helping people. They're hurting people and theyre being hurt disproportionately in Johnson County. It's hard to grow up in this town without having an encounter with the police. Ask any parent at City High and they'll tell you that and nothing seems to affect the City Council's support for this. And I supported 21 only age thing unlike a lot of my liberal friends because I thought maybe it would get people out of the downtown bars and out into drinking at home where they are less likely arrested, but so far that doesn!t seem to have helped very much. But we need to do some serious thinking about ways to stop getting people into the criminal justice system in the first place and I think there are things we can do. This is not like the weather. The people down at the courthouse and the jail people they say, how many people we arrest, there is nothing you can do about it, doesn't matter how big a jail is, we're just going to keep arresting the same number of people. I don't believe that at all. I think we can do things, once we are committed to it. Tallon: My last thought for you is, you mentioned that you thought the 10 feet issue was a minor issue, but I think it is something that I have noticed as a student at the University when I started when you could just, I don't take the bus very often, but I walk through the Old Capitol and you could always stand wherever you wanted to and now you walk in, well it!s not always necessary, -22- usually it's a mixed population, everyone 10 feet from the door, just standing patiently, it's kind of a weird scene, so I think that Ws an important issue that if you make. Jeff Cox: I think, you know, if I were African -American, I mean I'm white, right, so I don't know how it looks. But I as a white southemer, I know that sign just slapped me in the face when I saw it. I thought that is really not right and what kind of message are we sending and, so I don't know how important it is to arresting somebody, I just bring that up for your Thanks for listening to me. I usually speak the usual 50 minutes the professors speak. Offifte Students and Academic Achievement Iowa City Community School District Townsend: Okay, next on the agenda, of[site students and academic achievements, Iowa City Community School District. Jessie? Harper: Yes, just looking at their responses here, one thing that kind of popped out to me right away is the general language that was used to describe the situation, you know, with the very first question, you know, historically less than 10 students per year, was that, you know, what does that mean? Like is that before it was this many, before. I just don't know. It seems like we're speaking very general when it comes to these questions. It also seems that this is prepared, This is something that has been brought to the attention of the Iowa City Community School District before and they have a pretty set way of handling the issue by reading over the policy, especially when you go into the Federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, that's one thing, you know, when, I won't say, not necessarily trying to answer the question, but when you're trying to go around, you tend to use things like this. Rather than me offering or saying what I viewed as the problem with his response, I would just like to take the role of offering maybe suggestions on what could possibly happen until there is more information that can be provided, because I just don't like to put things out there without having all the facts and, before I move to the suggestions of things that can, you know, possibly help, when you talk, I talk about the general questions here, so when it says that the District's curriculum is by certified teachers, is that what makes the whole city's school district an accredited district? Or, again, what does that mean? And then there is also the part where it says, there is usually not a large number of juniors or seniors in the offset programs because they are usually back into the high school. What happens to these children that have never been addressed as possibly ACT ready children and then come back their junior or senior year, it just seems like that is an automatic door of well you waited a little bit too long, maybe you placement courses, trade schools. When I was just reading those, I felt, I figured that, you know, everything was very general and I will offer that if there needs to be specific questions, that maybe we could think of those and I can definitely think of specific questions, but again, I don't want this to seem like I am being or the commission is trying to attack at all. I would like for this to be viewed as we want to offer suggestions, we want to work with the school district to address this issue because it has been brought to our attention. It has been identified in past issues that when you bring up this type of issue, it just does not work out well for either the individual or people involved in the situation. So, again, you know one of my suggestions would be rather than addressing or pointing fingers, what about working with the school as far as the ACT prompts. What is the actual goal and what is the road for students when they come to the high school as far as getting them ready for ACT. Is there a set curriculum or a set path that they have. What roads to the teachers and counselors have in -23- preparing the youth for ACTs and what does that look like? Yeah, so that's where, what I'm kind of thinking. Tallon: Jessie, when I was reading this, I was wondering how many students go to Tate? Because it mentioned only 10 or less. Which is from this too low to even report the scores. How many students go to Tate? Harper: As previously stated, we can't even give that information, because when we go to Tate's website, that information is not provided to us. I'm pretty sure we could find that information, but for anyone that is just concerned about this issue and wanted to bring stats or conclusions, they would not be able to do that because they don't have the specific stats in the beginning. Hanrahan: It's about 120. Tallon: About 120? So. Coulter: Jessie, I really appreciate you bringing this to our attention. Because it I feel like, "where have I been?" when you brought this up. I don't, try to find out, where's Tate? What's this? You know, I hadn't heard of it, I didn't know what it was. I still don!t know what it is. You sure won!t find out from their website. . Harper: It's an alternative school. Tallon: So I think that... Coulter: What's an alternative school? Is it high school? It said Elizabeth Tate High School Hanrahan: It is a high school. Coulter: But then they had some, did have some stuff up on the menu for elementary school, so, it. How do they get into it? Is it a magnet school? Hanrahan: No, it's an alternative high school. Hanrahan: I talked to Ann Browning who is the principal. Jessie, this would be my personal, what I would say it is for folks who having academic challenges and barriers in the mainstream high schools, so that they have more opportunity for adjusted scheduling. I work with teen parents so the hours are 9 to 2:20 everyday without any study halls or breaks, so, it's a closed campus after noon so that students don't leave the rest of the day. They also have the Phoenix program there and that is what they offer at Kirkwood Learning Center, so irs a high school completion program that you do on the computer. So, in talking to Ann Browning, she, this was just earlier this week, that's the principal, she explained that most of the students by the time they were transferred to Tate, they didn't, already at that point they did not have the basic classes that they needed to take an ACT or to go the four year college route, chemistry, second language, and that kind of thing. -24- Townsend: Awhile back, Tate was an alternative school that the kids who were disruptive in the class or they were academic issues and things like where the kid basically couldn't function in the class and needed special attention. Tate is where they would send these students, but I just realized here a little while ago they've got multiple, many more programs now. You know, the Phoenix program at Tate. I just like to know how many programs do they have? And what is the purpose of each program, you know? Harper: I think you know, and this is another thing that I identify, which is originally when I brought up the idea of, you know, the kids not being academically ready for ACTs and also being ready for the ACTs and also the equivalent to the classes that they were taking, making sure that once they do come back to the high school that they are where they should be. Another one of the programs that was actually being challenged and thought of as, even if they are taking this program, when they're going out for a job or applying for a college, that it is not being measured up the same way as a GED or any other type of education. So, does anyone else happen to know about that? Or is that something, you know, anyone has addressed? As, like if the children are taking this Phoenix program, are they still eligible to, you know, apply to a college or, how exactly does that work? Because it just doesn't seem that... Hanrahan: If you complete your high school equivalency using the Phoenix program, you only can go into community college. Harper: Okay. Tallon: So if you have a high school equivalency, you can't go to a four year Hanrahan: That's to my understanding. I am certainly not... Harper: Well, see the issue that I keep coming up with is that the problem is that the African - American population is being steered or geared towards that route versus you can take the ACT, you have. the options. Here are some services that the high school will offer you to prepare. That's what I keep coming to when we talk about this issue, though. Tallon: An accurate statement of the problem you think that needs to be addressed is that the goal isn't the same at this school as other schools. The goal isn't to take the ACT and go to college. The goal is to get your Phoenix degree, would that be an accurate depiction? Harper: Hmm. Again, I wouldn't say that I like the idea or I would just stick with the children, the African -American students are being directed in that direction versus ACT is an option for you. Are you taking the necessary courses? Are you receiving tutor? Are you preparing?. And I know it comes back to a personal accountability at some point, but at some level the school or, you know, teachers or counselors are somewhat accountable for what is happening. Townsend: Another issue that we need to look at is, the alternative schools and all of their programs they have. I would hope that the primary focus is still education, you know, quality education. I know that realistically the kids have behavior problems, some learning problems and — in things like this, you know, they may not be able to keep up or function in the regular -25- program, but I am hoping that education is still the focus so that because of what program you put the child in, the student is still encouraged to achieve the maximum to their ability. Tallon: What can we do? Harper: Well, thats, you know, one of my recommendations was thinking about has there been other surrounding areas that have suffered from low numbers of African -Americans taking the ACT and feeling competent enough to take the ACTs. Have there been any programs or any resources that they have implemented in the area to , decrease that issue? Also, when we talk about, when he says the building administrations so they can review the situation, and the bottom part, what does that mean? Also, if someone believes that they have been discriminated against, they can contact their building administrator and/or my office to discuss the district!s grievance procedures. So, I guess what is that? You know, if a parent does address the issue of my son was, you know, never addressed as far as the ACTs, but he has another friend that is taking these courses, what does that look like? What is the next step? Is that something we could be helping with the process? Could we be looking at other sources to help the school administrators with addressing this issue? Tallon: Personally, I'm interested, I would like to know if there is anyway to get more numbers and compare that, not just the ones at Tate, but also to the city high schools, the two public schools. Coulter: You can get an _ of what the public school enrollments are by race, effinicity, grade level, gender, and school buildings. And that would be the State Department of Education. I did an analysis of that for the Board of Regents. I never published it, nor did they ever publicize it. — tell you, guess how many ninth graders, African -Americans three years later graduate? From high school? Yeah? Hanrahan: Forty percent. Coulter: Youre close. Yeah, it's between 40 and 50%. Tallon: That graduate or they don't? Coulter: They never graduate and then I was able to track this through my contact at ACT to find out how many take the ACT. Out of that , it's like less than 10 percent. I know they exist because they are ninth graders. You can track this by year. Even though the population is growing because of in migration, not out migration, those losses are actually worse than what I found in the record. Tallon: What I think is that we should consider what we, our next step as a commission, I think the next step personally is getting those numbers that you mentioned. Coulter: We can get them. Tallon: And considering those numbers. 26- Harper: I would just like to, I do agree, but I think that we should put this on agenda. Coulter: Oh yea. We need to look at this. Harper: But yeah, I definitely agree with starting out, you know, with the stats, because although there are tons of personal stories, again, if you read the final paragraph, as you are aware, if there are specific incidences of students that believe that above is occurring, then we encouraged them. So it seems like without the statistics, they have heard this situation before from personal situations. Tallon: I think we can, if we get the numbers, and identify it is an inequity, we can present it with our thoughts on the diversity policy as here is one the inequities that should be addressed by the diversity policy. How does your diversity policy address ACT... Townsend: You know, we can make this an agenda item but you know, could you maybe have, give us somebody to give us insight what we need to be looking at. Coulter: I think that the first thing we should probably go ahead and ask the school to give us the data. If they seem unwilling, again, this probably ought _ stuff, our very talented and excellent staff person, but she should probably do the ask and if she's somehow I'll get you the data. Ifs public record. Harper: And again, I would just like to emphasize along with the data that we are gathering, I would strongly encourage us to have a work with approach versus point fingers or this is what's happening, I strongly, to look at some services and to talk with the school if they are willing, you know, to address the issue. I want them to view us as we are concerned about the issue because we know we can help with it versus, you know, just pointing. Townsend: I agree. I think our approach can be, once we get information, you know, numbers can be deceiving. People working with the situation have different things they have to deal with, so we can take this is what we see, but can you help us to understand exactly why these things are happening, you know. Hanrahan: And if it is just a systemic problem. Tallon: I like this issue. I think it is an issue that we can be, we can make difference on, at a n-dnimum, pointing to the school district and something that is already drowned out by a bunch of other things. Harper: Not to mention that, but as of right now there are new programs and new programs that are willing to offer what this is as far as ACT prepping. Getting youth ready that have traditionally been looked over. -§—oiVs now only we're bringing the issue up, we're bringing the issue up in the light of, hey, this does not need to remain an issue. There are programs here now that are helping, you know, to deal with this. So, you know, this is not the time to, whoa, we're -27. trying to hide this or make this into something bigger, but there is help out there and this does not need to continue happening because there's help. Hanrahan: Will those numbers cite building specific. Coulter: Oh yeah, you bet. I was amazed. I'm sorry, just to throw in a little anecdote. I was looking at this statewide and there was a little town down in southwestern Iowa, not even close to Omaha or Council Bluffs and all these African -Americans there. They're in Townsend: So we need a motion. Harper: I would like to move to add offsite students and academic achievement of Iowa City Community School District to our agenda. Tallon: I second. Bowers: Just to make it clear, the February 19th agenda? Harper: Yes. Bowers: Okay, just so that I request the correct information, you want the data from individual high schools as it relates to the total number of students who are there in the 9th grade and then... Coulter: They have the data, we want it by year and why don't we begin in 2000, by year, by race, by gender, by grade level, and we also want to know the number of graduates because that is a slightly different database. Townsend: I think also, what I would like to get information from the district on is, what criteria they use to place students in the various programs. Bowers: When you say the various programs, you mean the offsite programs? Townsend: Like Tate, the Phoenix program, and things like. What is the criterion basically is used to make a decision to put a student in those programs. Tallon: I would like to make a request that if, you don't mind Joe, that once she has the information, if she could send it out and you could maybe prepare a small summary of it. Or Jessie. Somebody, so we don't take up the whole commission time looking at the numbers and working on a summary, if somebody could write an analysis or a quick summary of what the numbers mean and what we should be looking for. Coulter: I think Stefanie can get the data. It's going to come in a raw form and I had to move a lot of stuff into excel sheets. I don't know what, I'm sure the data is there, but what form it is, it MRT may need some work, but Stefanie can sent that to all of us and those of us who want to work on it, will work on it. Harper: Were asking for kind of a summary of kind of what we're looking at. Tallon: I don't think all seven of us need to look at all the raw numbers and... Coulter: Oh okay. Tallon: I just picked you out because you are a professor, so ... I try to give professor. Tallon: Okay, then we have... Bowers: By year starting in 2000, by race, by gender, by grade level and you want the number of graduates? Coulter: For every school in the Iowa City School District. Coulter: Might as well get the whole thing. Just as soon as you.start digging into this, oh where this? You know. Bowers: No, no, I just want to make sure I understand. Okay, so you want starting in the year 2000 by race, by gender, grade level and for every school in Iowa City. Coulter: K through 12. Bowers: Yes, okay. Coulter: And ungraded. There'll be a category of ungraded, that's where you find most of the minorities. They don't even put them in grades until the ninth grade and then they dump it, so thaVs why they dump it right out of school. Next Regular Meeting — February 19,2013 at 18:00. Motion to Adjourn 19:43. -29- Human Rights Commission ATTENDANCE RECORD 2013 flUlaafinn n.&.% NAME TERM EXP. Iiis 1128 2/19 3f19 4116 Sf2I 6118 7116 8120 Gf17 1011 5 1111 9 I2fI7 Diane Finnerty 111114 DIE x Orville Townsend, Sr. 111/14 x x Dan Tallon (Appointed 7131112) 111114 x x Kim Hanrahan 111115 x x Shams Ghonelm 1111115 DIE DIE Jessie Harper (Appointed 615112) Iiills x x Katie Anthony 111/15 x x Joe D. Coulter 111116 x x Harry Olmstead 1/1116 x DIE KEY: X a Present 0 = Absent 01E = AbsentfExcused MM = No meeting(No Quorum R = Resigned - = Not a Member -30- Page 1 of 23 Minutes Human Rights Commission February 19,2013 — 6 P.M. Helling Conference Room PRELMMARY Members Present: Harry Olmstead, Orville Townsend Sr., Kim Hanrahan, Jessie Harper, Dan Tallon, Joe Coulter, Katie Anthony, Shams Ghoneim, Diane Finnerty. Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers Others Present: Jeff Cox This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Human Rights Commission meeting of February 19, 2013. Recommendations to Council: Yes. "To maintain the SEATS service V2 price fare as part of our commitment to the disabled and elderly communities of Iowa City." Call to Order: Chair Townsend called the meeting to order at 18:03. Olmstead moved to approve minutes, seconded by Coulter. Motion passed. 8-0. (Finnerty abstained —has not read the minutes) Public Comment of Items Not on the Azenda. Jeff Cox: I'm basically here to request, I know you can't discuss it tonight but that you put on the agenda for the next meeting a proposal to pass a resolution opposing the construction of the new jail. I spoke to you at last meeting, and I know most of you know the basic facts of this basic information on this. I will say that this is an issue that I've been concerned with more than 20 years. I first got involved with and looking at the effects of over arrest and over incarceration on our students because rm a professor. When I was president of the Faculty Senate we had a report out called the hidden cost of college about the effects of going to school in Iowa City, unlike some other places where we have up to 17% of our undergraduates graduating with an arrest record, and go out into the world with that on their resume. But my particular concern tonight is with the issue of race. I mean I think most of you are aware of Michelle Alexander's book, The New Jim Crow, in which she claims, and I think quite rightly that _ segregation is being imposed on this country with the disproportionate incarceration rates of African - Americans, which are nationally about 12% of the population is African -American, about 45% of those incarcerated. A lot of people think this is something that happened somewhere else, but it's happening here with 7% of the population and 40% of those injail being African -American. This I think is just part of a broader trend in this community in terms of the way we're dealing with racial issues, which have just completely taken over local politics. The whole school election was about race last month. Welve dealt with this issue by policing people, by arresting people, by telling people where to stand at bus stops, by subjecting them to curfews and . Most of these segregation policies come straight from the city of Iowa City. It is the city government that's responsible for the curfew, bus signs, and for an arrest rate that is increasing more rapidly than the growth of the population. The arrest rate in this town is an issue of policy, not an increase in crime or population growth. I'll just give one example. The Johnson County drug task force between 2009 and 2011 increased their arrest from 300 to 600. This bears no relationship Page 2 of 23 to increasing _ activity in this community. It's a policing policy. The high risk policy is a policing policy. I've told Janet and Lonnie for several years that I would support a new jail if they would build one that would meet our current needs, which are 150 people a night. That's what we need that would meet our current needs, but they insist on growth. The effects of growth are going to be to incarcerate more African -Americans, make the new Jim Crow worse in this community, right here in this community. So I think that we should oppose the construction of a new jail until one thing happens. That is the city of Iowa City comes up with a plan to reduce the disproportionate minority arrest rates. OT: So you are requesting that we put it on our next agenda? Cox: Yes. OT: Since its not on the agenda we really can't give... Cox: I understand. I'm just asking you to put it on the agenda. OT: I think you have some very good points and could you basically share those in writing with Stefanie so that we will be able to have discussion at our next meeting. Cox: Yes. JC: Orville would you be prepared for me to make a motion Would that be appropriate? OT: Yes that'd be appropriate. JC: I move that the Justice Center and the issue of incarceration rates and jail be on the next agenda of our next meeting. OT: The motion should read at Jeffs request. Cox: I can supply you with far more statistics that you want. OT: information will be able to discuss it at our next meeting. SB: You can forward it to me if you still have my contact information. KH: Is it appropriate that we get his email address so that we can discuss with him personally or what are the rules around that? I just have questions. SB: Yes that's fine. KH: What is your email address? JC: JeffreyLCoxl@gmafl.com. I think this is an important issue and so I appreciate you considering it, thanks. Coulter moved to place on the agenda, seconded by Tallon. Motion passed. 