HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-03-12 OrdinanceDate: February 10, 1984
To: City Council
From: Phyllis A. Williams, Civil Rights Specialist
Re: City's Non -Discrimination Ordinance
Attached is the information that was provided to the City Council during
March 1983 regarding the proposed amendments to the City's non-discrimina-
tion ordinance.
Discussion on this item is scheduled for your February 21st meeting.
Commission and staff representatives will be present at that time.
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Attachment
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CHAPTER 18
HUMAN RIGHTS
Art. I. In General, ss 18-1--18-15
Art. II. Commission, ss 18-16--18-30
Art. III. Discriminatory Practices, ss 18-31--18-44
ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL
Sec. 18-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
AGE MEANS CHRONOLOGICAL AGE OF ANY PERSON WHO HAS REACHED THE AGE OF 18 OR IS
CONSIDERED BY LAW TO BE AN ADULT.
CITY ATTORNEY shall mean the duly appointed attorney for the City or such person
designated by him/her.
COMMISSION shall mean the Iowa City Human Rights Commission.
COMPLAINANT means a person who has filed a report of discrimination as provided
for by section 18-37 of this chapter.
COMPLAINT means a report of discrimination provided for by section 18-37 of this
chapter.
CONCILIATION TEAM shall mean a team of two (2) members or more of the Commission
appointed to conciliate cases on which probable cause has been found.
COURT means the district court in and for the judicial district of this state in
which the alleged unfair or discriminatory practice occurred, or any judge of
such court if the court is not in session at this time.
CREDIT TRANSACTION means any open or closed end credit transaction including but
not limited to a loan, retail installment transaction, credit card issue or
charge, and whether for personal or for business purposes, in which a service,
finance, or interest charge is imposed, or which provides for repayment in
scheduled payments, when such discredit is extended in the regular course of any
trade or commerce.
DEPENDENT MEANS ANY PERSON, REGARDLESS OF AGE, WHO RESIDES IN A HOUSEHOLD AND
WHO DERIVES PRIMARY CARE OR SUPPORT FROM THAT HOUSEHOLD.
DISABILITY MEANS THE PHYSICAL OR MENTAL CONDITION OF A PERSON WHICH CONSTITUTES
A SUBSTANTIAL HANDICAP. A DISABLED INDIVIDUAL IS ANY PERSON WHO 1) HAS A
PHYSICAL OR MENTAL IMPAIRMENT WHICH SUBSTANTIALLY LIMITS ONE OR MORE OF SUCH
PERSON'S MAJOR LIFE ACTIVITIES, 2) HAS A RECORD OF SUCH IMPAIRMENTS, OR 3)"IS)
REGARDED AS HAVING SUCH IMPAIRMENT.
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EMPLOYEE includes every person who works for wages, salary, or commissions or
any combination thereof, and, in context, the term also includes those who are
seeking or applying for employment.
EMPLOYER includes all persons, wherever situated, who employ one or more
employees within the city, or who solicit individuals within the city to apply
for employment within the city or elsewhere. The term includes the city itself,
and all other political subdivisions, public corporations, governmental units
conducting any activity within the city, and public agencies or corporations.
EMPLOYMENT AGENCY means any person undertaking to procure employees or
opportunities to work for any other person.
HOUSING ACCOMMODATION includes any improved or unimproved real estate which is
used, capable of being used, or intended to be used as a permanent or temporary
residence or sleeping place for one or more persons whether by sale, lease, or
otherwise. It specifically includes lots suitable for single or multi -family
residential development.
HOUSING TRANSACTION means the sale, exchange, rental or lease of real property
or housing accommodation and the offer to sell, exchange, rent or lease real
property.
INVESTIGATOR means a person appointed by the city manager with the consultation
of the Commission, to investigate complaints filed in accordance with this
chapter.
LABOR ORGANIZATION means any organization which exists for the purpose in whole
or in part of collective bargaining, of dealing with employers concerning
grievances, terms, or conditions of employment, or of other mutual aid or
protection in connection with employment.