8-0. (Olmstead abstained --no reason given for abstaining) Page 3 of 23 New Business: Elections SB: You just need to elect for the Vice Chair and I'll volunteer myself for Secretary. OT: For Vice Chair do we have any nominations? HO: I'll nominate myself. JC: I'll second that. OT: Any other nominations? Harry has accepted the Chair and I think we're to the point where we vote on it. Am I correct? SB: Do you want to amend your motion and include me as Secretary and that would avoid having to do it twice. JC: Sure. I'll amend my motion to include our Secretary. OT: Okay so the motion for Harry as the Vice Chair and Stefanie as Secretary. All those in favor? Olmstead moved to elect as Vice Chair with Bowers as Secretary, seconded by Coulter. Motion passed 9-0. UNA Night of 1000 Dinners SB: There are three e-mails receivedjust to give a rundown of the event. It is being held on Thursday, March 7b as Orville stated. Ifs being held at the Old Brick, and ifs an international dinner that includes a speaker, music and silent auction. The theme this year is Iowa City and the United Nations in celebration of International Women's Day. The speaker will be Professor Durham and she will be discussing the Lolita Effect, co -sponsorships are $ 100 per organization, which would entitle the Commission to one ticket, one complimentary ticket for a Commissioner to attend the event. OT: Are asking for a donation Stephanie? SB: A co-sponsorship is how they worded it. OT: Have we done anything with them in the past? SB: Yes. Last year the Commission did give a donation or co-sponsor this event. About $750 to date that the Commission has used in co -sponsorships or donations. OT: Do you remember how much we gave last year? SB: I don't believe this number is any higher than it would've been last year. OT: Discussion? DT: Do you know how many more co -sponsorships we will have this year? Page 4 of 23 SB: I have no idea. HO: I move that we sponsor the event. JC: Second. OT: Do we need an amount? HO: I think _ organization right? SB: Correct. HO: For $ 100. OT: It's been moved that we sponsor, give a sponsorship of $ 100, is there a second? SG: I'll second it. SB: Joe had actually seconded that or not? JC: Yes. SB: Harry made the motion and Joe seconded. Olmstead moved to co-sponsor at $100, seconded by Coulter. Motion passed. 9-0. SB: Is anybody interested in that one ticket March 7th? I don't know that they gave a time for the actual event. I know in the past I want to say it started at 6:00, but I can confirm that. OT: Do we know who the speaker is? SB: It's a Professor Durham. I believe they said she was in the Women's Sexuality, the Department of Gender, Women's Sexuality Studies. I still doni see a time of the actual event starting at 6 or 7 PM timeframe, but I can get that information. DT: Does it matter that we missed the deadline for co-sponsorship? SB: Actually they extended it and the last email it says February 21 ", so it kind of got extended over time. KH: I would be interested in going. SB: Okay. I'll get you the time then and send that out. Proclamations for 2013 SB: This was the first meeting in January. We were discussing, it would have been the January 150' meeting, and there was a discussion about putting this item on the agenda to see what if any Page 5 of 23 proclamations the Commission wanted to do in the ftiture. Certainly at tonighfs meeting you don't need to necessarily select for the rest of the year, but obviously for the next few months would be helpful. What I included in the packet is a list of some of the more well-known monthly observances that are recognized, with the first being what Jessie win do tonight, the Black History Month proclamation. OT: Are there any actions that we need to take on this? SB: I would say only if the Commission would want to do a proclamation for National Women's History Month, which is in March. If they want to do one for Days of Remembrance, which is April/May time fi-ame, and then the Asian Pacific American Heritage which is May. I would say just the turnaround on getting it to the mayor; it would be helpful for staff to know when the Commission would like to present proclamations, at least for the next few months. OT: Discussion? SG: Question I guess, has there been any other topics historically for proclamations ? SB: There are additional ones; I know the Commission has done one in December for Universal Human Rights, which is celebrated in December. That is the only additional one that I'm familiar with, in addition to Fair Housing. The Fair Housing Proclamation is in April of each year. It's not on the list that I found, but those are the two that would not be on the list that the Commission has done in the past. DT: I was just wondering if more than one organization can do a proclamation or not? SB: I'm guessing that one gets read, but both probably get signed if the mayor accepts them both. I find for time purposes that they probably don't read both of them if they're dealing with the same topic. DT: The Realtor Association has done Fair Housing in April in the past, so I didn't know if that was something we would do as well. SB: You know I think it just matters, I mean if that's something that you would like to defer to them that's certainly fine. DF: I was just going to add that I know that we've done things in honor of Pride Month ____proclamation in June, and we've done the Pride Rally and ceremony and all that kind of stuff. SB: I don't think there's been a proclamation submitted by the Human Rights Commission, but rm guessing that there's probably somebody for the community that does submit one. DF: If we wanted to do that it would be in June. SB: Thank you. SG: So here's a question. Anything that we can start or hasn't been on this list like something... SB: This list is just a list so I don't mean to imply by this list that this is a list of proclamations the Commission has done. Just so everybody understands that. The commission has done: Black Page 6 of 23 History Month, Universal Human Rights Month, Fair Housing, and Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. SG: I guess ]Vm thinking of and I don't know how appropriate or not to consider would be something addressing violence against women and children. Can it be somehow included in women's, but when is equality, that's just a diff�rent topic. DF: April is Sexual Assault Survivor's Month. KH: So if we were interested in doing a proclamation for each month is that saturating it by any means? SB: I think that's up for the Commission to determine. KH: I know that, but then I'm saying so then how do you pick and choose? OT: That would just be up to us. JC: National Women's History Month is coming, that at this meeting that we, I would move that the Commission do proclamations for National Women's History Month, the Days of Remembrance and those two, and that this be an agenda item on future meetings. DF: I'd be fine with us doing something on a monthly basis and Idnd ofjust honoring communities in our community. Part of me is also Idnd of like where is the --7 . rm not sure the purpose a proclamation serves, and if it is simply an acknowledgment Ithink thaVs powerful, but it'd be nice if we had ldnd of a template proclamation, and if we can think about why do we think a proclamation is important to keep those principles in all of them. I think part of it is just recognition of the diversity in the community. We honor that and these proclamations indicate that� but I'd want to make sure that we are inclusive and very intentional about what SG: Something addressing immigrants. DF: If we then we have a member of that community assist with maybe a Commissioner representing it to the Council, that we think really intentionally about what do we care about in these proclamations. HO: Stefanie is possible that with these proclamations press releases can go out because the newspaper hasn't covered in the past when we do a proclamation. I'm wondering if press release may get some attention to it or add attention to it. ru second Joe's motion. SB: We can try. HO: I'll second Joe's motion. OT: _ Joe for the ones that you indicated? JC: Yes that we do proclamations and I read it --- and have our press releases. Can we do these two that are immediately coming up in Mai�h, National Women's History Month and Days of Remembrance, which is in April and that we revisit this list . ? OT: Okay the motion has been seconded. Page 7 of 23 KH: Can I put in an amendment and also include the Sexual Assault Survivor's and Violence Against Women's Month because that is in April/May as well. DT: Could we make the Days of Remembrance the May, and then just have one for each of those three months so we don't have more than one a month? OT: Okay clarification on the friendly amendments. SB: So the Day of Remembrance would be switched to May, and then April for Sexual Survivor's Month. Do I have that correct Diane the sexual survivors? DF: Yes. SB: That would be April. DF: What day Holocaust Remembrance Day falls_ DT: Okay its Sunday April 7'h and Monday April 8b SG: So which one are we going to do? DT: Well I don't think we necessarily have to do everyone every year. OT: We could vote that we've got -- Coming up and we have a motion and a friendly amendment to handle that. So if we vote on that and then have this as an agenda item, and then the next we will outline what we want to do for the rest of the year. Does that sound like a game plan? SG: What's in March? SB: National Women's History would be March. SG: Okay and then April is? SB: Sexual Assault Survivor's Month, and then May would be Days of Remembrance. DF: I would actually recommend, even though there's two in April, that we stay with Holocaust Remembrance Day is in April, and that's really the pinnacle of Idnd of like a lot of the activities that we take, but we just have two in April. DT: When are the City Council meetings in March, in April? SB: In March they are the 5h and the 19'h, and in April they are the 9h and the 23d. DT: So could we put the Days of Remembrance actually on March 190' so that it predates the meeting because otherwise it would be past the date since April 7dis the... Is that a bad idea? HO: Somebody would have to agree to go to the Council meeting for the proclamation. KA: The last one? I mean it would be like the last meeting in March? Page 8 of 23 SB: It would be the same meeting date as this Commission which is the 19'h. KA: I'll do it, that's fine. SB: And then what about for the 5th then for the Women's Flistory? Does anybody want to, what happens if nobody is there to accept; it's not read at the formal meeting and the mayor just signs it. That's the difference between somebody being there and somebody not being there, and of course I always have to mention this disclaimer that they are the mayor's proclamations and so. technically he could always decline a request to do one. I haven't seen that and I'm definitely not saying that that is going to occur, but just want everybody to know that. K-H: What was the date of that one? SB: It would be the March 5� which would be a Tuesday. Katie is doing the 19'h KH: I can do March 51b. SB: Thank you. OT: So we have a motion and we have a friendly amendment so we have the assignments. Motion passed (9-0) SEATS HO: I asked this to be put on the agenda for two reasons. The city staff is recommending to the City Council that in the upcoming budget that the half fares for the disabled and elderly in our community be eliminated, and the half fares account for 90% of the rides that Seats users use. Those are people that live at or below the poverty level, and I feel it's very discriminatory in one sense, and I think again disenfranchising a group of people in our community that are suffering already financially and don't need to have any more suffering. The other thing is that they are also recommending elimination of Sunday service, which they don't have to provide. They only have to provide it during the fixed route times. They do have to provide a paraft-ansit system in the community because we have fixed route systems, and federal laws says if you have fixed route systems you have to have a paratransit system. But only have to stop during the times the fixed route system operates, and we have those Sunday services with fixed route because Sunday for paratrawit has been kind of a gift in kind so to speak. I'd like us to take and send a message over to the City Commission that we urge them not to eliminate the half fares. DT: So you want to focus on the half fares and not necessarily the Sunday service? HO: Well we could do both. DT: If you had to pick one you though you would .... ? HO: The half fares. DT: Is more important? KH: How much does it cost? Page 9 of 23 HO: For a half fare its $1.00 one way or $2 roundtrip versus $4 for fiffl fare. DT: And fixed route services are still $1 per way correct? HO: Right. DT: I agree with you. HO: The cost savings to the city if they eliminated the half fares are $120,000. KA: Is that also eliminating Sunday orjust the ... ? HO: No, that's just for the half fare. They didn't come up with a figure for Sunday service. DT: Is thatjust the city's portion or is that.... DT: In order to eliminate the half fare would the city and the county have to agree? HO: No. The county is already agreed $100,000 in their budget, and that only will go down now because the budge�__, it can't go up. The other thing to make you aware of is the average cost of a ride in the city is $16 and some cents per one-way, so half fares they�re only paying a dollar, and a fiffl fare is $2. The city is absorbing $14 or $15. DT: Do city and county split it completely or does some of the money also come from like the federal and state transportation money9 HO: My understanding is that there is no federal or state transportation money. KH: And the county is phasing out of .. ? HO: The county is going to take a phase out of subsidizing, what they're caffing subsidy to the city of Coralville and the City of Iowa City. This year they're giving Iowa City $ 100,000 and next year it will be $50,000 and in 2016 it will be zero. OT: It sounds like a half fare of SEATS is quite a bit less than any other mode of transportation that would be available. Is that correct? HO: No. It's equal to a fixed route. It's the same as an average person on the street would pay going on a fixed route. CIT: Iwasjustthinkin as opposed to them eliminating it would be more advantageous to encourage them to consider increasing the fare? Would that be feasible? HO: The fare was just increased this last year. So I doubt they want to increase it again, it was July of last year was increased. DT: But this is basically increased on most of the customers? HO: Yes. The half fare used to be $.50 and they increased it to $1. The full fare was $1 and they increased that to $2. Page 10 of 23 DT: But you said 90% of the people that ride it qualify for the half fare? HO: Yes. DT: So elimination of the half fare is just a fare increase basically. OT: Would it be better for the individuals riding SEATS if they were to increase it again as opposed to eliminating it? HO: I'm sorry I don't understand your question. OT: 1 guess what Im saying is I hear you saying that they just increased the fare up to $1, $50 to $1, but now you're talking about eliminating the service? HO: Well now they eliminate half fares which means that it would go from $1 to and $2 for one-way. DT: What is the cutoff for qualifying for half fare, is it just the federal poverty line or? HO: Well the application is in your packet and they asked for you to be either on Medicaid or food stamp program, family investment program or supplemental security income. DT: So it's a fairly high bar to meet, you have to be pretty dependent on okay. Yes I'm supportive. Personally I think transportation should be free, but I think the half fares would be. I mean I don't see why somebody that was disabled needs to pay more than — somebody else to ride a transit system. I mean it's a little more difficult for them to get to a traditional bus stop so. HO: Could you put that in a form of a motion? I'd rather not because I've been personally involved in this for some time now. KH: I'mjustcurious. So is Coralville or University Heights involved in what's happening with SEATS at all? HO: Yes. Coralville the figures for them from the county this year is $50,000 and next year is $25,000, and the third year will be zero. University Heights I'm not sure how that is handled with the county, that hasn't come up. Coralville charges, they don't have a half fare in Coralville for those riders that come out of Coralville. They pay full fare. DT: I would move that, should it be in the form ofjust a recommendation to the council or what would you like? HO: I think in form of a recommendation to council. DT: I would move that we recommend that the city maintain the half fare price as part of our commitment to the disabled and elderly community of Iowa City. KA: Second. OT: Any discussion? DT: I think it falls within a more traditional view of the Commission to support the rights of people to live, but I also think that these people rely on it. I mean you need transportation around the city Page 11 of 23 to get to work, to be a part of the economy, to be a part of the ... go to the hospital. Putting it into just the view ofjust the hospital if we increase the price of transportation that's a cost of going to the hospital, we're increasing the price to these people of getting to the places they need to go for medical care orjust to be a part of Iowa City. So I think it's very important. OT: We have a motion and we have a second. Roll call. Motion passed 9-0. Old Business: Youth Awards (Tallon no longer present) OT: Youth Award on May 15d. SB: Just a friendly reminder to get it on the calendar. KII: When do we start marketing? SB: I'm hoping that first full week in March because I believe March I" falls on Friday, so that first fiiU week in March. JC: I have a query as we move into these old business agenda items. I did not see, and maybe there isn't supposed to be, but any minutes or anything about meeting where we discuss these? SB: Sure the meeting minutes actually are still in draft form and I have to go through them one more time. The hope was to have them for today, but they're just in a raw form. Iowa City Community School District's Diversity Policy (Harper not present) JC: Well I think this is good continuing the issue. I don't think it's past this at all. The school district has gotten themselves into quite a situation, but with respect to the state and the federal government that regulates the free and subsidized school lunch. I had hoped to have some more information and I think we ought to go ahead and try to get this information, that more particularly is even finer gram than the information that we've gotten here about enrollment. Enrollment by race, ethnicity, gender just _ by schools in Iowa City. _ either from census tracks or again the state may or may not provide this because you have to, if you get too fine a grain or get down too close you run the risk of identifying people. So there may be restrictions on whether we can get it, but what I'm talking about is I'd like to get the free and subsidized school lunch data by school. I think what you're going to find is what I've already seen in some preliminary maps that the school board was using, that racial ethnic minority enrollment — subsidized school lunches are in the same place. The only real issue about getting it is that if you start getting down to single _ schools for example, well I'll use a real example. If we got say Lincoln School, which has very few minorities and very few federal, that maybe only a handful of people like six people. That data should not be disseminated because it is too easy to identify who those individuals are. So either the State Board of Education or anyone else is going to, should not make that available. OT: That sounds like the reply that I received or the Commission received in regards to the other schools ACT scores. They're saying that the numbers were so low that they couldn't release them because they'd run the risk of identifying. Page 12 of 23 JC: You always have to, or I flunk we always should try to obtain as much good data as we possibly can to make decisions and discussions based on facts. But that is one of the limitations is when you get into race, ethnicity, social economic status and so forth, those ... OT: Is there any way around the issue because that honestly seems like something... JC: It can be, the way to get around it is to aggregate it. If you get into say an individual school district that is so low that you ran the risk then you just combine it, say the two adjacent or three adjacent school districts. OT: The thing that concerns me and it also amazes me is that this policy has been discussed on several levels and it's been approved. But there is no indication... JC: — school district, it has not been approved by the state. OT: I know but I'm trying to _ district, but it was approved and there is no clear indication as to, you know where it's going. I mean it just came up and identified some areas that might you know give some indication of what to work for, but it amazes me that they haven't been required to give more specifics. JC: Actually the letter from the state says you're going to have to come up with a different plan. KH: The lawyer for the school district is saying that, that they can —. SG: The language with the Iowa City Press Citizen Board has been in a closed meeting with the officials from the school district. The language was the issue of concern because they used minonty in a way that means only social economics. JC: — diversity. SG: Exactly, but they've been using it as a key for why they want redistricting and you know distributing students across the district. So you don't have 100% say, it's not of course 100%, but the majority would be of one has children that do qualify for lunch assistance or they have issues, whether it's learning issues or what have you. So all they've tried to do is to distribute it all over the district so they are not concentrated. Like Roosevelt for example had a very high number of students who are considered low economic _. Right get their free lunches, so that was the main concern at least would be the discussion with the school district that they're using minority, but minority doesn't mean that. I thought that was very confusing and vague, and also really wrong. OT: So if they're trying to create or develop a better balance. SG: Exactly, across the schools. OT: Then that would be very nice in an ideal world, but to achieve that balance they're going to have to impact the students that . transportation and things like child care, and Idds that can walk to school. Now they'll have to have parental presence, so I mean... SG: It's a very controversial issue because many of the students say from one specific group or another I mean _ economically. Inipacted students want to stay in their own neighborhoods. They don't want to be bussed away, and that will and so that's an issue that I don't know how they can resolve it. They're trying to get equity, economic equity, but not diversity. Page 13 of 23 OT: Obviously this is a very interesting topic. I guess what we probably need to do is is there anything specifically that we have concerns about. SG: Language. OT: Do we want to take any specific action on it so you know. JC: I think this is going to be a continuous thing and I agree with you Orville, but I think we should take a step. These will be a series of steps as this issue evolves. It's still very fluid. OT: Would it be appropriate Stefanie for us as a Commission to express concern to the school district and request that they give us some indications of the impact that it's going to have on students involved, and what actions they plan to take to like transportation and things like that. Is this something we should be getting involved in? SB: I think part of that question is probably- so you know as of today it might be a little quick to ask for that information when I think its forthcoming is my understanding even from the articles that are in the packet. OT: Can I make a suggestion? DF: The thing that I would say is when I got calls fi-orn. School Board members after the Human Rights Commission made its statement, and what I've heard from _ why aren't we all sitting down and talking in the sense of some of these things are explainable and some are not, those are good ideas. I'm wondering if there might be something we can do proposing a joint meeting to an Iowa City Human Rights Commission and the Iowa City School Board. For me it's about racial equity, it's about redefining of language. So what we do on social economics I think has a lot to do with our City Council it's done in the terms of housing policies. So I think it implicates our city in lots of ways, but I'm wondering if we might want to do a roundtable discussion versus kind of throwing letters back and forth. JC: Well and I think this might compliment the need that I think we have of obtaining more data, getting it directly from... OT: I guess you know mistake and I agree with you Diane, but I was just thinking when it comes time to figure out mhat is our role in this whole thing. I guess now that I think about it maybe our role is to not over react, but to wait until something comes out and we have a document that we can look at, and then let's look at that document and see how we feel about the rights of students and whether they have been compromised or we can get a better picture of maybe how we should react once we have something. JC: I agree with you and I think that's ultimately what is forthcoming, but even before that I think that we could either invite or however would be appropriate to express this is to sit down and have a face to face meeting between the Human Rights Commission and the School Board about this issue because we're concerned as a Commission about what may be some issues. We're in need of information and rather than waiting until ... let's begin some discussions. Is that not what you're suggesting? DF: Yes. I think what happens now I remember I was quoted in the paper as something like let's focus. on educational outcomes or —. So I started getting the calls from the _ and like you Page 14 of 23 have no idea about educational outcomes, and there's going to be _ . Why didn't you sit down and talk with us and .... and it's like hey great. So I'd almost like to say we'd love to sit down and talk with you. OT: Well you know and I HO: I was just wondering Stefanie if we have a sort of meeting like that, do we have to announce to the public as well correct? 