MARITAL STATUS MEANS CONDITION OF BEING MARRIED, SINGLE, DIVORCED, SEPARATED, OR
WIDOWED.
PERSON means one or more individuals, partnerships, associations, corporations,
legal representatives, trustees, receivers, the city or any board, commission,
department, or agency thereof, and all other governmental units conducting any
activity in the city.
PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION means each and every place, establishment, or facility of
whatever kind, nature, or class that caters or offers services, facilities, or
goods to the general public for a fee or charge. Each and every place,
establishment, or facility that caters or offers services, facilities, or goods
to the general public gratuitously shall be deemed a public accommodation if the
accommodation receives any substantial governmental support or subsidy. Public
accommodation shall not mean any bona fide private club or other place,
establishment, or facility which is by its nature distinctly private, except
that, when such distinctly private place, establishment, or facility caters or
offers services, facilities, or goods to the general public for fee or charge or
gratuitously, it shall be deemed a public accommodation during such period.
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SOURCE OF INCOME MEANS INCOME AND SUPPORT DERIVED FROM ANY TAX
SUPPORTED FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL FUNDS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO SOCIAL
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SECURITY, SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME, AID TO FAMILIES WITH DEPENDENT
CHILDREN FOOD STAMPS, RENT SUBSIDIES, AND UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION.
RESPONDENT means a person who is alleged to have committed an act prohibited by
this chapter, against whom a complaint has been filed, as provided by this
chapter.
SEXUAL ORIENTATION means the status of preferring a relationship of affection or
a sexual relationship with a consenting adult of the same sex or with a
consenting adult of the opposite sex.
Sec. 18-2. Purpose.
It is the purpose of this chapter to protect citizens of the city against
discrimination as defined in this chapter. Moreover, this chapter provides for
execution within the city of the policies of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the
Federal Civil Rights Acts and the promotion of cooperation between the city and
the state and federal agencies enforcing these acts.
Sec. 18-3--18-15. Reserved.
ARTICLE II. COMMISSION
Sec. 18-16. Established; duties generally.
There is hereby established the Iowa City Human Rights Commission whose duty it
shall be to disseminate information and provide the mediation, conciliation and
enforcement necessary to further the goals of this chapter and to protect
citizens from unfounded charges of discriminatory practices.
Sec. 18-17. Powers.
The Commission created by this article shall have the following powers:
(a) To receive, investigate, and finally determine the merits of complaints i
j alleging unfair or discriminatory practices.
(b) To investigate and study the existence, character, causes, and extent of
discrimination in the areas covered by this chapter and eliminate
discrimination by education, conciliation, and enforcement where
necessary.
(c) To issue publications and reports of the research and investigations of the
Commission subject to the limitations of confidentiality.
(d) To prepare and transmit to the city council from time to time, but not less
often than once each year, reports describing its proceedings,
investigations, hearings conducted and the outcome thereof, decisions
rendered, and the other work performed by the Commission.
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(e) To make recommendations to the city council for such further legislation
concerning discrimination as it may deem necessary and desirable.
(f) To cooperate, within the limits of any appropriations made for its
operation, with other agencies or organizations, both public and private,
whose purposes are not inconsistent with those of this chapter, and in the
planning and conducting of programs designed to eliminate racial,
religious, cultural and other intergroup tensions.
(g) To adopt guidelines by which to determine whether any conduct, behavior, or
action may properly be deemed a discriminatory practice.
(h) To make recommendations to the city manager and city council regarding the
affirmative action program of the City and to offer assistance to city
departments as will insure fair employment procedures and the provision of
city services without bias.
Sec. 18-18. Structure.
The Commission shall consist of nine (9) members, appointed by vote of the city
council. Appointees shall serve for a term of three (3) years and thereafter
until a successor has been appointed. Vacancies shall be filled for the
remainder of the unexpired term. Appointments shall take into consideration men
and women of the various racial, religious, cultural, social and economic groups
in the City.
Ser.. 18-19. Records to be public; exceptions.
(a) All records of the Commission shall be public, except:
(1) Complaints of discrimination, reports of investigations, statements
and other documents or records obtained in investigation of any charge
shall be closed records, unless a public hearing is held.
(2) The minutes of any session which is closed under the provisions of
this chapter shall be closed records.
(b) No member of the Commission or of its staff shall disclose the filing of a
charge, the information gathered during the investigation, or the
endeavors to eliminate such discriminatory or unfair practice by
conference, conciliation, or persuasion, unless each disclosure is made in
connection with the conduct of an investigation. Nothing in this
provision shall prevent, however, the Commission from releasing such
information concerning alleged or acknowledged discriminatory practices to
the state civil rights commission, the United States Civil Rights
Commission, the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and other
agencies or organizations whose primary purpose is the enforcement of civil
rights legislation. This section does not prevent any complainant, witness
or other person from publicizing the filing of a complaint or the matter
therein complained of. Violation of these provisions by a member of the
Commission or its staff shall constitute grounds for removal.
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Secs. 18-20--18-30. Reserved.
ARTICLE III. DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES
Sec. 18-31. Employment; exceptions.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any employer to refuse to hire, accept, register,
classify, upgrade or refer for employment, or to otherwise discriminate in
employment against any other person or to discharge any employee because of
age, color, creed, disability, marital status, national origin, race,
religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any labor organization to refuse to admit to
membership, apprenticeship or training an applicant, to expel any member,
or to otherwise discriminate against any applicant for membership,
apprenticeship or training or any member in the privileges, rights, or
benefits of such membership, apprenticeship or training because of age, '
color, creed, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion,
sex, or sexual orientation of such applicant or member.
(c) It shall be unlawful for any employer, employment agency, labor
organization, or the employees or members thereof to directly or indirectly {
advertise or in any other manner indicate or publicize that individuals are t
unwelcome, objectionable, or not solicited for employment or membership
because of age, color, creed, disability, marital status, national origin,
race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
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(d) The following are exempted from the provisions of this section:
(1) Any bona fide religious institution or its educational facility,
association, corporation or society with respect to any
qualifications for employment based on religion when such
qualifications are related to a bona fide religious purpose. A
religious qualification for instructional personnel or an
administrative officer, serving in a supervisory capacity of a bona
fide religious educational facility or religious institution, shall
be presumed to be a bona fide occupational qualification.
(2) An employer or employment agency which chooses to offer employment or
advertise for employment to only the disabled or elderly. Any such
employment or offer of employment shall not, however, discriminate
among the disabled or elderly on the basis of age, color, creed,
disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or
sexual orientation.
(3) The employment of individuals for work within the home of the employer
if the employer or members of his/her family reside therein during
such employment.
(4) The employment of individuals to render personal service to the person
of the employer or members of his/her family.
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(5) To employ on the basis of sex in those certain instances where sex is
a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the
normal operation of a particular business or enterprise. The bona
fide occupational qualification shall be interpreted narrowly.
(6) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a state or federal
program designed to benefit a specific age classification which
serves a bona fide public purpose shall be permissible.
(7) TO EMPLOY ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY IN THOSE CERTAIN INSTANCES WHERE
PRESENCES OF DISABILTY IS A BONA FIDE OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATION
REASONABLY NECESSARY TO THE NORMAL OPERATION OF A PARTICULAR BUSINESS
OR ENTERPRISE. THE BONA FIDE OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATION SHALL BE
INTERPRETED NARROWLY.
Sec. 18-32. Housing; exceptions.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to:
(1) Refuse to engage in a housing transaction with any other person
because of age, color, creed, disability, MARITAL STATUS, national
origin, race, religion, sex, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PRESENCE OR ABSENCE
OF DEPENDENTS, OR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SOURCE OF INCOME.
(2) Discriminate against any other person because of age, color, creed,
disability, MARITAL STATUS, national origin, race, religion, sex,
SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF DEPENDENTS, OR PUBLIC
ASSISTANCE SOURCE OF INCOME; in the terms, conditions or privileges of
any real estate transaction.