1 wonder if we might not be better off having representatives of the Commission, three representatives from the Commission meet with school board members. DF: So not a quorum so that... HO: Right. SB: It would have to be on both sides because they would have an open meetings too. So it would have to be like a subcommittee of the School Board also. JC: I think that would be good. DF: Representatives of both .... SG: But then afterwards, after the two sides and those represented from both groups meet we're going to have to talk about it here and that's public. JC: That's alright. OT: That is something basically we have to respect the _ that we get fir-orn them, but I think we can handle that. I think the most important thing is that we have a comprehension of what's going on, and in all fairness to them so that we're not making assumptions and things. Once we get that information then we can decide you know with Stefanie's guidance what would be the appropriate way to handle it. DF: I'd make a proposal that the three of us who are interested in making that kind of a meeting that we volunteer and then that group is a subcommittee and then bring the proposal back here for what they believe will be the Human Rights Commission stance and or actions. HO: I second that. DF: —action SG: I'm thinking that before our three representatives go and meet with them, is that we actually as a Commission articulate the questions that we would ask, as a group. Why are we meeting? I mean you can go three and three and without an agenda, without any focus that may not be very clear. J.C: Well it may be that we need to have more than one meeting because are they trying to, so little information coming up with the right questions. We may need to _ a little hard to do. OT: What we could do is I think Diane had a good recommendation, that we have a committee of three that we appoint, the Commission appoints, that will basically coordinate this in terms of getting together with the school district. That committee can basically get the questions that they Page 15 of 23 feel; whatever you feel you need to do you can communicate with us and get feedback. But I think the committee would pretty much coordinate it and get it set up. Is that what you're saying Diane? DF: And the people can see... JC: Can you put that in a form of a motion? SG: So you don't think we should have all of us together articulate these questions and then have these questions taken by the three members? OT: Yeah I'm not saying we shouldn't do that. What I'm saying is once the committee gets together, if the committee wants feedback from the rest of the committee you can request that from us and we'll give you that information in terms of questions that need to be presented. Are you saying you want feedback from the whole Commission? SG: No. What I'm saying is the Commission as a group discuss what are the questions we need answered. Then the three member Commissioners would take these questions to the meeting with the board. JC: It might be premature however to try to make these questions if the absence of any dialogue. I would like to have some more information from the School Board, and then bring it back to this Commission, and then based on that information this group then articulate what the issues and the questions they want answered. I'm agreeing with you, but I'm just saying it's a preliminary step; at least I'm so much in the dark as to what may or may not be going on here. KH: I think it's also an opportunity to gather more information for clarification. For instance, you know the red flag one is that what about all these students are being bussed? Well we're already bussing 40% of our students in the school district. So I mean some of it is just understanding more about how they've come to make some of the choices that they've made, and gathering more information and then bringing it back to the Commission. Maybe then there will be some specific questions. JC: I think we wouldn't waste time and get right to the point. DF: I propose that Iowa City Human Rights Commission send a delegation. Well first we need to approach the Iowa City, I propose that the Iowa City Human Rights Commission approaches the Iowa City Community School District Board and ask that if a subcommittee comprised of three members of ours and about three of there's could meet to help the Commission better understand the diversity policy so that we can determine future actions if needed. OT: Okay so it's been seconded, vote. Do we need Jessie's vote? OT: So now we just need to get our subcommittee together. DF: I would volunteer. JC: I would volunteer. HO: I'd like to see Jessie on the committee. Page 16 of 23 OT: Let's wait because the politics of it you know, let's wait and see how he feels about it. SB: Technically there could probably be four because five is a quorum. So three is fine and that's how the motion was, but if you wanted to have like an alternate or something, then you could have four. I think the school board is seven members, so they wouldn't have the same luxury. You might want to do three on three just so that there's not overrepresentation. OT: I'll serve as the alternate and when Jessie comes if he wants to do it I'm an alternate, and if he doesn't then I'll probably take the slot. Finnerty moved for the Commission to form a delegation comprised of three Commissioners to meet with members of the School Board and then come back to the Commission with recommendations concerning the diversity policy, seconded by Coulter. Motion passed. 7-0. (Harper and Tallon not present for vote.) Oftsite Classrooms and Academic Achievement in Iowa City Community School District JC: That's Jessie. OT: Why don't we come back to that. SB: And the proclamation too because that's why he's presently not here. Updates/Revorts: African American History Month Proclamation JC: That's what Jessie is doing. Immigrant Subcommittee Municipal Identification KIII: I don't have any current updates for those Commissioners who may have missed what was decided at January's meeting. Gloria and I will be representatives of the Human Rights attend some of the more solid meetings like the roundtable meetings and anything Robin or anyone has so instead of pulling those leaders and inviting them to join another meeting. We will be available similar to a listening post concept where we would just be there as representatives of the Commission, and any questions or concerns back to the . We have not — so OT: Okay how about the identification? SB: There's a memo in the packet that was from Geoff _ to the City Council. I highlighted it and I can certainly read it. Staff will be directing the first recommendation related to municipal identification cards to the Ad hoc Diversity Committee, which has briefly discussed this issue. Therefore we recommend that the City Council wait for the final report. It's right after the statistics. DF: I've seen the draft of the Diversity Committee's report. Was this ID one of the recommendations that came out of it? I don't think so. Page 18 of 23 JC: What the city did was defer them and waiting the Ad Hoe Diversity Committee. DF: Just the municipal ID question was deferred to the Ad Hoc Diversity Committee. JC: But there's another one. OT: I think what's going on is the Ad Hoc Committee as I see it is we've been meeting. We have two committees, transportation and law enforcement, and the subcommittees have been working together, and then we at the last meeting we started discussing you know finalizing our recommendations. Then tomorrow we will continue doing that and so a lot of things have been floating around. I think what it comes down to is tomorrow it's an open meeting, and I think we're going to be finalizing the recommendations tomorrow. So this is one that definitely, if I'm hearing right, you feel needs to be and if it's not there already it needs to be included. DF: Yes and I was thinking, and this is why _. Let's say there were five proposals that came out of the Immigration Subcommittee, and what I see is _ addressing is two of the five. SB: I think the recommendation said other additional languages as needed. DF: I'm not speaking of anything I know because I thought the report said there's the ID, signage and there's this and this. KH: We asked that each of them be considered independently, so what she's saying is that they were only responding to two recommendations. DF: So what I don't have is the recommendations in front of me. I thought there were more than two, and hearing the city respond to signage and municipal ID, which I think is great. I'm wondering what's happened if there were other recommendations in the Immigration Subcommittee's report. Who will be reviewing the other recommendations? KH: Well one was staff training, that staff be trained on a language line, and .... SB: So you're talking about the content in the? OT: I think what the problem that we run into is that we've been given a lot of materials and a lot of recommendations from the Ad Hoc Committee. The problem that we run into is we have to keep our major focus on what our charge is and that's transportation, law enforcement. Some of the things basically can fit directly into what our charge is, and I think what we're thinking about doing is having a separate section of materials that aren't directly involved with our responsibility, but we will be recommending to the City Council. SB: She's referring to the Human Rights Commission subcommittee on immigration. DF: It's less for me that with the Ad Hoc Diversity Committee is going to do, it's more for me about how have the City Council members received our recommendations. They've delegated two of them, which is great and I applaud that. One was delegated to the Ad Hoc Committee and one was delegated to the staffing. I'm wondering what's happened, have the remaining recommendations of this Commission subcommittee been... Page 19 of 23 SB: I'll check on that. I understand what you're saying. I'm not sure how this filtered down so I'm not sure if the memo was Geoff sending the memo out as staff or if he was directed to from the Council. So that's, I understand what you're asking, so that's just more information that I'll have to get. You're talking about the immigration Subcommittee's report? They were numbered and there might have been confusion, but I'll follow up on that so. OT: Okay now we need to back up. (Jessie Harper returns) We have a subcommittee to communicate with the school district about the Diversity Policy, and you were selected for that committee. Are you interested in being on the subcommittee? JH: Yes. OT: Then we have the African American History Month proclamation. JH: Yes that's what I just -- OT: Moving back Offsite Classrooms and Academic Achievement, I think that was yours. JH: The best thing I can say right now is I need more time to look at the data that we have. Along with what has been provided to us and then also just some general stats. But would it be okay or acceptable for Commissioners to talk with each other about it? SB: The problem is if you get into too many and then you have a meeting that needs to be public. So as long as you're four or under you're okay. That's the issue, and that would include email too so don't, if you send an email to eight Commissioners that's going to pose a problem so four is the magic number. JH: Okay thank you. Building Communities OT: We had our meeting at the library and had a decent turnout. We explained to the individuals participating what we were trying to do and answered their questions. We informed them that if they were willing and interested in continuing that we would be basically scheduling another meeting in the near future. What I've done Stefanie is we've sent emails to our young black professionals working in the district, in the area of Iowa City, and we asked them to give us feedback on what they felt were the top five issues that needed to be addressed. When we get all that information we will compile that, and then we'll be calling another meeting of the whole group to see how many are interested in going the distance with us, and then we'll share that with them and see how they feet we ought to proceed. That's where we are to date with that committee. I was pretty pleased with the meeting, how about you Jess? JH: 'Yes I think the meeting went well. The turnout was good and individuals were up to what we were discussing. A lot of people signed up and were interested in the topic and want to see the community grow in Iowa City. University of Iowa Center for Human Rights OT: I wish I could report more. A press release is coming out this week to give the information on what's going on, but we're very pleased with what Provost Butler has offered. I can say that the Page 20 of 23 Law School is going to be involved with it, and that's about all I can say at this time. We just don't want to upstage Provost Butler. Reports of Commissioners (Finnerty not present) SG: I don't know if this is something that we can address or not but we'll talk about it anyway. I was approached by, well I'm on the ACLU Iowa as you know for the directors, and we're working hard on issues of shackling and restraints of pregnant inmates. That's a hot topic right now. We're tying to get it into law rather than just administrative rules. So I don't know, I mean in my humble opinion this is a human rights issue, and I don't know how we can get involved or if it is appropriate at all. I think this isjust outrageous what's happening. HO: Is this being done at the jail or at the prison? SG: Both, jails and prisons. It is left up the staff and department of corrections to make these decisions. I think it's just outrageous and I think we need to put pressure on the state and locally too to have this stopped. I personally today wrote an email to Senator Dvorsky, who is the one apparently sort of taking his very cautious time making a final decision regarding _ that's already in place. I called and left him a message too, but I think this is something we should consider addressing. JC: Do you have involvement with the state department _ in regard to this? SG: No. JC: I would recommend that you do because I'm on one of their Commissions, and we had that concern with Native American affairs. We regularly discuss treatment of native prisoners and their ability to practice their spiritual ... possession of feathers and. Again it's a very similar kind of thing where there is not, it's often left to the discretion of the and there are abuses there. I would recommend that in addition to whatever we might want W-p—articipate that you avail yourself. JH: I would just like to express that I am very proud to be on the Commission, and I'm very excited in the direction that we are going as the new year approaches, new items,_ excited to get some work done. OT: Any other comments fi-orn Commissioners? HO: I have an article that appeared in the Ul Alumni magazine for education about David Brown who is one of our former Commissioners, so I thought I'd share it. JC: I've passed around these inserts with some information I've pulled off of enrollment reports that Stefanie provided us with. I would just point out that if we become interested in things like the school diversity policy, that there have been some real changes here. If you look at the African American enrollment. Well first look at the five year enrolhnent, its declined by 700 and something, that the Black African American enrollment is more than doubled. The Hispanic Latino has quadrupled, and over here on the far right in the lower line where it says MLP and PI, that's the new designation. You're allowed because all of this is self -designation, MLP stands for multi -racial and PI stands for Pacific Islander. I just combined those two, but on the sheets those are actually treated separately. Page 21 of 23 III: I was wondering what is a multi -racial what is? JC: It's self -identification. I could easily you know I'm _ American Indian, but I'm white. Well when I self -identify I always do American Indian, but I could just as easily and justifiably or you could say you're white. It's self -identification that's what it is, and you don't have to have a card or nothing. If you say you're multi -racial &t's one of the things you could do. Reports of Staff SB: I just want to mention some programing that staff is working on. One is one that has been growing for a long time, and another is a newer one. On April 2nd there will be a Learn Over Lunch at the Iowa City Public Library, meeting room A. It will be a program that's entitled US Department of State Hometown Diplomats. So there's actually a person who currently works for the Department of State and he's currently in South Africa, but his hometown is Iowa City so he's coming back to talk more about what he does and about what the Department of State does. That will be April 2�d and from 12:00-1:00, bring your own lunch. The date hasn't been determined for this spring, but for the newer Commissioners usually or generally the Commission sponsors a job fair twice a year, and it is ajob fair that is designed for people who are unemployed or underernployed, so it's not your university job fair. People may have GED's, spotty work histories, a history of incarceration. It's an opportunity to matchjob seekers with potential employers. Before the economy declined at our height we were looking at 45 employers at the job fair. Over the last few years 25 is a good number since we don't see the high number anymore. The types ofjobs have also changed. A lot more temporary agencies come now, and a lot of places not offering, I don't like to say permanentjob placements because any employer would tell you they have no permanent jobs. You know temp work versus somebody actually being hired for a long duration at will. That will be coming up in April probably towards the end of April, and so we are curr-ently having planning meetings for that and trying to get employers lined up. HO: Where will that be this year? SB: Eastdale Plaza and the employers pay a registration fee, which covers the renting of the tables and chairs and advertising and things like that. It's a very well -attended event and we try to do help with resumes. You know talking to an employer and what questions to ask. How to explain a spotty job history or explain a criminal record, things of that nature. OT: I have a couple of questions in the packet here; new organization at the U of I. Since they are a new organization and they reached out to us, would it be appropriate to extend an invitation for them to maybe have a representative attend one of our meetings or how do we want to address this email? I think we should do something. SB: I think that's what they were looking for. I invited them to this meeting because there are you know opportunities to speak of items not on the agenda. I'm not sure; I think they kind of were looking for more of an invitation. I can certainly ask them to come, and it still doesn't necessarily have to be an agenda item. Somebody can speak for five minutes under the bylaws on something that is not on the agenda. The problem with that process is you really couldn't engage them in conversation. So if you thought you want to engage or have a discussion, then it's probably better to place them on the actual agenda. OT: I guess another approach is you know it would be appropriate that if they wanted us to, you know one of our representatives attend one of their meetings? Would that be appropriate? Page 22 of 23 SB: Yes and I can do that too. How this came I gave a presentation to the University Human Rights class. One of the students was a member of this organization and that's kind of how they became familiar with the Human Rights Commission and wanted to reach out to the Commission. OT: One of the goals for this year is to have short meetings, so if no one has anything. HO: I move we adjourn JC: Second. OT: All those in favor ... Motion passed (7-0). (Finnerty, Tallon absent) Adjournment: 19:31. Next Regular Meeting —March 19,2013 at 18:00. Page 23 of 23 Human Rights Commission ATTENDANCE RECORD 2013 ( eating Date) NAME TERM EXP. 1115 1128 2/19 3/19 4116 5121 6118 7116 8120 9117 1011 5 1111 9 12117 Diane Finnerty 1111114 DIE x x Orville Townsend, Sr. 1/1114 x x x Dan Tallon (Appointed M111112) 111114 x x x I Kim Hanrahan Iiilis x x x Shams Ghoneim 111115 DIE OlE x Jessie Harper (Appointed 1115112) Iiills x x x Katie Anthony I/Ime x x x Joe D. Coulter 1/1116 x x x Harry Olmstead Ville x DIE x KEY: X = Present 0 = Absent DIE = AbsentlExcused NM = No meeting/No Quorum R = Resigned - = Not a Member Stefanie Bowers From: Jeffrey Cox <jeffreyleoxl @gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 12:03 PM To: HumanRights Subject: Re: Follow Up Human Rights Commission Meeting Attachments: ichrcmemol 3b.doc; Johnson County Jail Trends.pdf, drug bookings neff.jpg; jimcrow2.pdf Stefanie, Attached in order are four documents that I would appreciate your providing to the members of the Human Rights Commission. 1. A memo from me, asking for a particular action by the committee. 2. A graph on Johnson County Population and Jail Trends, from data supplied by John Neff. 3. Another graph demonstrating the growth in drug bookings, same source. 