(3) Directly or indirectly advertise, or in any other manner indicate or
publicize in any real estate transaction that any person because of
age, color, creed, disability, MARITAL STATUS, national origin, race,
religion, sex, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF DEPENDENTS,
OR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SOURCE OF INCOME is not welcome, objectionable,
or not solicited.
(4) Discriminate against the lessee or purchaser of any real property or
housing accommodation or part, portion or interest of the real
property or housing accommodation, or against any prospective lessee
or purchaser of the property or accommodation, because of age, color,
creed, disability, MARITAL STATUS, national origin, race, religion,
sex, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF DEPENDENTS, OR PUBLIC
ASSISTANCE SOURCE OF INCOME of persons who may from time to time be
present in or on the lessee's or owner's premises for lawful purposes
at the invitation of the lessee or owner as friends, guests, visitors,
relatives or in any similar capacity.
(b) The following are exempted from the provisions of this section:
(1) Any bona fide religious institution with respect to any qualification
it may impose based on religion when such qualifications are related
to a bona fide religious purpose.
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(2) The rental or leasing of four (4) or fewer rooms within an owner -
occupied rooming house in which renters pass through the owner's
living area.
(3) RESTRICTIONS BASED ON SEX OR THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF DEPENDENTS IN
THE RENTAL OR LEASING OF HOUSING ACCOMMODATIONS BY NON-PROFIT
CORPORATIONS.
(4) Restrictions based on sex in the rental or leasing of housing
accommodations within which residents of both sexes would share a
common bathroom facility on the same floor of the building.
(c) This section does not create an affirmative duty to remove barriers for the
handicapped in excess of the requirements of Chapter 1O4A, of the Code of
Iowa.
(d) Housing accommodations may be designated specifically for the elderly and
disabled. However, housing accommodations may not be restricted among the
elderly and disabled on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, MARITAL
STATUS, national origin, sex, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, orientation, PRESENCE OR
ABSENCE OF DEPENDENTS, OR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SOURCE OF INCOME.
Sec. 18-33. Public accommodation; exceptions.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to deny any other person the full and
equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages
of any place of public accommodation because of AGE, color, creed,
DISABILITY, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or
sexual orientation.
(b) It shall be unlawful to directly or indirectly advertise or in any manner
indicate or publicize that the patronage of persons is unwelcome,
objectionable, or not solicited because of AGE, color, creed, DISABILITY,
marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual
orientation.
(c) This section shall not apply to any bona fide religious institution with
respect to any qualifications the institution may impose based on religion
when such qualifications are related to bona fide religious purpose.
(d) Public accommodations may be designated specifically for the elderly and
disabled. However, public accommodations may not be restricted among the
elderly and disabled on the basis of AGE, color, creed, DISABILITY, marital
status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
Sec. 18-34. Credit transactions; exceptions.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any creditor to refuse to enter into any consumer
credit transaction or to impose finance charges or other terms or
conditions more onerous than those regularly extended by that creditor to
consumers of similar economic backgrounds because of age, color, creed,
DISABILITY, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or
sexual orientation.
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(b) It shall be unlawful for any person authorized or licensed to do business
in this state pursuant to Chapter 524, 533, 534, 536, or 536A of the Code of
Iowa to refuse to loan or to extend credit or to impose terms or conditions
more onerous than those regularly extended to persons of similar economic
backgrounds because of age, color, creed, DISABILITY, marital status,
national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
(c) It shall be unlawful for any creditor to refuse to offer credit, life or
health and accident insurance because of age, color, creed, DISABILITY,
marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex or sexual
orientation. Refusal by a creditor to offer credit, life or health and
accident insurance based upon the age or DISABILITY of the consumer shall
not be an unfair or discriminatory practice if such denial is based solely
upon bona fide underwriting consideration not prohibited by Title XX.
The provisions of this section shall not be construed by negative
implication or otherwise to narrow or restrict any other provisions of this
ordinance.
(d) The following are exempted from this section:
(1) REFUSAL TO ENTER INTO ANY CONSUMER CREDIT TRANSACTION COVERED ABOVE
SHALL NOT BE A DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICE IF SUCH DENIAL IS BASED ON A
FAIR AND REASONABLE DETERMINATION OF CREDIT -WORTHINESS OR ABILITY TO
COMPREHEND THE TRANSACTION.