4. An article, "The New Jim Crow Comes to Iowa City", from the Summer 2012 Prairie Progressive. Please confirm receipt and readability. Thank you for your help with this. I will be out of town next week and will not be able to attend the meeting, but I would appreciate being notified of any resulting action. Best, Jeff Cox 319-621-6127 On Wed, Mar 6, 2013 at 8:11 AM, HumanRights <HumanRIQ-hts(CD-iowa-citv.orq> wrote: > The next Human Rights Commission meeting is scheduled for March 19th at 6 p.m. If you have materials you would like to submit for the packet for this meeting, I will need the materials no later than Tuesday, March 12th at 5 p.m. > Stefanie > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Jeffrey Cox [mailto:jeffreylcoxl @gmail.com] > Sent: Wednesday, March 06, 2013 12:46 AM > To: HumanRights > Subject: Re: Follow Up Human Rights Commission Meeting > Thank you, Stefanie. When is the next meet of the HRC? Jeff Cox > On Wed, Feb 20, 2013 at 9:51 AM, HumanRights <HumanRiqhts(a)_iowa-city.orq> wrote: >> Mr. Cox, >> This is the email address to use to forward any correspondence to the >> Iowa City Human Rights Commission. >> Thanks, >> Stefanie >> Subject to the requirements of the Iowa Open Records Act, tnis >> message and accompanying documents are covered by the Electronic >> Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. Subsection 2510-2515, as >> amended, and contains information intended for the specified >> individual(s) only. This information is confidential. If you are >> not the intended recipient or an agent responsible for delivering it >> to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have >> received this document in error and that any review, dissemination, >> copying, or taking of any action based on the contents of this >> information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify me immediately by e-mail, and delete the original message. To: Members of the Iowa City Human Rights Commission From: Jeff Cox, 112 South Dodge Street, Iowa City 52240. I am writing to ask that you pass a resolution opposing the construction of an expanded jail in Johnson County until such time as the Iowa City Police Department has in place a plan, with verifiable goals, to address the problem of racial disparities in both arrests and incarceration, perhaps the most important human rights issue in Iowa City. Although we are faced with a blizzard of statistics on the issue of the new jail, the basic issue is a simple one: the mass incarceration of African -Americans. Nationally, with 12% of the U. S. Population, African -Americans constitute 45% of prisoners. In Johnson County, with roughly 6% of the population, African - Americans account for 23% of all arrests.and 40% of the prisoners held in custody. The human rights crisis described by Michelle Alexander in her book, Ywe New Jim Crow, is right in front of us. Alexander documents the extent to which the over -incarceration of African - Americans is directly linked to the very high arrest rates in America related to the war on drugs. With 5% of the world's population, the United States claims 25% of the world's prisoners. In Johnson' County, incarceration rates and arrest rates are growing substantially faster than the growth of population (see attached graphs taken from statistics supplied by John Neff). Our police department has wide discretion in where to concentrate their limited resources. Drug arrests by the Iowa City Police Department more than doubled between 2007 and 2011, with roughly 80% of drug seizures being marijuana. During the last year, number charged by the University of Iowa Department of Public Safety grew from 2117 to 2538, fewer than half of them students. The number of alcohol arrests fell while drug charges increased. The new jail on the ballot is essentially the same 243 bed building that was rejected by the voters in November. We need about 150 jail beds to meet current needs. The supervisors have brought the number of jail beds to 195 for the May referendum, but in fact are leaving empty space in the jail to install 243 beds as soon as they are needed, which will be almost at once given the current upward slope in arrest rates. If we expand the jail while doing nothing to reduce the disproportionate arrest rates of African -Americans, we will be voting to expand The New Jim Crow. Nothing can be done to remedy the overincarceration of African -Americans until arrest rates are brought down. For that, workshops on racial sensitivity are worthwhile but not enough. We need a public commitment from the Iowa City Police Department, with verifiable goals, to bring down the disproportionate arrest of African -Americans. Would it be too much to ask the Iowa City Police Department to figure out a way to bring the percentage of African -Americans arrested from 23% down to, say, 20%, before endorsing a new jail to house more and more minorities? It sounds like a modest request. Submitted by Jeff Cox 180 Tj_ohnsonCounty 160 140 120 100 ,�-Orf M, M 20 D] 1980 1985 1990 1995 -0-Jail Population & jail Trends 2000 2005 2010 2015 —Johnson County Population (in thousands) —Constant Incarceration Rate Figure 1: Population by Fiscal Year. The blue line shows the population trend for the county and the black line with dots the annual average daily jail population trend. The green line shows the jail population trend if the incarceration rate had remained constant Submitted by Jeff Cox Agenda item 4A Drug Trends for Individuals, Bookings and Charges Two Sets by Bookings Per Year 1600 1400 - -J i 1200 - 1000 E 800 t------4- z 600 t 400 4-4-- 2001 1 1 1 1 1 j, 4 0 i fY07 1 fYO8 i fYO9 0 fyi 1 4112 fY07 i fY08 fY09 tyl 0 Ni 1 fy'l 2 Mumple Single Fiscal Year and Number of Bookings Group 0 Individuals MBookings Charges Submitted by Jeff Cox Agenda Item 4A The New Jim Crow Comes to Iowa City W Nbchelle Alexander's wJi Ije Ne In Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindriess was published last year, it was discussed widely in Iowa City. Alexander's title pretty much says it all. The Land of the Free is now the world's largest prison, with an incarceration rate that exceeds the most repressive regimes in the world, including China and Russia. The increase in incarceration is driven largely by our out of control war on drugs, and the victims are overwhelm- ingly black. With 12% of the U.S. population, Afiican Americans constitute 45% of American prisoners. Perhaps worst of all am the long term effects of the New Jim Crow: one in three adult U.S. black males carries the life-long stigma of a felony conviction. For the last several months Johnson County has been carrying on its own dis- cussion about incarceration. Community leaders of all stripes have united behind a proposal to build a now "justice center which includes, among other things, a newWl. Readers of the Iowa City Press Citizen and The Gazette are bombarded almost weekly with new articles, based on press releases from the county super- visors or the sheriff, promoting the new jail as simple common sense. Our colorblind community leaders, and thejournalists who cover them, have conducted this conversation without men- tioning race. On his private blog, County Supervisor Rod Sullivan has raised the is- sue of racial disparities in both detention and arrests ofjuveniles, but has carefully segregated those statistics from any dis- cussion of the new jail, which he strongly supports --a classic example of cognitive dissonance among liberals. The new justice center is a plan to jail more people. That is what the New Jim Crow is all about --the growth of incarceration. Perhaps before jumping headlong into a large expansion ofjail capacity in Johnson County, Iowa City liberals should consider some facts that have been conveniently omitted or down- played in public discussion of thejail. The current Johnson County jail has as capacity of 96. The average number of people in custody on any given night is roughly 160, requiring the Sheriff to send prisoners to neighboring counties with excess capacity. The new "justice center"will have a capacity of 243, i.e. a 50% growth in the number of people incarcerated. "They should plan to incarcerate fewer people, not more" Although Johnson County is roughly 5% African -American, in 2011 of the 160 incarcerated on an average night, roughly 60 were Affican Ameri- can. Over the last several years the percentage of African -Americans has consistently hovered around 40%. With a 50% growth in incarceration (160 to 243), the number ofAfhcan-Amen'cans in custody will soar from 60 a night to 90. Welcome to apartheid, Johnson County style. Defenders ofjail expan- sion say that we must "plan for growth," but the growth that they are planning is what drives the most harmful form of racism in America. Arrest rates and incarceration rates are falling in many Iowa counties. Polk County actually has room to house 400 additional prisoners in its jail. In Johnson County, though, arrest rates have grown as the African -American conummity has grown. In Linn County (Cedar Rapids), the juvenile arreg rate fell last year, while in Johnson County it grew from 467 to 533, an increase of over 140/a. In 2010, black youth made up 38.3% of the juvenile arrests in Johnson County, and blacks accounted for 40.6% ofjuveniles placed in "secure detention." Alexander documented the primary cause of the increasing arrest rates: the war on drugs. In Iowa City, where marijuana is the overwhelming drug of choice, drug arrests by the Iowa City Po- lice Department have soared from 332 in 2007 to 626 in 2011. Defenders of Iowa City's affest-happy police department often claim that the high arrest rate is the result of unusually high levels of crimi- nal behavior in Iowa City compared to comparable communities. Anyone who knows anything about policing knows that arrest rates are as much a result of policing policy as the level of criminal behavior. Iowa City Police Lt. Doug Hart admitted as much in explaining the soaring drug arrest levels: "It could be increased drug problems, or it could be as simple as the fact that we have more officers working in the street." In their high arrest policy the Iowa City Police Department has been joined by the University of Iowa Police. Now fully armed with tasers and guns, their budget has doubled over the last ten years, paid for by student tuition and state taxes. The University police now trawl the downtown bars along with the Iowa City police in order to arrest students. The last time anyone counted, 17% of Ul students had an arrest record when they graduated, one that they will be required to disclose to graduate schools and employers all of their lives. In 2009 the University of Iowa police arrest rates were 13% higher than those at Iowa State, a school with roughly the same number of students. The new "justice center would improve facilities for lawyers, jailers, judges, and prosecutors. Defenders of the new jail also claim they have the in- terests of prisoners at heart. After all, the additional people we incarcerate through "growth" will have better facilities in a newJail . Thanks! There is every reason to believe that the Iowa City Police De- partment will fill up every new jail bed, and that 40% of the additional prisoners will be African -American. Any good that comes from a new jail will be more than THE PWAiRrE NoGREssivE - SummER 2012 - PAGE 2 Jim Crew, Condnaed on Pdge 5 Submitted by Jeff Cox Agenda Item 4A E 0 0 C A;;LE IN D A R Aug. 2,1937 FDR signed Marihuana Taxation Act Aug. 9,1932 Farmers went on strike in Iowa Aug. 15,1947 Non-violent campaign culminates in independence for India Sept. 15,1982 USATodayclebuts Sept. 19,1957 First underground nuclear test conducted in Nevada Sept. 25,1957 Army troops sent by Eisenhower escorted 9 children to high school in Little Rock, Arkansas Sept. 30,1962 University of Mississippi students rioted over admission of James Meredith Jim craw, CondnuedfivmP#ge2 offset by the lifetime harm that will be done to African -Americans by incarcerat- ing many more in an expanded jail. If thejail advocates are serious about improving conditions for current inmates, they should go back to the drawing board and design ajustice center with jail for 160 imnates, which is the current demand. We should plan to incarcerate fewer people, not more. By planning for growth, they are planning to expand the New Jim Crow in Johnson County, making a mockery of our commitment to "equal justice under the law." — Jeff Cox P.S. As I finished writing this column, the news came of the unexpected death of the best political columnist in America, Alexander Cockburn. His columns in The Nation, and in his political newsletter Counterpurich, were lifelines of sanity, beautifully written. Cock- buni infuriated many liberals, including me, because of his skepticim about the human contribution to global warming, and his occa- sional bouts of nostalgia for Communism. He was at his very best when skewering the by- pocrisy of liberal Democrats for their support of the neo-liberal corporatism and dangerous militarism of Presidents Carter, Clinton, and Obarna. He will be mined. TnE PRAIRIE PROGRESSIVE is Iowa's oldest progressive newsletter. It is funded entirely by subscriptions from our readers. Editor for this issue: Jeff Cox. o $12 I -year subscription 0 $_2012 sustaining fund gift o $10 I -year gift subscription Your Naine Gift Nanie Your Address Gift Address City, state zip City, State Zip Please return to: The Prairie Pwgressive, P.O. Box 1945, Iowa City, 1A 52244 Lauren Reece Flaurn 1960-2012 Prairie Dog's 2012 HOnor Roll, CondmiedfMin Page I School District watchers believe that the School Board of the early 2000s was exceptionally effective, productive, and transparent. Much of the credit goes to Lauren Reece Flaurn, who served two terms from 1999 to 2005 and as board president from 2001 to 2004. Her leader- ship helped pass a $39 million bond referendum that led to the expansion of classrooms and built a new high school, junior high, and elementary school across the district. The Prairie Progressive will miss Lauren's ftiendship, her extraordi- nary ability to bring people together, and her clear and thoughtful writing. We offer a brief sample from her ar- ticle Summertime Murmur in the August 2009 PP: q .ften wonder what it is that gets hold offain open-minded people owe theyjain a school board Haw quickly it �forgotten that the boardkjob is to lead the superintendent and not the other way around! But I do remember that courage is not revered in the climate of the board committee; conformity is- The complexities of schoolfinanceformulas in conjunc- tion with the steep learning curve of other issues conspire to intimidate rather than embolden Peoplefall in line. I often did myseff. " X THE PkAimE PkoGREssim - SummER 2012 - PAGE 5 — Prairie Dog Agenda Item 4A Prepanx! by: Madan K. Karr, City Clerk, 410 East WaWngton Skeet lom City, jA 52240 (319) 356.6041 RESOLUTION NO. 12-4-m RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE NOVEMBER 6, 2012, JOHNSON COUNTY BOND REFERENDUM TO BUILD A JUSTICE CENTER WHEREAS, the current Johnson County Courthouse was designed in the 191 century and opened in 1901; and WHEREAS, numerous deficiencies in the Johnson County Courthouse affect safety, security and accessibility of jurors, courthouse workers, the courts and the general public; and WHEREAS, the current Johnson County Jail was bulk in 1981 for an inmate capacity of 46 gater modified as 92 inmates); and WHEREAS, average daily census in the Johnson County Jail Is now 160 to 190 inmates; and WHEREAS, numerous defickncies in the Johnson County Jail and having to transport overflow jail inmates outside Johnson County threaten staff, visitors and the general public; WHEREAS, inadequate jail facilities require that Johnson County spend $1.3 million per year in outside counties in order to house Johnson County overflow jail inmates; and WHEREAS, the proposed Justice Center, a 5-story, 153,800 square foot facility would include the Sheriff's Office, six new court rooms, the Clerk of Court office, and a 243-bed jail and is designed to solve current safety, security and space needs of the Sheriff, Jail and Court Operations. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Iowa CRY, Johnson County, Iowa, that this City Council supports the $46.8 million bond referendum scheduled for the November 2012 general election; and encourages its cilizens to become informed on the issue and vote on November 6, 2012. Passed and approved this 2nd day of October 2012. I My' S:r=judk*cwW.doc @7-'- Uty AMmey's Office q-Q7-/Z Agenda item 4A Johnson County Web Site Page Page 1 of 2 D.Partsurras Amnifts arol ul.we calendar Revised 3ustice Center Plan The Board of Supervisors approved placing a bond referendum be" the voters In Noveardser 2012 Which would have autharited the County to bond up to $4646 million to address space needs of the jail, court services, County Atiorney's Office and SherIffs Office. While the mamuse received support of 55-4 of thm voting, it failed to whim the required 60% approval required for passage. The Board of Supervisors, has how created a revised plan which It Is wouldering placing before the voters In 0 special election that would be held an May 7, 2013. � To vim the details of the draft plan, cft here Z 3, To vim inflarrnation about the original plan as wall a needs Of the C*UfthOM and 3all, cock hem. Tht, Board of Supervisors will hold a pubk hearing an the draft plan on Tesmilsy, jonuery 29, 2013 at ;nM FM 10 COUrtnover ZA of We Johrroven Cmirty Coguffamida, 417 S. Mean Sftftt in Zcm, City. For additional Inforniation, carried the Board of Supervisors at 319-356-6000 L A http://www.johnson-county.com/dep�_blank.aspx?id=l 2299 1/22/2013 Johnson County Web Site Page Agenda Item 4A Page 2 of 2 http://www.johnson-county.com/depLblank.aspx?id= 12299 1/22/2013 Agenda item 4A r fe CF Lq Lq E 0 r 41 -E W E E M j2 in ED r M 0 en Er- -2 -0 a w C M i c 13 E .2 M C, CL a Ln VOL 0 S C. a c E CL M I op is T Ic a i CL 0 v :; III . V ffw do Coca c a c a c c E wo c a C! w IS r3 L p C C CL c M V CL c CL a W E c E to C C V Or C V 0 CL a .0 E ? *0 CL c E 2 -00 M c UP a A j = r c a M 71 me Agenda Item 4A c 0 's E c us c ICKL la q3 c 10 v IL CL A Eo E EO ac ro r E v c -0 'S U to bc Lo E 0 v c r E 14 4;, MO- IL =0 me .0 a c 0 CL c C. c E IL M al c .5 is I z CL pi 'i C E r ut to '6 c M 10 CL MM o E CL E w '3 A as W 0' A A CML to c 10 Mll rd 0 1% V 0 i La P, § I 0,0 it0 C C 0 C c r� c F F4 Ic E C I I a z 10 a C CL C C 0 E c 11 .E r n V 0 E .0 F A CL E c * a 0 * . A.- w,enda Item 4A .4 I E I E i 40 gla rt 0 c 'A �vY ulaY btuuy lianoritics in justice system I lows. City Press Citizen I press-citizen.com Pagelof2 Submitted by staff 3-7-13 County may study Minorities in justice system Wntten by Lm Hemuton Iowa City Press-Ciazen M�. 06 press-citizen.corn Johnson County will ex Iore hiring a firm to take a "systemic" look at disproportionate o �P min rity contact across the criminal justice system in the county. Board of Supervisors member Rod Sullivan said during a meeting of the county's Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee that he would explore the costs and other details associated with hiring a firm. The move came after committee member Dorothy Whiston said the Iowa City Human Rights Commission had a proposal in front of them asking the commission to take a stance against the proposed $43.5 million justice center bond referendum. Opponents Of the Proposed facility — which would house jail beds, courtrooms, the sherff s office and space foriail diversion programs — point to disproportionate minority contact as one reason to oppose the justice center. VAfiIe not voicing her opinion on the validity of those concerns, Whiston said not acting on the proposal before the Human Rights Commission could be disastrous for the justice center supporters. "I think unless we take a fairly substantial and affirmative and real step toward looking at this issue systemically and with some outcome proposed, we're going to end up down the same road we were the last time this was proposed," VAiiston said. The county took a slightly more expensive bond referendum to voters in November. Needing a super majority of 60 percent the referendum narrowly failed. Now 'the county is trying to bring the justice center back to voters on May 7. County officials have attempted to address concerns about the facility by agreeing to build only 195 beds, four new courtrooms instead of the six that originally were Proposed and redesigning the building's facade. Room will be left in the facility to expand the number of beds and number of courtrooms. VAriston said other communities have done analyses of "racial equity outcomes." The process involves gathering data — such as arrests, sentences and other information — from police, the county attorney and other appropriate agencies and looking at where changes can be made. That data would continue to be collected as the changes were implemented to measure the impact. The hang-up is that the county cannot compel Iowa City, Coralville or the University of Iowa to participate in the research, thereby limiting is potential impact. "It sounds like it would be something that would be more effective if you had a buy -in from the whole region," Sullivan said. Whiston said tha4 if approved, the project would take a year to complete. However, she said that if voters knew the county was taking the lead on such a prqject� it could sway their opinions. Board of Supervisors chairwoman Janelle Rettig asked members of the criminal justice coordinating committee if they should consider pushing back the May 7 special election given the dismal turnout http://www.press-citizen.comlarticIel2Ol3O3O7lNEWS011303070035ICounty-may-study-mi... 3/7/2013 L,ounty may study minorities injustice system I lOVva City Press Citizen I Press-citizen.corn Page2of2 Of Tuesday's Board of Supervisors special election. About 6, 100 votes were cast in the contest won by Republican John Etheredge, who ran on a platform of opposition to the justice center. "It has nothing to do with the outcome of yesterday's election, it has to do with the turnout, and it caused me to wonder if a May election is worthwhile,,, Rettig said. ,We can push, full throttle, to a May election and have nobody show up and vote.', Johnson County Attorney Janet Lyness attributed some of the low turnout to Tuesday's snowstorm. Other members of the committee said they were opposed to pushing back the date and the election date was not moved. Reach Lee Hermiston at 887-5413 or Ihermiston@press-citizen.com. http://�ww.press-citizen-comlarticlel2Ol3O3O7lNEWS011303070035ICounty-may-study-mi... 3n12013 Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 4A CITY OF IOWA CITY rw"M %"66 MEMORANDUM' IP3 Deft: March 6, 2013 To.- Tom Markus, City Manager From; Geoff Fruin, Assistant to the City Manager Re: State of Iowa Disproportionate Minortty Contact Report to Johnson County Officials On Friday, March 18t 2013 the Iowa City Police Department received the enclosed report entitled 81-ocal Discussions Related to Disproportionate Minority Contact: Report to Johnson County Officials" from the State of Iowa Department of Human Rights Division of Criminal and Juvenile Jusboa Planning (CJJP). The receipt of this report coincides with the timing of the compilation of the ad -hoc Diversity Committee's final report. The Diversity Committee's final meeting occurred on Monday, March 4th 2013. A final report from the committee will be issued in the coming days and is scheduled to be discussed at the April IP, 2013 City Council work session. Although their vmrk has concluded, the City Clerk has disbiburted a copy of this report to members of the Diversity Committee. The CJJP report and the ad -hoc Diversity Committee report have a considerable overlap in scope and both are intended for local government audiences. As such, I recommend that the CJJP report be distributed to the City Council at the same Ume as the Diversity Committee report. It would also be appropriate for the two items to be scheduled during the same City Council work session, which is tentatively scheduled for April e, 2013. Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda item 4A Local Discussions Related to Disproportionate Minority Contact Iowa Department of Human Rights Division of Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning (CJJP) Report to Johnson County Officials March 2013 CJJP 2nd Floor, Lucas State Office Bldg. 321 East 12t' St. Des Moines, 1A 50319 Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 4A Section I - Background The Iowa Department of Human Rights, Division of Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning (CJJP) provides state oversight for Iowa's administration of the federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDP Act). A key requirement of the JJDP Act relates to Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) of youth in lowas juvenile justice system. Minority youth are overrepresented, in Iowa and nationally, at a variety of juvenile justice system decision -making phases. CJJP, its Juvenile Justice Advisory Council (JJAC), and the State DMC Subcommittee are offering Johnson County specific technical assistance to reduce DMC. CJJP, directly or through contract providers, has provided similar technical assistance to Black Hawk, Johnson, Polk and Woodbury Counties for a number of years. CJJP carries Out research, policy analysis, program development and data analysis activities to assist policy makers, criminal and juvenile justice system agencies and others to identify Issues of concern and to Improve the operation and effectiveness of the justice and juvenile justice systems. In recent years CJJP has initiated activity specific to the school discipline process as a result of recommendations from a 2009 study committee, the Govemor's Youth Race and Detention Task Force. Section 11 - Report Composition A number of persons were interviewed for preparation of this report (see Attachment A). Local interviewees were asked about their perceptions of issues related to DMC, activities related to DMC, and potential avenues for technical assistance by CJJP. This report is a summary of those discussions and Identification of a number of major efforts. Witillin the various major efforts are noted Identified issue/activity, relevant data, challenges, and CJJP recommendations. CJJP was afforded every courtesy as interviews were being scheduled and conducted and community officials and citizens willingly gave of their time for interviews. All persons were open, forthcoming, and genuinely interested with how to influence DMC. Their assistance with the interviews and commitment to DMC is noteworthy and appreciated. LocalGroups Throughout the interview process a variety of local groups were identified that have involvement or activity related directly to DMC. The below groups are not a comprehensive Hot of relevant local DIVIC related groups, nor does this report seek to explain the various activities and goals of the listed groups. The groups are listed here as potential discussion entities related to the recommendations or other information provided in this report, or were referenced in local discussions for their specific DMIC-related contributions in the community. Other local groups can and will be added to the distribution list for this report as requested locally. DMC Committee Coalition for Racial Justice Consultation of Religious Communities Breakthrough Series Collaboration ICCSD Core Management Team Community Partnemhlp for Protecting Children Juvenile Justice Youth Dev. Program Ad Hoe Diversity Committee �City Council) Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 4A Census Data Most of the data provided in this report are aggregated by race/ethnicity. As a reference, CJJP is providing youth census data for Johnson County In Figure 1. Figure I Conaim nnft V16 A--- A. Total Youth I MInorhy PoDulation Cauc. Afr.