Sec. 18-35. Aiding or abetting.
It shall be a violation of this chapter for any person to intentionally aid,
abet, compel, or coerce another person to engage in any of the practices
declared to constitute discriminatory practices by this article.
Sec. 18-36. Retaliations or reprisals.
It shall be a violation of this chapter for any person to discriminate against
another person because such person has either lawfully opposed any
discriminatory practice forbidden by this article, obeyed the provisions of this
chapter, or has filed a complaint, testified, or assisted in any proceeding
under this chapter.
Sec. 18-37. Report.
(a) The following procedures are the only authorized methods for reporting a
discriminatory practice to the Commission:
(1) Any person claiming to be aggrieved by a discriminatory practice
within the city limits may by himself/herself or by his/her attorney,
make, sign, and file with the Commission a verified written complaint
which shall state the name and address of the person, employer,
employment agency, or BUSINESS organization alleged to have
committed the discriminatory or unfair practice of which complained,
shall set forth the circumstancs under which the discriminatory
practice took place, the date, and shall contain such other
information as may be required by the Commission.
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(2) The Commission, a commissioner, a city attorney, the state civil
rights commission, or any other person aware of the existence of a
discriminatory practice may in like manner make, sign, and file such
complaint.
(b) Any complaint filed under this ordinance shall be so filed within one
hundred eighty (180) days after the most recent act constituting the
alleged discriminatory practice.
(c) A verified copy of a complaint filed with the state civil rights {
commission under the provisions of Chapter 601A, Code of Iowa, or EEOC
shall be sufficient complaint for the purpose of this chapter, if it i
alleges either in the text thereof or in accompanying statements that the
alleged discriminatory practice occurred within this city.
I Sec. 18-38. Investigation of complaints.
(a) After the filing of a complaint, a true copy thereof shall be served within
20 days by registered mail to the person against whom the complaint is
filed. Then a commissioner, the investigator, or another duly authorized
member of the commission's staff, shall make a prompt investigation of the
complaint.
(b) Upon application, the commission may issue subpoenas requiring a party to
appear or to produce books, documents, and records which may be relevant to
the alleged discriminating practice. The Commission may issue subpoenas if
it finds the following to be true:
(1) The subpoena is necessary to carry out a public hearing of the
Commission; or
(2) The respondent fails to provide information relevant to the
investigation and the investigator is unable to proceed without
specific materials.
(c) The investigator shall determine whether probable cause exists to believe
that the person charged in the complaint has committed a discriminatory
practice and shall file a detailed report with the city attorney. After
completion of this determination, the city attorney shall send to the
commission, a written statement of reasons as to whether or not probable
cause exists to believe that a discriminatory practice occurred as alleged
by the complainant.
(d) At any time after the initial filing of a complaint of unfair or
discriminatory practice, but before the investigator's recommendation to
the city attorney, the investigator may seek a disposition of the complaint
through the use of a predetermination settlement if such settlement is in
the interest of the complainant. PREDETERMINATION SETTLEMENTS SHALL BE
SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY THE COMMISSION CHAIRPERSON.
Sec. 18-39. Results of investigation; action to be taken.
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Finding of no probable cause. After an investigation under this article:
If the investigator finds no probable cause to believe that the person
charged hdS coom lttad an unfair or discriminatory practice, and the
city :attorney concurs with that finding, he/she shall report the same
to the Commission. If designated members of the Commission agree that
no probable cause does exist, it shall notify the parties in writing
by certified mailing, return receipt requested, of the findings and of
the complainant's right to appeal therefrom. If they disagree as to
no probable cause, they shall make the final determination on probable
cause and proceed as provided in this chapter.
If the complainant fails to object to the finding of no probable cause
within ten (10) days of receipt of such written notice, the Commission
shall close the case. The secretary of the Commission shall report
this finding to the civil rights commission.