-Amer. Hisn./Lat- Anian 0�... , Number 10,527 8,188 1.073 741 500 25 1 78% 10% 7% 5% 1% 23% — I .... �1 1100.10J 4ubu� nvlwlwl� oemoo were Percentages may not e4al I DO% due to rounding. Section III — Juvenile Detention Identified Issue/Activity The Governor's Youth Race and Detention Task Force (YRDTF) met from 2007 to 2009 to study the overrepresentation of minority youth in juvenile detention and the overall high numbers of youth in such settings for misdemeanor -level offenses. The YRDTF issued recommendations through a 9ftremijs which are available on CJJP's website. The activities of the YRDTF prompted and J interest in juvenile detention, and the work of the group contributed to state -level reductions In detention holds. One of the products of the YRDTF was the development of a single page Iowa Juvenile Detention Screening Tool (DST). A volume of national research reflects the utilization of a risk -based DST as a cornerstone of detention reform. Detention screening is one of a small number of local policy activities that has produced the "most consistent and sustained reductions in minority overrepresentation. Just as importantly, there is significant legal Precedent relating to the importance of due process provisions for youth deprived of constitutional freedoms through placement in locked juvenile detention settings (see Attachment B). Iowa's Juvenile Justice Advisory Council, its Task Force for Young Women, its DIVIC Subcommittee, and a number of other Govemor-appointed Commissions within the Iowa Department of Human Rights (Human Rights Board, Status of African Americans, Status of Latino Affairs, Native Americans, Asian and Pacific Islanders, Persons with Disabilities, and Deaf Services) have taken written positions of support for utilization of a single, state -level detention screening tool to ensure due process protections for detained youth. In discussions With law enforcement officials they made it clear that they have no interest in playing anything more than an advisory role in the decision to detain youth. They see such decisions as the primary focus of juvenile court services and judges. Relevant Data Below are tables with information regarding Johnson County juvenile detention facility holds and detention rates for youth ages 10-17. The data are taken from the DIVIC matrices and Iowa's 2012 Juvenjis Jy#NcGZD,1n?uenav -Prevention Act Yearplan. The matrices are an instrument utilized by the Is I Office of Juvenile Justice a?d Minquency Prevent (OJJDP) to measure and compare compliance with the DIVIC Requirement of the JJDP Act. An overall description of the matrices is provided on pages 75 through 78 of the plan. Calendar year 2012 is the most recently completed matrix, and select pages have been included here as Attachment C. It should be noted Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 4A that matrices typically include arrest information from the Iowa Department of Public Safety's Uniform Crime Report (UCR). No UCR data are provided in the matrix because the most recently available data are from 2010. It is anticipated that 2011 arrest data will be available in the upcoming weeks. Such data will be provided to Johnson County officials when they are available. Figure 2 Johnson County Detention Numbers Percent Johson County Change 5 - Year Detentions 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 (2008- 2012) Average Caucasian 55 41 33 35 43 PercentChange -25.5% -19.5% 6.1% 22.9% -21.8% 42.4 African American 88 56 39 S3 63 Percent Ch e -- -36.4% -30-4% 35.9% 8,9% -28.4% 59.8 S5T CJJF Jgg W Overall detention numbers are small. Detention numbers and rates for all racial/ethnic groups were lower in 2012 than in 2008. 25.0 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0 Johnson County Detention Placement Rates per 100 Referrals 10 - 17 Years of Age 2008 20D9 2010 2011 2012 Caucasian -0-African American Souroa: CJJP-JDW Note: Detenfion rates are calculated per 100 referrals (complaints) to juvenile court. The average detention rate for African -Americans is 19.1 and for Caucasians is 11.& The average rate of detention for African -American youth is 1.7 times higher than the rate for Caucasian youth. Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 4A Challenges Overrepresentation for African -American youth in Johnson County, like most of Iowa's major metropolitan arias ' continues to be an issue. Johnson County, like the majority of Iowa Counties, Is not utilizing an insi�ment for detention screening in a process that is standardized across the state. The lack of a standardized instrument presents Issues relative to due process. 1ML Johnson County Officials need to implement an instrumint detention screeming. Recommendation 117 A local group that can provide oversight and accountability to monitor detention screening should be utilized as a screening tool is implemented. Preferably the community will be able to utilize an existing group. CJJP will provide quarterly detention data sets to the Johnson County site and Is willing to participate in local detention -related discussions. Recommendation III: Written policies should be developed to support the implementation or a detention screening tool. These now policies should outline the local process and allow for .continued evolution of practices intended to reduce DMC. Section IV —School Discipline Identified IssuefActift Safe Schools Healthy Stule initiative — The ICCSD has been the recipient of a Safe Schools gr: Healthy Students (SSHS) t from the federal Department of Education. The goal of the SSHS Initiative Is to increase student learning by creating a unified system to support the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of all students. As a result of the SSHS grant, the ICCSD has done considerable work related to its school climate, including the student discipline process. Ill—ft—ica—I np - 1CCSD officials have availed themselves of technical assistance in the form of discuss ,!It Ilds ions facilitated by CJJP regarding school discipline and disproportionate minority contact. CJJP staff have met with the Secondary Administrators and other school officials on multiple occasions and will be available for continued discussions In the future. In this and other discussions, ICCSD staff identified a number of noteworthy activities already underway. This has included, but is not limited to, efforts to reduce the number of out -of -school suspensions and expulsions, and the use of PBIS and home visits to increase parental engagement A brief description of some of those related activities and programs is included in Attachment D. Challenges EU& - CJJP is willing to provide support to the ICCSD with date related to student incident referrals for all of the schools in Its district. It is clear that the District has b own sophisticated local information system. CJJP will continue discussions with ICCSD officials regarding development of a data set that can assist the school in affecting Its school discipline process. Efforts to work with the District are encouraging. Low-income Housino — in a number of discussions within the community, the ongoing issue of low- income housing in certain neighborhoods was a concern. The disparate opinions on how to address the issue, however, will require that the community and the schools continue thoughtful discussion on the matter, as no consensus currently exists. Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 4A Recommendation 17 The ICCSD should continue to take advantage of the technical assistance offered by CJJP related to policy and procedure. The Iowa Department of Education has indicated Its willingness to participate in these local discussions as well. Recommendation 117 ICCSD should further efforts to utilize its daft system to develop information and formal report formats specific to school discipline. Such data must be a key component in community discuss ons pertaining to the school discipline process. There has been a long-standing local interest in DMC-rslaled activities. Those Interests speak directly to leadershiplengagement which are key ingredients In reducing DMC. Listed below are a number of examples: • The Iowa City Police Department is actively making staff available to serve on a variety of local juvenile justice and/or DIVIC-related committees. • The Iowa City Police Department is encouraging passage of state legislation that would allow for purging of juvenile arrest records once youth attain their 1 81h birthday. CJJP will ask Us state -level Juvenile Justice Advisory Council to consider the issue as a part of Its ongoing policy discussions. • The local DMC Committee has been effective in furthering policy and program eftrts relating to arrest and student discipline. • The local office of the Department of Human Services (DHS) has efforts underway related to DMC including Community Partnerships for Protecting Children. • There are local, private providers doing strong DIVIC-related work.(e.g. Neighborhood Centers, The Spot). • The recently formed City Council ad hoc Divensity Committee has been discussing issues around transportation and law enforcement interactions with citizens. See attachment E for further infdrmation/resources on citizen review boards and community policing. • The Core Management Team, although charged with broader responsibilities than solely DMC, took advantage of technical assistance from CJJP staff in the form of a facilitated discussion on January 2e about its goals/purpose related to disproportionalfty. • The DMC-related planning groups listed in Section If have been major contributors to local successes related to DMC. The leadership and diverse membership of those groups is directly related to their success and the successes noted above. In recent years, CJJP and Its subcontractors have worked most closely with the local school and DIVIC Committees. Challenges Consistency of Puroose - The existence of multiple groups having similar goals can ocrasionally make it difficuft to allow progress or to provide agreed -upon avenues to reduce overrepresentatIon. Each group has its own unique charge, but it can. at times, be difficult to get all groups moving together toward a single goal. In many communities, cross membership on multiple DMC groups can create fatigue regarding the extent to Which true collaboration is taking place. Diversity of Leadership — A number of community members expressed concern over the lack of leadership representation from minority groups on committees as well as in professional roles in organizations that have a significant impact on minority groups. At the same time, committee organizers and agencies have been frustrated in their attempts to recruit memberslemployees of color. Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 4A Risk of Expanded Focus - The leaders in this community have broad areas of expertise and Interest. Experience indicates that disdussions regarding DIVIC inevitably expand from the Issue of minority overrepresentation In the juvenile justice population to larger societal issues affecting minorities. It is fairly well documented that minorities are disproportionately affected by unemployment and poverty, both of which are risk factors that can be linked to increased rates of criminal and delinquent behavior. These are certainly legitimate concerns and important issues to be addressed in a comprehensive approach to minority overrepresentation. However, many of these long-term issues will tend to exasperate DIVIC initiatives and bog down efforts to address some critical DIVIC-related problems that can be ameliorated in the short-term. CJJP Recommendations Recommendation 1: Johnson County should avail itself of its broad array of local leadership. Recommendation IP. Johnson County should focus Its DMC-related activities on a small and attainable number of goals. Section V1 — Overall Arrests and JCS Referral identified issue/Activity Discussions with a number of Johnson County juvenile justice system officials noted trends or concerns regarding offending behaviors or patterns for minority youth, particularly African - American youth. In response CJJP made a broad query of is Justice Data Warehouse regarding the types of local allegations for which youth were being referred to JCS. Relevant Data CJJP maintains a Justice Data Warehouse (JDM which contains information from the Iowa Court Information System (I CIS) regarding major juvenile justice decision -making points. Amore thorough discussion of the JDW is provided on page 77 of the Three Year PIM. Allegation data for Johnson County are included as Attachment F — Top 20 Allegations, and are shown in Figure 4, ' Figure 4 Top 6 Allegations for Caucasian and Affican-Amefican Youth Source: JDW Sum: 231 236 186 Sum: 283 131 78 61 50 50 653 I The data in Attachment IF are taken from the JDW and are comprised of Individual allegations which resulted In a referral to JCS. The tables include date regarding the top 20 allegations for Caucasian and African American youth, Data sets are provided for calendar years 2010, 2011, and 2012. Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 4A Source: JDW Sum� 182 199 203 Sum: 225 139 96 62 62 584 Allegations Remarks - Figure 4: 5* Degree Theft is the top arresting allegation for both races. Possession of alcohol, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia are three offenses on the top 5 list for Caucasians and are not on the list for African -Americans. Assault, interference with official acts, and trespass are three offenses on the top 5 list for African -Americans and are not on the list for Caucasians. Allegations - Overall Remarks (see data from Attachment F - Top 20 Allegations): • Combined allegations for Caucasians declined from 2010 (n=419) to 2012 (n=376), and increased for African Americans from 2010. (n=338) to 2012 (n=428). • For classification purposes CJJP includes disorderly conduct, interference with official acts, harassment of public officer, failure to disperse and certain other offenses as public order allegations. • African -American youth account for 76% (n=219) of the public order allegations (n=290) included in the top 20. • Public order allegations constitute 7% of the top 20 allegations for Caucasian youth and 23% of such allegations for African -American youth. Figure 6 JCS Allegations by Offense Level Time Period 1/l/2010-1213112012 Caucasian African -American INDICT. MISD. 296. FELONY 100 )IMPLE 8% MISD. OTHER 568 48% CLASS 233 20% SIMPLE MISD. 671 61% Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 4A INDICT. MISD. 272 25% FELONY 79 —7% — OTHER CLASS 72 6ej- 7% Source: CJJP, Justice Data Warehouse "Other Class" includes scheduled vl'oladons (e.g. certain alcohol, traffic, and court offenses) Remarks - Figure 5; Numerical allegation counts are higher for Caucasians in felonies, indictable misdemeanors, and other classes. Counts are higher for African -Americans only for simple misdemeanors. Felonies comprise 8% of the allegations referred to JCS for the combined report period. o Felony allegations for Caucasians and African -Americans comprise 8% and 7%, respectively, of overall allegations for two raciallethnic groups during the combined report period. Indictable misdemeanors comprise 25% of the allegations referred to JCS for the combined report period. o Indictable misdemeanor allegations for Caucasians and African -Americans comprise 25% of overall allegations for both raciaVethnic groups during the combined report period. Simple misdemeanors comprise 54% of the allegations referred to JCS for the combined report period. o Simple misdemeanors for Caucasians and African -Americans comprise 48% and 61%, respectively, of overall allegations for the two racial/ethnic groups during the combined report period. Challenges Simole Misdemeanor and Public Order Alienations - If all of the overrepresentation that exists in the juvenile justice system were eliminated for African -American youth for felony level allegations, disproportionality would still be significant. Data show that 54% of all allegations referred to the juvenile court in Johnson County are for simple misdemeanor offenses, Some of the offenses for which there is the most significant overrepresentation include disorderly conduct and Interference with official acts. These offenses are those that offer the greatest opportunity for the judicious exercise of discretion by justice system representatives. Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 4A Complaint Calls - Law enforcement officials estimate that 90% of the calls to which they respond are to neighborhood in which significant numbers of minority youth reside. Thus, their patrol patterns are established by the volume of contact experienced in a given area. Rights of Victims - Law en1brcement officials note that even low-4evel offenses affect a victim. They stress the importance of the juvenile justice system's being able accountable to the needs of victims. Police Sto - A number of local audiences In Black Hawk, Johnson, Polk, and Woodbury Counties express concern at the high rates and frequencies of police stops, arrests, and searches for African -American youth. CJJP conducted additional research regarding the noted concerns which is summarized in Attachment G. CJJP Recommendation Recommenclationi Local officials should initiate discussions regarding arrest and JCS referral for low level offenses. Rather than creating a now group, an existing group should be considered for such discussions. Such a group discussions should Include the diverse members of the -community. CJJP would make Itself available for such discussions. Juvenile Justice Reform Pro - JCS actively sought to be a part of a state -level grant effort to improve its programming, Iowa's Juvenile Justice Reform Project (JJRP), which implements both the Standardized Program Evaluation Protocol and the cost -benefit Results First model created by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP). Funding was awarded in October of 2012 to support three Judicial Districts, including the Sixth, which includes Johnson County. CJJP will partner with JCS affidals and juvenile justice -related youth serving programs to implement JJRP Best Practices - JCS has implemented. best practice programming, including Functional Family Therapy, a research -based program that engages the family in Improving the behaviors of delinquent youth; and Aggression Replacement Training, a program that seeks to reduce aggressive behaviors in delinquent youth. Challenges Audience Enaaaement — Johnson County's participation in the JJRP effort and Its work with various best practice programming will affect local youth serving programs and audiences outside of JCS. It is in the interest of the various audiences to be aware and informed of the work taking place. Overrepresentation at Various Juvenile Justice Decision Points - Despite the noteworthy successes in school arrests and juvenile detention, overrepresentation still exists at various juvenile delinquency decislon-making stages. Overall DMC matrices rates are considerably lower than national averages, but relative rates remain elevated for African -American youth at the cleilsion-making phases of arrest, diversion, detention, petition, and adjudication for calendar year 2011 (pages 93 through 96 of the Three Year Plan . 10 Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 4A CJJP Recommendation Recommendation- JCS should engage relevant local planning groups/audiences regarding Implementation of the JJRP effort and various best practices -related activities. A number of local groups expressed an Interest in learning more about programming found to be effective, in particular, for minority youth. Section Vill Relationships of Woor Instituticias to Minority Communi Identified Issue Activity - Challenges Minority Community Trust in Local Institutions - Some local officials noted concerns with the ability for families of color, particularly African -American parents, to approach and work with the schools and law enforcement on issues faced by their youth. It Is dear that local institutions are offering formal and informal opportunities for access by minority families. Research reflects minority distrust of institutions as a major factor in their willingness to access or function within institutions (summarized in Attachment H). Now Arrivals - A number of Individuals noted now arrivals to their community from Illinois, Minnesota, and other contiguous, states. it was suggested that such youth often come from much larger urban settings and ham dnoufty adjusting to life in Iowa City. This is noted as a universal phenomenon in the communities In which CJJP interviews are being conducted. CJJP's local discussions, by design, have a focus on the involvement of minority youth in the juvenile justice system. There has been no discussion regarding the potential risks associated with Caucasian families relocating to various Iowa communities. There Is an issue associated with stereotyping new arrivals and assuming that minority families will, by virtue of their racelethnicity, present problems to the community. A concern is that references are routinely made regarding families relocating Ofirorn Chicago", and that such references are a proxy for race (African -American families), which may inappropriately connote increased issues associated with the potential of crime, gang involvement, Issues in school, etc. Recommendation 17 Local institutions such as JCS, the judiciary, law enforcement, schools, etc. should engage minority families in ongoing and meaningful discussions regarding the policies affecting their youth. - LI Local institutions must continually re-examine the extent to which their mission a welcoming environment for newly -arrived minority families. 11 Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 4A Attachment A jonnson ChildlYouth Serving Agency Neighborhood Ceram Brian Loring, Executive Director Diane Dingbaum, Associate Director Tony Branch, Youth Program Coordinator Fred Newell, Family Advocate Pariview Chumh, 71* Spot Reverend Doug Fem, Director County Kingsley Botchway Chair, Ad Hor Committee on Race LaTeshe Massey, Community Projects Spec. Elected Officials County Janet Lyness, Johnson County Attorney Rod Sulltvan, Johnson Bounty BOB Defense Attorney Brandon Schrock, Juvenile PD Faith Community Reverend Dorothy Whitson, First Baptist Church Royce Ann Porter, Coordinator Family4o-Family Partnership Program Danny Wood -Milligan L9iii1-3Fv11-1 Human Services (Department of) Mom Bally, Service Area Manager Valade Lovaglia, Social Work Administrator Juvenile Court Services Candice Bennett, Chief Juvenile Court Officer Bernle Bordignon. Juvenile Court Officer 4 Betty Hopkins, Juvenile Court Officer 4 Christopher Wyatt Juvenile Court Officer 4 Low Enforcement Samuel Hargadine, Iowa City Chief of Police Richard Wyes, Captain James Stephen, Captain School Officials tam Cily Communfly School UsW Stephen Murley, Ph.D., Superintendent Ann Feldman, Associate Superintendent Susie Poulton, Dir. of Health and Student Sery. Joan Vanden Berg, Youth and Fam. Dev. Coord. Ross Wilburn, Equity Coordinator Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 4A Attachment B Juvenile Justice -Related Legal Pirecedents There is a growing body of legal precedents providing youth with protections consistent with and, In some occasions, beyond those provided to adults due to the reduced culpability of youth. Further, under the doctrine of parans patrise, juvenile courts are obligated to ensure that the best Interests of youth are being represented and met. These precedents are exemplified in the following cases: In re Gault 387 US. 1 (1967) - The Court ruled that in hearings potentially resulting in commitment to an insftAon, juveniles have the right to notice and counsel, to question witnesses, and to protection against self4ricrimination. In re Mnship, 397 U.S. 3W (1970) - The Court held that, under the Due Process Clause of the 14' Amendment, juveniles have the constitutional right to be adjudicated under the standard of proof of beyond a reasonable doubt. D.B., v. Tewksbury, District Court of Oregon (1983) - The Court found the practice of jailing juveniles to be a per so constitutional violation of the 14'" Amendment. Hendrickson v Griggs (U S District Court; Northern District Iowa 1987) - The federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act Is more than a funding statute. , It creates an enforceable private riaht of action. States assume duties when they accept the federal funds, and when these duties are breached, a juvenile may seek a remedy pursuant to 42 U.S.C.A. Section 1983. Thompson v. Oklahoma, 487 U.S. 815 (1988) - The differences between juvenile and adult offenders indicate that less culpability should attach to a crime committed by a juvenile than to a comparable crime committed by an adult. Miller v. Alabama 567 U.S. _ (2012) - The Court, expanding on 25 years of jurisprudence, held that the e amendment prohibited the mandatory imprisonment of juvenile homickle offenders to life without parole. The Court had previously prohibited capital punishment for minors who committed murder in Roper v. Simmons 643 U.S. 551 (2005) and had banned life without parole for non-homidde offenders in Graham v. Florida 560 U.S. _ (2010), 13 Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 4A -V c C. 1� U � N9 z x �n .c > 1 1 0 �g, % -7� 2 1 Ilk 1-. TV Ll *d c .c LO A 29 I I 9 d ja Or a I F .5k .2 ;0 :G < 0 .2 % %n '0 8 F C4 Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 4A Attachment C (continued) 1. AREA REPORTED FOCAL GROUP: Blark or African -American State: Iowa Reporting Period: .01/01/2012-IZ(33/2012 County:Johnson Reference Group: White Dataltems Total Numberof Reference Group Rate of Occurrence- Reference Group Total Numberin FocalGroup Rate of Occurrence- Focal Group- Relative Rate index L Population at risk (age 10 through 17) 81188 1,073 2. Juvenile Arrests NA 0.00 NA 0.00 3. Referto Juvenile Court 303 NA 304 NA 4. Cases Diverted 2U7 68.32 169 55.59 0.91 S. Cases involving Secure Detention 43 14,19 63 26.72 L46 6. Cases Petitioned (Charge Filed) 87 28.71 102 33.55 1.17 7. Cases Resulting in Delinquent Findings 30 