If the complainant objects in writing to the finding of no probable
cause within ten (10) days of receipt of such written notice, the
designated members of the Commission shall hear his/her evidence in
executive session. If they again find no probable cause to believe
that the person charged has committted a discriminatory practice,
they shall declare the case closed. After appeal, if they find
probable cause to exist, they shall proceed as provided in this
chapter.
If the invest
the designate
lator and city attorney disagree as to probable cause,
I members of the Commission shall make the final
on probable cause and proceed as provided in this
Finding of probable cause. After an investigation under this article:
If the investigator finds probable cause to believe that the person
charged has committed an unfair or discriminatory practice, and the
city attorney concurs in that finding, then those members of the
Commission designated as conciliators should make an independent
evaluation as to the determination as to whether probable cause exists
before proceeding with the conciliation.
Upon the finding of probable cause to believe that the person charged
has committed a discriminatory practice, a conciliation team shall
promptly endeavor to eliminate such discriminatory or unfair practice
by conference, conciliation, and persuasion in accordance with
remedies provided in section 18-40.
Section 18-40. Conciliation results.
(a) If the conciliation team is able to effectuate a disposition agreeable to
the complainant, the person charged, and the CONCILIATION TEAM, such
disposition shall be reduced to a written stipulation and executed by the
parties and the agreement reported to the Commission.
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(b) If the person charged and the conciliation team agree to a disposition but
the complainant fails to agree, the team shall report the matter to the
designated members of the Commission in executive session. If the
designated members of the Commission accept the conciliation agreement
presented by the conciliation team and the person charged, they shall close
the case (subject to continuing supervision of the charged party as
provided in the agreement) and communicate the terms of the agreement to
the state civil rights commission. This shall not prevent the complainant
from taking other action as provided by law. If however, they reject the
conciliation agreement, they may direct that further attempts at
conciliation be made or proceed as provided in this chapter.
(c) If the complainant and the person charged reach a mutually agreeable
disposition of the complaint, but the conciliation team does not wish to
ratify such agreement, the complainant and the person charged may proceed
according to the terms of their agreement with no further involvement by
the conciliation team and the Commission shall thereafter close the case.
Such action shall not, however, in any way, prevent the Commission, as a
non-party to the agreement entered into between the complainant and the
person charged, from subsequently filing a new complaint against the person
charged concerning the same alleged discriminatory practice.
(d) The terms of a conciliation agreement reached with the respondent may
require him or her to refrain in the future from committing discriminatory
or unfair practices of the type stated .in the agreement, to take remedial
action which, in the judgment of the Commission, will carry out the
purposes of this Act, and to consent to the entry in an appropriate
district court of a consent decree embodying the terms of the conciliation
agreement. Violation of such a consent decree may be punished as contempt
by the court in which it is filed, upon a showing by the Commission of the
violation, at any time within six months of its occurrence. In all cases
where a conciliation agreement is entered into, the Commission shall issue
an order stating its terms and furnish a copy of the order to the
complainant, the respondent, and such other persons as the Commission deems
proper. At any time in its discretion, the Commission may investigate
whether the terms of the agreement are being complied with by the
respondent. Upon a finding that the terms of the conciliation agreement
are not being complied with by the respondent, the Commission shall take
appropriate action to assure compliance.
(e) For the purposes of this subsection and pursuant to the provisions of this
chapter "remedial action" includes but is not limited to the following:
(1) Hiring, reinstatement or upgrading of employees with or without pay.
Interim earned income and unemployment compensation shall operate to
reduce the pay otherwise allowable.
(2) Admission or restoration of individuals to a labor organization,
admission to or participation in a guidance program, apprenticeship
training program, on-the-job training program or other occupational
training or retraining program, with the utilization of objective
criteria in the admission of individuals to such programs.
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(3) Admission of individuals to a public accommodation or an educational
institution.
(4) Sale, exchange, lease, rental, assignment or sublease of real
property to an individual.
(5) Extension to all individuals of the full and equal enjoyment of the
advantages, facilities, privileges, and services of the respondent
denied to the complainant because of the discriminatory or unfair
practice.