34.48 41 40.20 1.17 8. Cases resulting In Probation Placement 14 46.67 11 26.83 9. Cases Resulting In Confinement In Secu 1 3.33 5 12 20 10. Cases Transferred to Adult Court 7 1 8,05 7 INote. Ratesfor Refer to Juvenile Court an- not calculated due to unavailability of arrest data. Key: Statistically significant results: BWdfwt Results that are not statistically significant Regularfont Group is less then 1% of the youth population Insufficient number of cases for analysis Missing data forsome element of calculation ... Definitions of rates: Recommended Base Base Used 2. Arrests of Juveniles -rate per 1000 population per 1000 youth 3. Referrals to Juvenile Court - rate per 100 a rrests per 2000 youth 4. Cases i nvolvi ng Diversion before adj udication - ra te per 100 referra Is per 100 referra Is 5. Cases Involving Detention - rate per 100 referrals per 100 rderra Is 6. Cases Petitioned - rate per 100 referra Is per 100 referra Is 7. Delinquent Findings - rate per 100 youth petitioned (charged) per 100 youth petitioned S. Probation placements - rate per 100 youth found delinquent per100youth unddelinquent 9.Placementin secure corrections -rate per 100 youth found delinquent per 100 youth founddelinquent 10. Transfers to adult court -rate per iOO youth petitioned per 100 youth petitioned 15 Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 4A Attachment D Other ICCSD School Discipline -Related Efforts P60ve Behavior Interventions Supports - ICCSD Is implementing positive behavior intervention supports (PBIS). PBIS Is a research -based, school -wide, system approach to improving school climate and create safer and more effective schools. Tate High School — Tate is the alternative school setting through which the district strives to meet each students needs through core class offerings, job based credits, and credit recovery online. Tate also offers a variety of career/vocational training and licensing opportunities Including CNA, ProStart Culinary Arts, Auto Tech and more. StudentAdvisory Center— A Student Advisory Center (SAC) Is being operated in City High to reduce suspension of students by teaching appropriate skills and provide resource to prevent further problem behaviors. Components include full-time staff, protocol for student referral, access to counseling, and feedback to teachers. Success Centers — Success Center programs are offered at all three junior highs and at CRY and West High. Students are in the Success Center for a minimum of one class period a day to receive individual tutoring, learn organizational skills, strategies to manage their behaviors, and suggestions of how to advocate for themselves. Students have the opportunity to take on-line courses for credit recoverv- 218t Centuty Community Learning Centers — Roosevelt, Hills, and Grant Wood elementary schools are sites for 21"Century Leaming Centers (21t CCLS). In an witenslon of the school day, these 21d CCLS programs provide academic and enrichment opportunities during non -school hours. The program helps students meet state and local student standards In core academic subjects such as reading and math. 16 Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 4A Attachment E Resources: Police Citizen Review Boards and Police/Citizen Relations From the National Institute of Justice 'Citizen Review of Police: Approaches and Implemenhitiono 'Citizen Review of Police, assesses nine different approaches to citizen oversight for jurisdictions interested In creating or enhancing an oversight system. This NIJ Issues and Practices report (NCJ 184430) discusses the types of citizen oversight, potential benefits of oversight systems, limitations to citizen review, oversight responsibilities, Staffing Issues, and potential conflicts between oversight bodies and police departments. Concerned citizens, community organizations, law enforcement agencies, and police unions can all contribute to the design, implementation, and operation of a successful oversight Syelarn.2 From the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (USDOJ) "Building Trust between thePolice and the Citizens They Serw "Building Trust between the Police and the Oftens They Serve' focuses on the pivotal role of the Internal Affairs function as one component of an agency -wide professional standards efficrt in building trust between law enforcement agencies, their staff, and the communities they are sworn to protect and serve. The guide addresses the Internal Affairs function from complaint processing to decision -making, discipline, notification, and community transparency, as well as building an effective Internal Affairs approach for any size agency. It also looks at the Internal Affairs process from the citizen's viewpoint, presenting information how local agencies can be accountable to their citizens through trust -building initiatives and other activities.3 2 Olken Review of PORM Apmadm and Implerriaradon by Pdar Rnn, March 2001. 3 LdIdina Tnsst Babneri to Pd1ce and CNizens They - PracUm Gtdft for Local Low =DMOMOM, U.& Dqnrlmerd of Jusficalc Mee at uw=Pnhny9O—=-c6ft�r 17 Attachment F TOP 20 JCS Allegations Caucasian Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 4A 44102'.: HE fflM 130 se 05 -T� 17 70 44 ... .. 28 28 22 13 23 26 Is 15 19 DU ($I=)::! 27 12 11 .... . M 44 13 20 6 6 is 1 8 is ASSkM'T-&IM*IN N- INJ 11 4 12 13UR 5 9 14 7 a 9 14� . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 12 8 M a 3 9 7 ....... �*f AMM -Q.VP:XftAW M.*1111 OF 11 3 4 X"IM. LM 4 2 11 i ia 2, 3 7 7 97 alp 6 5 4 Al� Tj 64 65 71 419 411 367 Source: Iowa Justice Data Warehouse 18 Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 4A African American Attachment F (continued) 10— 2 imir X W,:: A 00� XMIJ. lt�V.EHP w,— Was wilk-MM.—Y.- . . . . . . re A� 79 . W, -Mqp#,K..Tq U7;;. h:, 4 . ..... I"M 0 JHE F .Bu n 3L3 17., -A 1j 18PU OMWbIREMYSIPA81 N1 AD 4 Source: Iowa Justice Data Warehouse 19 Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Attachment G Agenda Item 4A Research Regarding Police Stops As noted in Section VI CJJP conducted a variety of research related to police stops. That research Is summartzed below. 'SWs occur In Black and Lafino neighborhoods, and even after aqustments for other factors including crime fat" social condftns and allocation Of Police resources in those neighborhoods, race Is the main factor determinkig New York Police Department stops - 4 RGIO#m 10 &)OPW Whites, SICipped blacks ate 127% more jik* and stopped Hispanics are 43% more likely to be frisked."5 'Even after relevant legal and extralegal Ibctors are conholied, reports #rom young M#w* Inafies indicate they ate at the highest risk thr cilfftlDns, w8rcheA arreal's, and use of lbrue during traft stop& Yet, these dnvers are not more fik* to repolt canytrig contraband, which, it has been suggested, is one of oftefs'primary motivations for conducting disproportionate stops and searches of mina* citizens."I Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Attachment H Agenda Item 4A Research Regarding Minority Distrust of Institutions Observations are noted below from 1993 research by Michael Lelber, Ph.D. The research has been included in this report (despite the fact that it was released nearly 20 years ago) bemuse it is one of the few studies that Included interviews with Iowa juvenile justice system officials and delinquent youth. Some of the information CJJP staff heard In discussions in recent weeks with Johnson County officials is remarkably similar to the findings In the Lelber study. Lelber study comments regarding the juvenile justice system are below. 'MmOrdlas, espamily black families are believed to be more distivafful Of the system than whites and theirfamilles. Blackparents am believed to be less willing to hold youth accountable for theiractions andlor encourage reVect lbraudm* Patents are also seen as often Faft to attend scheduled inestings with decision makers which may resuft In Me for further court involvement At the same fte, minorfly youth ate not seen as less likely to admit or cooperate Interestingly, youth argue thatjuvenfle court decision makers may act too qukidy in wanting to remove them from what is pemehfad as an inadequate home environment, m 7 Leiber study comments regarding schools are below. 'Both adults and youth suggested there may be problems In the school system. A lack of mkx)* staff and willingness on school offidels to suspend and place youth in behavioral disoider classes were cited as areas of concern. An increasing reliance on calling the polke and on the juvenile court to solve problems was also raised. w 5 Lelber study perceptions regarding the vkms of youth toward JCS staff. OAH the youth In each of the counties viewed probation ofters in a positive light. Mostindicated they had good relations with Malt ofter. n 5 Information regarding research relating to minority trust in child welfare arena is provided belm ChlldWelfs — 'rhe study found that (Aftan-Amorken) residents were aware of intense agency involvement in their neighborhood and identified profound effects on social relationships including intefferenoe wilh parental SUYW*, damage to children's abft to form social relationships, and distrust among neighbors. The study also discovered a tension between re,spondents'dentilItion of adverse consequences of concentrated state supervision tbr family, and community relationships and neighborhood tallance on agency involvement thr needed financial support. v 11 The DISKOODOrOonde Omm c r"U 0 n Of M I TM "N I ym-' 011 n —QQDL=- F" 4 wi n -v T Tt, The Rwfal Go=wW of Chftd Wgam, TGOW A NOW R&1ft?chBK1dkr— Nonhwp� UnNeFsity Low Sdwd, RobertB, 20M. 21 THE IOWA CITY HUMAN AIOHTS COMMISSION Invites You To Attend: LUNCH CAREERS IN THEFOREIGN SERVICE & U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE PRESENTED BY: Krishna Das, Foreign Service Specialist with the Department of State since 2007 12PMtolPM APRIL 2,2013 Agenda Item 5A Bring Your Lunch Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A Free & Open to the Public If you area person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in the program, please call 356L5022 at least 48 hours in advance of the program. 0 N 0 4-b .,.m - 2 �$ Ici 0 0 U 0 0 cd Cd Cd 0 >-, t 0 0 r-4 0 W-4 W--1 u Eb4-04 0 CA cd Q 1-4 0 0 0 4 $-4 Cd E-4 0 ZZ , + P4 cd > -e Cd 0 > 0 Cd u 4:1 of 40 Agenda Item 5 C Cd �-o 0 4-4 s 42 64 ci ;.T.4 Agenda item 6B Submitted by staff 2-11-13 The observation of "Negro History Week" began In 1926, an Initiative led by historian Carter G. Woodson, to recognize the contributions of African Americans to our country and foster a better understanding of the African American experience. He choose the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln, two people who had a dramatic affect on the lives of African Americans. The observation was expanded to include the whole month in 1976, and has since become commonly referred to as Black History or African American History Month. National Women's History Month (March) Women's History Month started as Women's History Week In 1978. In 1987, Congress was petitioned to expand the week to an entire month. Women's History Month Is a time to recognize the many contributions women have made to our Navy and Nation. The observance honors the spirit of possibility and hope embodied by generations of women who bring communities together and restore hope in the face of great challenges. Starting with the establishment of the Nurse Corps in 1908, women have been an Integral part of the Navy and exhibited ever-increasing Influence and impact. Days of Remembrance April/May timeframe Mindful of the fact that it was our Nation's military forces which first witnessed evidence of the Holocaust as they liberated the camps - and cognizant of the fact that those of us In uniform must remember both the dreams we stand for and the nightmares we stand against - the Military Services take time during this period to remember the victims of the holocaust, Often observances are held on Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), which corresponds to 27th day of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar. Asian/PaCifIC American Heritage (May) This observation originally began as Asian/Padfic Heritage 'weeko May 1-10, 1978, to celebrate the contributions of Americans of Asian or Pacific Islander descent - a group of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The first 10 days of may were chosen to coincide with two important milestones in Asian Pacific American history: the arrival of the first Japanese Immigrants to the United States (May 7, 1843) and the significant contributions Chinese workers made in constructing the transcontinental railroad, (completed on May 10, 1869). In 1992, Congress expanded this observance to a month long celebration. Women's Equality Day (August 26) On the Aug. 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted women the right to vote, was ratified. This was the culmination of a long struggle by women searching for the right to vote. In 1971, the U.S. Congress designated Aug. 26 as Women's Equality Day to commemorate the passage of the 19th Amendment and to celebrate continuing efforts toward equality. We also celebrate Women's Equality Day to commemorate the tremendous positive change brought on by the Women's Movement. Due to the countless millions of women who planned, organized, lectured, wrote, petitioned, lobbied, paraded and broke new ground in every field imaginable, our world is Irrevocably changed. Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. is) This observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting Sept. 15 and ending Oct. 15. September 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it Is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Agenda Item 6B Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their Independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. National Disability Employment Awareness Month (October) In 1945, President Truman passed Public Law 176: National Employ the Handicapped Week. In 2003, President George W. Bush proclaimed October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This observance gives all a chance to celebrate the contributions of individuals with disabilities - critical to mission completion, and valuable to our society as a whole. National American Indian Heritage Month (November) This important observance began in the early 1900's, when the Boy Scouts of America set aside a day for the "First Americans." In 1990, President Bush approved a joint resolution designating November as National American Indian Heritage Month, or as It Is now often referred to - American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month. Source: hmw:llwww.i)ublic.navy.mil/BUPERS-NPCLSUPPORT`/DIVERSITY/PagesIDiversitvobservances.asox Universal Human Rights Month (December) COPY Agenda item 6C February 25, 2013 Dear Mayor Hayek & Iowa City Council, I am writing to let each of you know that at the February 19, 2013 Human Rights Commission meeting, the Commission made a recommendation to the City Council that reads as follows: "To maintain the SEATS service Y2 price fare as part of our commitment to the disabled and elderly communities of Iowa City." Draft minutes from the meeting held on February 19, 2013 are available for your review in the Council packet for February 28, 2013. Thank you. Respectfully, Orville Townsend, Sr., Chair Human Rights Commission Agenda Item 6E CITY OF IOWA CITY 'k M . MIP2 A MEMORANDUM Dab: January 24, 2013 To: CRY Council From- Cmwff Fruln, Assistant to the City Manager Re: Recommendations contained in the minutes of the December 18, 2012 Human Rights Commission meeting At the January 22, 2013 City Council meeting, a question was raised regarding the ANCOMmenddons contained in the December 18, 2012 Human Rights Commission meeting mintules (Item 4b(a) an Council's agenda). Those recommendations are to be considered -m finarl form and no further correspondence is anticipated. Staff will be directing the first recommendation related to municipal Identification cards to the ad. hoe Diversity Committee, which has briefly discussed this issue. Therefore, we recommend that the City Council waft for the final report from the ad -hoc Diversity Committee before pursuing conversation on this mailer. The second recommendation relates to signage at public facilities and to availability of public information in multiple languages. ftff will be evaluating these recommendations thnxghout 2013 and will consider such changes as part of the anticipated city Hall front jobby remodel and as public information documents we produced. If the City Council has specific questions, thoughts or direction on this recommendation it would be appropriate to schedule time at a future work session. Otherwise, staff wpl move forward and corisider these changes as opportunities arise. If in the future the City Council wishes to have formal recommendations from boards and commissions delivered In a format other than the meeting minutes, staff would be happy to facilitate that change based an your Input and direction. Agenda Item 6E Stefanie Bowers From: Marian Karr Sent: Friday, February 22, 2013 11:23 AM To: Stefanie Bowers Subject: FYI - excerpt from minutes Vanden Berg asked what they should do with the recommendation for a municipal I.D., noting the Committee had not discussed the issue. Coulter agreed and suggested that they should endorse this recommendation to support pursing, as vetted by the Human Rights Commission. Coulter then moved that they support the recommendation of the Human Rights Commission that the City of Iowa City pursue a municipal issued identification card in a manner to protect the safety of an undocumented person. Townsend seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0; Bakhit absent. Atau" X XW", At" City Clerk City of Iowa City 319-356-5041 (Phone) 319-356-5497 (FAX) Population 67,862 Submitted by Comissione Coulter Agenda Item 6F DIVERSITY COMMITTEE REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL March 2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS page I. Background ...................................................... I 111. Introduction and Recommendations for Law En%rcement ............ 4 (Police & Police Citizens Review Board) 111. Introduction and Recommendations for Transportation Services 29 IV. Oversigh Implementation and Further Study ........................... 33 a. Equity Report b. Housing and City Employment c. Public access and updates Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F Pap I � 41- R&I Ncity Of %01� In June 2012 the City Council passed Resolution 12-320 (pages 2-3) establishing an Ad Hoc Diversity Committee to study City transit and low enforcement operations as they relate to minority populations. Members appointed to the six month Ad Hoc Committee were: Bakhk Bakhft (resigned 1/31/13) KJngsley Botchway, Chair Joe Dan Coulter Donna Henry (resigned 9/17/12) LaTasha Massey (started W24/12 replacing Henry) Cindy Roberts Orville Townsend Joan Vanden Berg The City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk, or their designees staffed the meetings. Over the course of sb( months, the Ad Hoc Diversity Committee held 22 Committee meetings. Several public information gathering sessions were held to meet with local community members from diverse backgrounds to discuss and receive feedback about transit and law enforcement operations. November 15, 2012: Iowa City Public Library (Full Committee Meeting) January 8, 2013: Pheasant Ridge Neighborhood Center (Sub -committee) January 9, 2013: West High (Sub -committee) Waterfront Hy-Vee (Sub-commiftee) January 10, 2013: City High (Sub-commkttee) The Spot (Sub -committee) 410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET * IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-1826 9 (319) 356-MM * FAX (319) 356-6009 Page 2, Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F Prepared b)r Susan Dulsk Asa. CRY Atty., 410 E. Washington St., Wwa City, LA 52240 (319) 356.6= RESOLUTION NO. 12-320 RESOLUTION ESTABUSHING AN AD HOC DIVERSITYCOMMI'TTEE TO STUDY CITY OPERATIONS AS THEY RELATE TO MINORITY POPULATIONS, WHEREAS, the population of Iowa City is becoming increasingly racially diverse; and WHEREAS, on May 15, 2012. City Council passed a resolution of Intent to establish an ad hoe cornmittes to study City operations as they relate to minority populations with a view toward promoting just and harmonious Interaction between local government and minority segments of the community (Resolution No. 12-260). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE C17Y COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA, TFIAT: 1 - The Ad Hoc Diversity Committee is established. 2. The Diversity Committee shall consist of seven (7) members to be appointed by the City Council. Members of other City boards and commissions may serve on the Diversity Committee. Members must be nesklents of Iowa City. 3. Applications for membership on the Diversity Committee shall be announced, advertised, and available in the same mamer as thoss for all City boards and commissions. 4. City Council shall select the Chair, who when present will preside over all meetings, and the Vice -Chair, who will serve as chair in absence of the Chair. 5. The City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clark, or thek designees, shall staff the Diversity committee. & The Diversity Committee shall determine the frequency and conduct of its meetings. The meetings will be open to the public in accordance with Chapter 211 of the Iowa Code. 7. The DiverskyCommittee shall have an organizational meeting no later then September 10,2012. 8. The charges of the Diversity Committee are as follows: ik To study the operation of the CWs transit system, including but not limited to the downtown interchange, as it relates to minority populations with a view toward promoting just and harmonious interaction between City government and minority segments of the community. B. To study the operations of City law enforcement, including but not lirriked to the Police Citizen Review Board (PCRB), as it relates to minority populations with a view toward promoting'Just and harmonious interaction between City government and minority segments of the community. R"OlUtim No. _1Z=32Q_ Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Page 3 Agenda Item 6F 9. The DveFsky Committee shall submit a written report to the Cky Cound by March 10, 2013, that responds to each of the charges listed above and that contains recommendations, if anY, wkh rasped to -each of the charges. 10. Absent further action by the Cky Coundl, the Diversity Committee vWll dissolve on March 10.2013. Passed and approved Oft 19th day of .. June 2012. A��_ 4 MAYOR ftzfa- 613 City Aftomsy& 011ice Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Page 4 Agenda Item 6F Police Citizens Review Board and Low Enforcernent Introduction I Needs Assessment (3-1-13) As a result of the input received at public information gathering sessions, a public forum, and Committee meetings the following themes emerged: 1. Lack of awareness and faith In the Police Citizen Review Board The majority of citizens participating in the community sessions had never heard of the Police Citizen Review Board (PCRB). The few number of community members who did know about the PCRB fail it was ineffeclive and lacking in fairness. L The Importance of refttlonshlp�bullding and -customer service." At public information gathering sessions, we consistently received extremely positive comments regarding the Iowa City Police Departmenris Community Relations officer. (e.g. OHe knows us.0 'He gives us good advice! 'He understands.") Students gave additional examples of other officers who smiled and said NO to them. Students noted how they appreciated when officers know their names. However, students also cited examples of officers who njust look at you like you are about to do something bacr and fell that some officers assumed the worst of them without knoviring who they are. Community members also commented that they would like to have an opportunity to visit with police officers directly, and they like to see officers at neighborhood gatherings. 3. Participants in the public information gathering sessions shared multiple concerns about a lack of consistency of how officers ca I Mad out police policies. Comments shared with the Committee Included the following., > Two young ladies indicated that they were stopped by a police officer. They stated that the police officer approached the car and began asking them questions; at one point the officer asked if they had drugs in the car. The young ladies asked the officer why they had been stopped and he indicated that the license plate light was not working. Both young ladies questioned if it was standard procedure for an officer to inquire if they had drugs in the car when the stop was based on a malfunctioning license plate light. They also questioned if it was appropriate for the officer to not inform them of the reason of why he stopped the car. > It was reported that multiple squad care frequently respond to calls made to a minority communities members home for minor incidents. > Similarly, they observed that additional police officers are often called in for traffic stops. A gentleman who does not speak English shared that he was pulled over for a traffic stop. The officer called for an interpreter, but additional officers were also called to the scene. It was questioned whether additional back-up was needed just because a translator was needed. > At one of the student group sessions, a student shared a story of how an officer used unnecessary force with an African -American student after a party had been shut down. The student wasn't doing anything and the police officer got rough, and wrestled the student to the ground. Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F Page 5 4. Lack of community understanding af rights and responsibilities. Questions from the community were asked about how our law enforcement system works here. > What are their rights? > What are their responsibilities? > How are fines determined? Participants at the forums stated that they would appreciate more opportunities to learn about how the Iowa City law enforcement system works. Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F Page 6 L Recommendations for the Police Citizen Review Board A. Issue. The majority of citizens participating in the community forums were unaware of the Police Citizen Review Board. Recornmendwillon: Increase Public Awareness of the Police Citizen Review Board and the process by which to file a complaint. 1 . Distribute literature regarding the Police Citizen Review Board in the community so that information is readily available to the public. 2. Prepare a video to be shown to a variety of local organizations and on the City Cable C hannel. 3. Increase police officer involvement in community activities to share information about Police Citizen Review Board. B. Jesue. Of those who had heard of the Police Citizen Review Board, a maior area of concern was that the current system is structured so that the police department is policing, itself. The high Level of public suspicion related to the Police Citizen Review Board is such that many citizens feel that If they participate in process the outcome will prove disadvantageous to them. The Committee proposes the following changes in the process and procedure for the police Citizen Review Board to address the Jasue ofpublic dft&usL I . The person filing the complaint will have the option of requesting that a member from the Police Citizen Review Board participate in the complainants interview with the police department. (See recommendation X 3 from PCRB) 2. It is recommended that the Human Rights Coordinator serve as an advocate and provide education about the process. Once a complaint has been received, the Human Rights Coordinator will be informed and will send a letter to the person filing the complaint to offer support through the process. The Human Rights Coordinator will be available to address any questions or concerns that the individual may have and will GLxtend an invitation to participate in the complainant's interview with the police department. 3. It is recommended that the City Manager participate in the interview with the police department and officer in question. 4. The complainant will be offered an exit survey. 5. Terms for the Police Citizen Review Board should be limited to two four-year terms. Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F Page 7 6. It is recommended that the performance of the Police Citizen Review Board be reviewed and evaluated one year after changes have been implemented. Citizen involvement will be critical to the process; this could be accomplished through a committee appointed by CRY Council or Council designee. If at that time it is fell that there are still problems and that the process isn't working, it is recommended that the Police Cittzens Review Board be eliminated. It Is further recommended that if the City Council chooses to create a now system, that the advisory group include members from the minority communities, and that public information sessions such as focus groups be involved in the process. Committee Response to the Pending Recommendations to Council from the Police Citizen's Review Board: 1. To change the name to Citizens Police Review Board. (June 12, 2012) - It is recommended that the name be chanced to the Citizens Police Review Board- 2. 3. Procedures. (June 12, 2012) It is recommended that the language regarc within the City Code and the Standard Operating Procedures be removed. 12, 2012) It is recommended the person filing the complaint be given the option of requestinj that a member from the Police Citizen Review Board participate in the complainant's interview with the police department. 4. To chance the Board's 45-day reportina Period to 90-days. (October 9. 2012) � It is recommended that no changes be made at this time regarding the 45 day reporting period. The recommended changes in procedures may impact the time needed to process a complaint. Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F pap 8 It. Recommendations for the Iowa City Police Departirnent A. Issue After receiving comments from the public, it Is the belief of the Committee that the police department is currently functioning under a Ocontrol and monkorg approach to dealing with our minority citizens, which has led to mutual feelings of distrust. A publication from the National Institute of Justice on Police Integrity dated January 10, 2013. (pages 11-12) states the following: OCurrent research finds that the management and culture of a department are the most Important factors influencing police behavior. How the department is managed will dramatically affect how officers behave toward citizens. And how officers behave toward citizens will affect whether citizens view law enforcement as an institution with integrity. girganizations that place priorities in the following areas will do better at maintaining integrity: Accountability of managers and supervisors Equal treatment for all members of the organization Citizen accessibility to the department Inspections and audits Quality education for employees. Defining values and principles and incorporating them into every facet of operations may be more important than hiring decisions. Diligence in detecting and addressing misconduct will show officers that managers practice what they preach.0 Recommendations Changes need to be made in the department to create a more positive culture that focuses on a .protect and serve" approach. 1. Replace the recruitment video The Committee reviewed the Police Department's Recruitment video and believes that it is a reflection of the current culture in our police department, which is leading to much of the public's concerns about negative treatment. It is recommended that the current recruitment video be removed from the website and that a now video that emphasizes a public service be created. More importantly, the culture underlying the video needs to be changed to one that is more of uprotect and serveft 2. Encourage more relationship -building activities with the police officers and members of the public Chief Hargadine shared with the Committee a list of outreach activities in which his officers were currently participating. Most of the activities listed were committees, and not community meetings that were open to the general public. It is our recommendation that the police officers be more positively engaged in all parts of the Iowa City community, but especially in the minority communities. This can be accomplished by participation in community and neighborhood events, but also through the day-to-day interactions with individual community members. During the meeting with students at a high school several students stated that they would like police officers to be more friendly and talk with them. The expectation should be clear to all offloeM that they are to provide good customer service to all members of the community— which includes greeting all citizens in a friendly manner, respectfully sharing information and using all contacts with the public as an opportunity to develop relationships and build trust. Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F Pop 9 3. Research the viability of restructuring the Police Department to adopt a Community Policing model. Attached is a description from the US Department of Justice on the key principles of a Community Policing Program. Community Policing is mom than a single program or a Community Relations Officer it is the transformation of a traditional police department. Police departments who adopt a community policing model, transform from being a dosed system, designed to react to crime to an open and proactive department designed to prevent crime. It is recommended that the City of Iowa City continue to research the viability or the Police Department receiving additional training and administrative. support to adopt a Community Policing approach. B. Issue: There is a lack of mutual understanding between some police officers and members of the minority communities. Recommendafions for officer educadon.- 1 . All Police Officers need to receive information / education so that they are less likely to make assumptions regarding our minority populations. 2. During the public meeting two young ladies shared that a police officer stopped them. He approached their car and began asking questions. At one point he asked if they had drugs in the car. They replied Ono" and then asked why he stopped them. He stated that the license plate light wasnl working. It is questionable that this is standard department procedures and it Is recommended there be more training and accountability to assure that procedures are lbilowed. Officers need to handle situations consistently for all community members. This expectation needs to be dearly communicated and officer behavior needs to monitored. Recommandatfons for Community Educatiron I . Additional education and information needs to be provided to members of the minority communities for them to gain an understanding of their rights and responsibilities. Information - sharing and outreach is particularly important for people who are now to our community. 2. Strengthen community partnerships with community and neighborhood organizations to provide education opportunities, disseminate information. 3. Develop partnerships with the schools and community youth groups to implement a Police Cadet Program, which introduces youth to the field of law enforcement. This Will not only help young people gain an understanding of police work, but would also be an opportunity for minority youth to become interested in the field of law enforcement, a Ogrow your own" strategy to got more diversity on the police force. C. Issue., Data that reflects what is happening in the Iowa City Police Department with our minority population is not being collected or shared in a meaningful manner. Recommendation. - See 'Oversight, Implementation, and Further Study" Section III Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F Page 10 Committee Response to the Pending Recommendations to Council from 'the Human Rights Commission: I - The Human Rights Commission recommends to. the Iowa City City Council that a committee be established to review the Police Citizen Review Board. That committee can be compromised of city staff, councilors or community members, but must contain at least one human rights commissioner. The review board would investigate the strengths and challenges of the current Police Citizen Review Board model and consider whether it Is the right model for the city. In reviewing the strengths and the challenges of the current Police Citizen Review Board, the review committee would determine whether the current structure best serves the city. (March 20, 2012) — NO AC 2. The Human Rights Commission would support the City in pursuing a municipal issued identification card, implemented in a manner to protect the safety of undocumented persons. (December 18, 2012) - SUPPOR (pages 13-28) Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Police integrity I National Institute of Justice Agenda Item 6F Page 11 U.S. Deprtmect of Justice, Office of 10t[GO Pm9mm National Institute Of Justice The Research, Development, and Evaluation Agency of the US. Department of Justice Police Integrity On die pap find; Overview of Integrity Management and Culture Affect Integrity How to Improve Integrity GvervIew of Integrity A police force with integrity is one with little or no misconduct or oorruptiorL In the past, most studies viewed the problem of misconduct as one of individual problem Officers, the so-called bad apples on the lbree. Man recent studies show that whites generally see ndsconduct as episodic and confined to individual officets, while blacks tend to see misconduct as a mom entrenched aspect of policing -I I I Management and Culture Affect Integrity Current research finds that the management and culture of a department am the most important factors influencing police beharviorpi How the department is managed will dramatically affect how Officers believe toward citizens. And bow officers behave toward citizens will affect whether ciumns view law enforcement as an institution with integrity Organizations that place priorities in the following areas will do better at maintaining integrity 13): • Accountability ofmartagers and supervism • Equal treatment for all members of die organization • Citizen accessibility to the department • bispections and audits . Quality education for employees Defining values and principles and Incorporating them into every facet of operations may be more important flum hiring decisions. Diligence in detecting and addressing misconduct will show officers that managers precticc what they preach. How to Improve Integrity Findings from a study of 3,235 officers from 30 mostly municipal law enforcement agencies TcveW the following recommendations for police mariagersi4l: - Address and discipline minor offenses so officers learn that Major offenses will be disciplined too. • Open the disciplinary process to public scrutiny. • Rotate Officer assignments to discourage the Immation of bonds that lead officers to cover up 'he misconduct of others. Mary departmems are improving integrity and raising the standards for officers by taking the following steps: • improving the Way they hire and Vain Officers in ethics and cultural awareness- • Collecting data to track traffic stops and other encounters with citizens. http:/Iwww mj.gov/M�j/topicanaw enforcement/legitimwy/integnty htin 3/5/2013 Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Police Integrity I National Institute of Justice Agenda Item 6F Page 12 Soliciting community input ftough citizen review boards, ornhudsmen or conuounity problem - solving initiatives. Leam rum frorn Enhancing Police Integrity (pdf, 16 pages) by Carl B. Klockas at al. 2005. I.Awn mom from Principles for Promoting Police Integrity (pdf, 45 pages) a report fimn the U.S. Departinent of Justice6 2001. Back to: Law Enforcernant: Raw, Trust and Legitimacy. Notes I i I Weitzcr, Ronald, and Steven A. Tuch, '%ace and Perceptions ofPohoe Misconduct," Social Problem 51 (August 2004): 305-325, pi Fridell, Loric, Robert Lunney, Draw Dianiond, and Bruce Kuhn, Racially NOW Policing: A Principled Response (pdf� 175 pages), Washington, D.C.: Police Executive Research Fanun, 2001, 131 GaffiM Stem J.. and Phyllis P. McDonald, eds., Police Intogtity: Public Service With Horior (pff, 103 pages), Washington, D.C.: U.S. Deparuncrit of Justice, National Institate of Justice, January 1997, NO 163811. pq Mockers, Cal B.. Sonia Kutniak lyknich, and Maria R. Haberfeld, Enhancing Police Integrity (pdf, 16 pages), NU Research in Brief, Washington, D.C.: U.& Department of Justice, National Insutute of Tusticc� December 2OD5, NO 209269. Date Created: January 10, 2013 http://www.nij.gov/nij/topiedlaw-enforecinentticgitimacy/integrity.htm 3/5/2013 COMMUR p ollicill Define IV. r-Im 4e lk Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F The LIA-r:,cnYy 55'�Fgifa�oeh; of cmawnity Policing O#w Government Agencles Communky Members/Groups Nonproft'SerWee Providers Pthfde Bushlesses Media Vnagement Community Partnerships Organizational SWtFuftre Organizational Transformation Problem Solving Personnel Information 4%_ §YO—ms (Technologg Sw4ning Lung It* �NITI� blemile Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F Commu ity policing is comprised of three M key components. Onnim-mitr Partnerships Collaborative partnerships between the law enforcement agency and the individuals and organizations they serve to develop solutions to problems and increase trust in police. Orgenizabonal Transformation The alignment of organizational management, structum personnel, and information systems to support community partnerships and proactive problem solving. Problem Solving The process of engaging in the proactive and systematic examination of identified problems to develop and evaluate efrective responses. Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F Other Government Agencies community 'I" ji Members/Groups 0 communi Nonprofits/Service ps Providers fParamtneruships V Private Businesses Media Page 16 commu'i R,artners 0., pes CA p a betweenithe law enforcement agency and the indivWunin niLi� they serve to develop solutions to problems and increase trust in Police. Community policing, recognizing that police rarely can solve public safety problems alone, encourages interactive partnerships with relevant stakeholders. The range of potential partners is large and these partnerships can be used to accomplish the two interrelated goals of developing solutions to problems through collaborative problem solving and improving public trust. The public should play a role in prioritizing and addressing public safety problems. Other Governmient Agencies Law enforcement organizations can partner with a number of other government agencies to identify community concerns and offer alternative solutions. Examples of agencies include legislative bodies, prosecutors, probation and parole, public works departments, neighboring law enforcement agencies, health and human services, child support services, ordinance enforcement, and schools. Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F Page 17 Community MemberstGroups Individuals who live, work, or otherwise have an interest in the community — volunteers, activists, formal and informal community leaders, residents, visitors and tourists, and cammuters—are a valuable resource for identifying community concerns. These factions of the community can be engaged in achieving specific goals at town hall meetings, neighborhood association meetings, decentralized offices/storefients in the community, and team beat assignments. Nonprolits/Service Providers Advocacy and community -based organizations that provide services to the community and advocate on its behalf can be powedW partners. These groups often work with or are composed of individuals who share common interests and can include such entities as victim groups, service dubs, support groups, issue groups, advocacy groups, community deveJopment corporations, and the faith conuminity. Private Businesses Media For -profit businesses also have a great stake in the health of the community and can be key partners because they often bring considerable resources to bear in addressing problems of mutual concem Businesses can help identify problems and provide resources fi)r responses, often including their own security technology and community outreach. Ile local chamber of commerce and visitor centers can also assist in disseminating information about police and business partnerships and initiatives, and crime prevention practices. The media represent a powerfid mechanism by which to communicate with the community. They can assist with publicizing community concerns and available solutions, such as services fi-orn government or community agencies or new laws or codes that will be enforced. In addition, the media can have a significant impact on public perceptions of the police, crime problems, and fear of crime. Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F Page 18 Agency Management * Climate and culture * Leadership * Labor relaflons * Decision -making * Strategic planning Policies * Organizational evalualions * Transparency Organizational Structure * Geographic assignment of oflicers * Despecialization * Resources and finances Personnel Recruitment, hiring, and seleclion Per6b'Anell supervision/ evaluolions Training Information Systems (rechnology) Communicabordaccess to data Quality and accuracy of data I I Organizational Transformation The alignment of organizational management, structure, personueland inf4rauWan systems to support oommunhy Fat tx rehipsandproactive problem solving. The community, policing philosophy focuses on the way that departments are organized and managed and how the infrastructure can be changed to support the philosophical shift behind community policing. It encourages the application of modern management practices to increase efficiency and effectiveness. Community policing emphasizes changes in organizational structures to institutionalize its adoption and infuse it throughout the entire department, including the way it is managed and organized, its personnel, and its technology. Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F Agmw Managewnt Under the community policing model, police management infuses community policing ideals throughout the agency by making a number of critical changes in climate and culture, leadership, fiinnal labor relations, decentralized decision -making and accountability, strategic planning, policing and procedures, organizational evaluations, and increased transparency. Climate and culture Changing the climate and culture means supporting a proactive orientation that values systematic problem solving and partnerships. Fonnal organizational changes should support the informal networks and communication that take place within agencies to support this orientation. Leadership Leaders serve as role models for taking risks and building collaborative relationships to implement community policing and they use their position to influence and educate others about it. Leaders, therefore, must constantly emphasize and reinforce community policinis vision, values, and mission within their organization and support and articulate a commitment to community policing as the predominant way of doing business. Labor relations IFeDmmunity policing is going to be effective� police unions and similar fi)nns of organized labor must be a part of the process and finiction as partners in the adoption of the community policing philosophy. Including labor groups in agency changes can ensure support for the changes that are imperative to community policing implementation. Decision -making Community policing calls for decentralization both in command structure and decision -making. Decentralized decision -making allows front-line officers to take responsibility for their role in community policing. When an officer is able to create solutions to problems and take risks, he or she ultimately feels accountable for those solutions and assumes a greater responsibility for the well-being of the community Decentralized decision -making involves flattening the hierarchy of the agency, increasing tolerance for risk -taking in Page 19 Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F Page 20 problem -solving effirts, and allowing officers discretion in handling calls. In addition, providing sufficient authority to coordinate various resources to attack a problem and allowing officers the autonomy to establish relationships with the community will help define problems and develop possible solutions. Strategic planning The department should have a written statement reflecting a department, wide comindmient to community policing and a plan that matches operational needs to available resources and expertim If a strategic plan is to have value, the members of the organization should be well -versed in it and be able to give examples of their efforts that support the plan. Components such as the organizationlis mission and values statement should be simple and communicated widely. Policies Community policing affects the nature and development of department policies and procedures to ensure that community policing principles and practices have an e&ct on activities on the street. Problem solving and partnerships, therefore, should become institutionalized in policies, along with corresponding sets of procedures, where appropriam Organizational evaluations In addition to the typical measures of police performance (arrests, response times, tickets issued, and crime rates) community policing calls for a broadening of police outcome measures to include such things as greater community satisfaction, less fear of crime, the alleviation of problems, and improvement in quality of fife. Community policing calls fi)r a more sophisticated approach to evaluation —one that looks at how feedback information is used, not only how outcomes are measured. Transparency Community policing involves decision -making processes that are more open than traditional policing. If the community is to be a full partner, the department needs mechanisms for readily sharing relevant information on crime and social disorder problems and police operations with the community. Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Organizational Structure Agenda Item 6F Page2l It is important that the organizational structure of the agency ensures that local patrol officers have decision -making authority and are accountable fi)r their actions. This can be achieved through long-term assignments, the development of officers who are 'generalists," and using special units appropriately, Geographic assignment of officers With community policing, there is a shift to the long-term assignment of officers to specific neighborhoods or areas. Geographic deployment plans can help enhance customer service and facilitate more contact between police and citizens, thus establishing a strong relationship and mutual accountability. Beat boundaries should correspond to neighborhood boundaries and other government services should recognize these boundaries when coordinating government public-service activities. Despecialization To achieve community policing goals, officers have to be able to handle multiple responsibilities and take a team approach to collaborative problem solving and partnering with the community. Community policing encourages its adoption agency -wide, notjust by special units, although there may be a need for some specialist units that are [asked with identifying and solving particularly complex problems or managing complex partnerships. Resourm and ifinances Agencies have to devote the necessary human and financial resources to support community policing to ensure that problem -solving efforts are robust and that partnerships are sustained and effective, Personnel The principles of community policing need to be infiised throughout the entire personnel system of an agency including recruitment, hiring, selection, and retention of all law enfi)rcement agency staff from sworn officers to civilians and volunteers. Personnel evaluations, supervision, and training must also be aligned with the agencieW community policing views. Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F Recruitmentp hirinp and selectiort Page 22 Agencies need a systematic means of incorporating community policing elements into their recruitment, selection, and hiring processesjob descriptions should recognize community policing and problem -solving responsi6ilities and encourage the recruitment of officers who have 2"spirit Of s M "instead of only a' i of adventure."A community policing agency ervice, spirit also has to thoughtfiilly examine where it is seeking recruits, whom it is recruiting and hiring, and what is being tested. Agencies are also encouraged to seek community involvement in this process through the identification of competencies and participation in review boards. Personnel supervision/evaluations Supervisors must tie performance evaluations to community policing principles and activities that are incorporated intojob descriptions, Performance, reward, and promotional procedures should support sound problem -solving activities, proactive policin& community collaboration, and citizen satisfaction with police services. Training Training at all levels --academy, field, and in -service —must support community policing principles and tactics. It also needs to encourage creative thinking, a proacdve orientation, communication and analytical skills, and techniques for dealing with quality-of-lifie concerns and maintaining order. Officers can be trained to identify and correct conditions that could lead to crime, raise public awareness, and engage the community in finding solutions to problems. Field training officers and supervisors need to learn how to encourage problem solving and help officers learn from other problem -solving initiatives. Until community policing is institutionalized in the organization, training in its fundamental principles will need to take place regularly. Information Systems (Technology) Community policing is information -intensive and technology plays a central role in helping to provide ready access to quality information. Accurate and timely information makes problem -solving efforts more effective and ensures that officers are informed about the crime and community conditions of Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F their beat. In addition, technological enhancements can greatly assist with Page23 improving two-way communication with citizens and in developing agency accountability systems and performance outcome measures. Communication/access to data Tedinology provides agencies with an important forum by which to communicate octernally with the public and internally with their own stafE To communicate with the public, community policing encourages agencies to develop two-way communication system through the Internet that allow for online reports, reverse 911 and e-mail alms, discussion fimims, and feedback on interactive applications (surveys, maps), thereby creating ongoing dialogues and increasing transparency. Technology encourages effective internal communication through memoranda, reports, newsletters, e-mail and enhanced incident repord% dispatch functions, and communications interoperabihty with other entities for more efficient operations. Community policing also encourages the use of technology to develop accountability and performance measurement systems that are timely and contain accurate merrics and a broad array of measures and information, Community policing encourages the use of technology to provide officers with ready access to timely information on crime and community characteristics within their beats, either through laptop computers in their patrol cars or through personal data devices. In addition, technology can support crime/ problem analysis fimcdons by enabling agencies to gather more detailed information about offenders, victims, crime locations, and quality -of -life concerns, and to further enhance analysis. Quality and accuracy of data Infinmation is only as good as its source and, therefore, it is not useful if it is of questionable quality and accuracy. Community policing encourages agencies to put safeguards in place to ensure that information from various sources is collected in a systematic fashion and entered into central systems that are linked to one another and checked fbr accuracy so that it can be used effectively for strategic planning, problem solving, and performance measurement. Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F Page 24 Problem Solving Miel of engaging in the preactive and sysumatic examination of idendfieA problem w devetop and erclune effiwtive responses. Corninunity policing emphasizes proactive problem solving in a systematic and routine fashion. Rather than responding to crime only after it occurs, community policing encourages agencies to proactively develop solutions to the immediate underlying conditions contributing to public safeq prOl3lCms. Problem solving must be infused into all police operations anct guide decision - making efforts. Agmdes are encouraged to think innovatively about their responses and view making arrests as only one of a wide array of potential responses. A major conceptual vehicle for helping officers to think about problem solving in a stnictured and disciplined way is the SARA (Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment) problem -solving model. smuft Identifying and prioritizing problems Anallpis: Researching what is known about the problem ReWnse: Developing solutions to bring about lasting reductions in the number and extent of problems AWW&TMt; Evaluating the success of the responses Al Using the crime triangle to focus on immediate conditions (victim/offender/locaton) Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F Page 25 Scanning: Identifying and prioritizing problems The objectives of scanning are to identify a basic problem, determine the nature of that problem determine the scope of seriousness of the problem, and establish baseline measures. An inclusive list of stakeholders for the selected problem is typically identified in this phase. A problem can be thought of as two or more incidents similar in one or more ways and that is of concern to the police and the community. Problems can be a type of behavior, a place, a person or persons, a special event or time, or a combination of any of them The police, with input from the community, should identify and prioritize concerns. Anallpis: Researching what is known about the problem Analysis is the heart of the problem -solving process. Ile objectives of analysis are to develop an understanding of the dynamics of the problem, develop an understanding of the limits of current responses, establish correlatimi, and develop an understanding of cause and effect As part of the analysis phase, it is important to find out as much as possible about each aspect of the crime triangle by asking Who� VAiat;, WhenP, Wheree, How� Why;, and Why Noe about the victim, offender, and crime location. Response: Developing solutions to bring about lasting reductions in the number and extent of problems The response phase of the SARA model involves developing and implementing strategies to address an identified problem by searching for strategic responses that are both broad and uninhibited. The response should follow logically fi-om. the knowledge learned during the analysis and should be tailored to the specific problem, The goals of the response can range from either totally eliminating the problem, substantially reducing the problem, reducing the amount of harm caused by the problem, or improving the quality Of community cohesion. Assessment Evaluating the success of the responses Assessment attempts to determine if the response strategies.were successful by understanding if the problem declined and if the response contributed to the decline.'Ibis information not only assists the current effort but also gathers data that build knowledge for the future. Strategies and programs can Ll Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F Page 26 be assessed for process, outcomes, or both. Ifthe responses implemented are not effective, the information gathered during analysis should be reviewed. New infbrmation may have to be collected before new solutions can be developed and tested.The entire process should be viewed as circular rather than linear meaning that additional scanning, analysis, or responses may be required. Ming the CriMe W13910 tO IOCUS On 1IMMID111*8 WWWORIS (VICURVOthmft/lOcation) To understand a problem many problem solvers have found it usefiil to visualiae links among the victim offiender, and location (the crime triangle) and those factors that could have an impact on them, for example, capable guardians for victims (e.g., security guards, teachers, and neighbors), handlers for offenders (eg., parents, ftiends, and probation), and managers f6r locations (e.g, business merchants, park employees, and motel clerks). Rather than focusing primarily on addressing the root causes of a problem, the police focus on the fiwtors that are within their reach, such as limiting criminal opportunities and access to victims, increasing guardianship, and associating risk with unwanted behavior. Edt.john E. 2003."Polke Problems: The Complendry of Problem Theory, Rmeamh and Evalmdon: In Johannes Knutsson, ed. Problem-Oric"ted Policing. From Innonstion to Mainstream Crime Pmvention Studies, vol. 15. pp. 79-114. Mousey, New Yoric- Crimin2ijustice Press and Devon, U.K.: Willan Publishing. Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F Paup 2 1 Abrut dw CM Office The Wo of CWMMRY Odwted Policing Somms. (WPS Office) Is the componefil of Die M DepOwd of Andoe respmdk for advancing the practice of wmmunfty Widrig by the ndm's sW b* Wory, ad "A law enforcenerTI apendes through InFormatloin and grant resoumes. Rithm than simpty rewordrig to crimes once they have been =mfted. community pdldng mw-riftatBa on povent] N rf irim and elimi nating ilie Mxxph6e of few It creates - Earning ft M of ft conriundy and mak rHj 1-huse inliNkluals stake holders in I heir am safety 6 *Uu kw wdowneril to barter understand and aWrew Wh the needs of the commun Ity vid ft 18*m Vialt mnlributa to Mma- CWS Office mwwow r%mrkg a wide bfeolh of comnainity p0cing IoNcsr-4rorn schoof am e8froWs SO* to gang 'Adence—we wailaNe. at no cW. thio4i fts odhe Rmurce information Center at wwwwps.w" , gov. This "-to-navigate webVe is aJso the grant appYcation porial. prmiding acc&�s to Wine application forms. cops V i�it C n PS ON ine a I V? WW.iCOSI FLl S00i OqV W-2 Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F Page29 Transportation Introduction I Needs Assessment During the course of community Information gathering sessions and Committee meetings the Committee repeatedly listened to issues regarding miscommunications between the Iowa City Transportation Department end community members about: • lack of Sunday service • limited Saturday service • difficulty accessing public transit to get to work • rules and regulations while being a passenger • procedures for disruptions • the role of Transit bus drivers in regards to their position when on route Community members and local organizations who serve and work with diverse populations also expressed frustration with: * long bus ddes due to lack of Information * missing the bus due to time interpretations * delays in riders with cross-town destinations due to the downtown interchange Other concerns such as the cleanliness of high volume bus stops and the lack of community outreach to assist youth and new residents about acceptable rider conduct were mentioned. Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F Page 30 A. Servicelschedule Issue; Pursue additional transit needs for certain areas of the community and minority populations as it relates to service and schedule. Recommendation: The Committee proposes the Iowa City Transportation Department work on providing additional transit needs as specified below. 1. Sunday Service options a. Assessing the Free Downtown Shuttle as a potential revenue route to offset additional bus services or researching how to developa free shuttle service in other areas 2. Expand time on Saturdays 3. Increase start times for weekday services a. Specifically for certain routes that service areas where there are swing shft such as the Heinz Road Area. We are also suggesting that Transit Services contact management of the business in that area that may be able to assist with surveying the bussing needs of their employees. 4. Public forum input suggested there may be issues with buses leaving a bus stop early. Current transit policy requires drivers not to leave a stop early. The central bus facility uses an atomic dock for the purpose of drivers to sync their clooft0watch. The Transit office is placing a clock at the downtown interchange that synes with a clock posted on BONGO and the City website. This would allow drivers and riders to routinely sync their watches, etc. with the transit time. The Committee concurs. B. Education Issue: Lack of education about acceptable behavior an public transit and understanding how to use public transit Recommendation: This Committee recommends the Iowa City Transportation Department look Into alternatives to notifying the public about acceptable behavior expectations and procedures. Specifically, the Committee recommends: Creating a document/pamphlet outlining the procedure followed by the Iowa City Transportation Department when there Is an Incident on the bus o This information should be displayed on the bus, website, Downtown Interchange, and schools. Create youth liaison by partnering with local schools to find students in leadership roles to help drivers with incident is involving other youth • Youth liaisons can be rewarded with free bus passes and/ or other incentives to help maintain order during school times. • Youth liaisons would be trained in peer mediations and de-escalation techniques and bus safety protocols. Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F Page 31 o Youth liaisons need to be current riders This Committee recommends the Iowa City Transportation Department increases their community outreach efforts. Specifically, the Committee recommends: • Creating a video with fowl youth/oommunity members that explains how to appropriately use city transit services. The video would address, but Is not limited to, the following suggestions: How to understand transit mapstschedules How to understand and use the website Provide access to online language translator How to understand and use BONGO • Providing an interactive informational kiosk at the Downtown Interchange 0 How to understand transit mapslschedules • connecting with local schools, neighborhood associations, etc. to Inform the community an ongoing changes and Improvements in transit services. • Iowa City Transportation Department staff participate in ongoing culturally and linguistically appropriate diversity trainings as the community continues to grow. This Committee recommends the Iowa City Transportation Department create a survey addressing current transportation needs of the community. Specifically, the Committee recommends questions assessing: • Community needs for Sunday and extended Saturday service • Community needs for extending service both AM & PM on weekdays • Assessing needs for low4noome areas • Broad outreach and publicizing of survey In addition consideration must be made for Individuals not being able to access the survey electronically (access to hard copy) and translation needs for different languages and email distribution. Note: This survey needs to be implemented and analyzed in 2013. Subsequent surveys should be completed every two years. All survey results should be accessible to the general public. C. Environment Issue: Improve overalfenvironment of Downtown Interchange and high volume bus stops/shefters. Recommendation: The Committee proposes the Iowa City Transportation Department work on providing additional transit needs as specified below. • Pursue additional seating in downtown interchange • Increase number of shakers o Increase frequency of imaintaining bus stops (e.g. litter, overall appearance) D. Communication Issue: Improve communication between other transit services in Iowa City/Coralville vicinity. Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F Page32 Recommendation - The Committee proposes the Iowa City Transportation Department work on providing additional transit needs as specified below. • EstaWish radio communication with the other transit Services in order to provide transfer options • Trip planner to include all local transit services arid assist riders to travel throughout Me Iowa City/Coralville area • Review current services for streamlining and/or duplication of services with other transit services • Consideration should be given to social and cultural issues when considering structural changes to the transit system Submitted by Commissioner Coulter Agenda Item 6F Page 33 a. EQUITY REPORT That the City of Iowa Cky (dfty), City Manager provide an annual report to the City of Iowa city Council (City Council) and the public concerning the status of law enforcement, public transportation, and other City services or programs as these City services relate to the needs and concerns of the City's racialilethnic minority, immigrant, juvenile and elderly, disabled, Poor, veteran, and other special populations. This annual report of the City Manager shall be called *The City of Iowa City Annual Equity Reporr (Report) �nd shall Involve and include the following: 1. The Reportformat and composition shall be developed by the City Manager in consultation with the City Council, the City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission, and any other committees determined by the City Council. 2. The Report will include the most recent data and information available regarding the Iowa City Police'Department: a.) stops and arrests, b.) Police calls from schools and action taken, c.) incarcerations, d.) offenceslinfractions, a.) formal complaints made to or about the Police Department, f.) administrative procedures and practices, e.g. personnel, recruitment, and training, including cultural, linguistic Interpretation and communication skills, and performance reviews, 9.) community outreach and communication programs and services, h.) other pertinent information. 3. The Report will include the most recent data and information available regarding the Iowa City Transportation Services Department: a) routes, stops, and frequency of service, b.) occupancy/ utilization, c.) coordination with other public transportation services, including public schools d.) userstridership communication services, a.) use of surveillance technology, f.) disruptions of service, 9.) complaints, h.) administrative procedures and practices, e.g. personnel, recruitment, and training, including cultural, linguistic interpretation and communications skills, 1.) other pertinent informatipri. 4. The Report data and information (whenever available and aggregated to protect individuaYpersonal identification) shall include: a.) race/ethnicity, b.) citizenship, c.) gender d.) juvenile/siduft status or age, a.) disability status, f.) geographical location, g.) socio- economic status, h) veteran status. b. HOUSING AND CITY EMPLOYMENT Comments were received regarding housing and city employment issues not related to the scope of the work of this Committee. c. PUBLIC ACCESS AND UPDATES After adoption of the recommendations by the City Council the recommendations should be available to the public via the City website and timeframes identified for each and progress updates provided to the site. Correspondence Steftmile Bowers From: Dominguez, Dana M <dana-domInguez@uIowa.edu> Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2013 12:27 PM Cc: Jarrett, Lindsay A Subject: 2013 Celebrating Cultural Diversity Festival is Sunday, September 29th! Greetings! As someone who has been involved or expressed interest in the Celebrating Cultural Diversity Festival, we would like to take this opportunity to make you aware that this year's festival will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2013. CCDF organizers have been working hard to create a fun and exciting way to incorporate CCDF as a part of the Ul Homecoming Week festivities, and we hope that you will join us by participating in this new tradition. Those interested in being a vendor, performer, or volunteering will be able to access information and updates through the festival's website, which will be updated as plans are finalized: httip://ccdfestival.uiowa.edu/. Though we are not yet accepting applications, the planning committee Will be making updates over the course of the spring semester, and we encourage you to check back frequently. For questions, please contact the festival's planning chairs, Roy Salcedo (rov-salcedo@uiowo.edu) and Lindsay Jarratt (lindsay-iarratt@uiowa.edu). We hope to see you in September! Va,N4 Dome"" Administrative Services Coordinator Chief Diversity Office University of Iowa I 11 Jessup Hall Iowa City, A 52242-1316 319-353-2388 "Infinite diversity in infinite combinations... symbolizing the elements that create truth and beauty." OMMT�� Irtle ()ulre Uaster"lcwa'sCuui-Cnci-"% Presents... dd VUF t -0 I re iul:,Dca:idr �-� m m m Illy so mlqk� vum-.� Ulcll"vccd mid Urcladwav A Ifundraiser Ifeaturine Sun.a. Lame, Frenzy &- lfrt%iic! Stefanie Bowers From: Tomkins, Jill J <jill-tomk1ns@uIowa.edu> Sent: Monday, March 11, 2013 7:43 PM To: HumanRights Subject: Refugees in the Heartland Conference Invitation Good evening, I wanted to invite you, the Human Rights Commissioners and others in your network to the Refugees in the Heartland Conference. We would appreciate if you could share with your contacts. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks, Jill Tomkins We hope you'll join us for the Refugees in the Heartland Conference at the University of Iowa, a conference about what it means to be a refugee and making the Midwest home. Panelists and presenters including refugees will share their stories and discuss past and present refugee law and policy in the US and globally. In addition to public events, there will be specific programming for refugee leaders, writers and service providers that work with refugee communities on April 6. This includes leadership development and advocacy training while creating an advocacy agenda for use at the upcoming UNHCR Refugee Congress in Washington, D.0 as well as a memoir writing workshop with Kao Kalia Yang. Please share this invitation with others in your network. In particular, we welcome your help in reaching out to refugee leaders and writers and in identifling participants that may want to take part in the cultural fair and performances on April 4. Please note that limited funds are available for travel costs for refugee participants. Email amv- weismann@uiowa.edu for more information. Please visit the conference website for details, including the schedule and registration fo raer invonrear — roui uve inaeo contest We also invite you to take part in a YouTube video contest on the topic of how you and your community can be a welcoming one for refugees. Contest rules are available The winning video submissions will be screened during Friday's events. You are warmly inWted to attend I I - R,EFUGEES IN THE HEARTL I.N-D ererice APRIL 4-7,2013, UNIVERSITY OF IOWA A A confatoncit aboLa What it means to be a refugee and making t9ir Midwast home. Panelists and prewiters irtclucling ref Ligon themsetims from across the MWW*St wai share stories abo4A the mearvirig of aniattlement for rebuilding a livelihood. physical wurity. and marital well being, as well as discuss pa,.t mid present refugee low md policy in the US and gloWly. 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