(6) Reporting as to the manner of compliance.
(7) Posting notices in conspicuous places in the respondents place of
business in a form prescribed by the Commission and inclusion of
notices in advertising material.
(8) Payment to the complainant of damages of an injury caused by the
discriminatory or unfair practice which damages shall include but are
not limited to actual damages, court costs and reasonable attorney
fees.
(9) In addition to the remedies in the preceeding provisions of this
subsection, the Commission may issue an order requiring the
respondent to cease and desist from the discriminatory or unfair
practice and to take such affirmative action as in the judgment of the
Commission will carry out the purposes of this chapter as follows:
(a) In the case of a respondent operating by virtue of a license
issued by the state or a political subdivision or agency, if the
Commission, upon notice to the respondent with an opportunity to
be heard, determines that the respondent has engaged in a
discriminatory or unfair practice and that the practice was
authorized, requested, commanded, performed or knowingly or
recklessly tolerated by the board of directors of the respondent
or by an officer or executive agent acting within the scope of
his or her employment, the Commission shall so certify to the
licensing agency. Unless the practice is reversed in the course
of judicial review, the finding of discrimination is binding on
the licensing agency. If a certification is made pursuant to
this subsection, the licensing agency may initiate licensee
disciplinary procedures.
(b) In the case of a respondent who is found by the Commission to
have engaged in a discrminatory or unfair practice in the course
of performing under a contract or subcontract with the state or
political subdivision or agency, if the practice was authorized,
requested, commanded, performed, or knowingly or recklessly
tolerated by the board of directors of the respondent or by an
officer or executive agent acting within the scope of his or her
employment, the Commission shall so certify to the contracting
agency. Unless the Commission's finding of a discriminatory or
unfair practice is reversed in the course of judicial review, the
finding of discrimination is binding on the contractng agency.
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(c) Upon receiving a certification made under this subsection, a
contracting agency may take appropriate action to terminate a
contract or portion thereof previously entered into with the
respondent, either absolutely or on condition that the
respondent carry out a program of compliance with the provisions
of this act; and assist the state and all political subdivisions
and agencies thereof to refrain from entering into further
contracts.
(10) The election of an affirmative order under paragraph (2) of this
subsection shall not bar the election of affirmative remedies
provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection.
Section 18-41. Proceedings upon failure to conciliate.
(a) If the conciliation team is unable to effectuate a disposition agreeable to
the parties within ninety (90) days, it shall file a report of no
conciliation with the Commission and REPORT what further action as provided
herein should be taken.
(b) A conciliation team may recommend:
(1) That no further action be taken thus closing the case.
(2) That the Commission cause to be served a written notice requiring the
respondent to answer the charges of such complaint at a hearing before
the Commission.
Sec. 18-42. Notice and hearing.
(a) In case of failure to satisfactorily settle a complaint by conference,
conciliation, and persuasion, the Commission may issue and cause to be
served a written notice together with a copy of such complaint, as the same
may have have been amended, requiring the person charged to answer such
complaint in writing within ten (10) days after the date of such notice or
within such extended time that the Commission may allow.
(b) When the conciliation team is satisfied that further endeavor to conciliate
would be futile, the team shall report the same to the Commission. If the
Commission determines that the circumstances warrant, it shall issue and
cause to be served a written notice requiring the person charged to answer
the charges of such complaint at a hearing before the Commission or such
other person designated by the Commission to conduct the hearing, hereafter
referred to as hearing examiner, and at a time and place to be specified in
such notice.
(c) The case in support of such complaint shall be presented at the hearing by
the city attorney or his/her agent. The members of the Commission who
investigated or attempted to conciliate the complaint shall not
participate in the hearing except as a witness nor shall they participate
in the deliberations of the Commission in such case.
(d) The person charged may file a written verified answer to the complaint, and
may appear at the hearing in person, with or without counsel, and submit
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testimony. In the discretion of the hearing examiner, a complainant may be
allowed to intervene and present testimony in person or by counsel.
(e) When the person charged has failed to answer a complaint at a hearing as
provided by this section, the Commission may enter his/her default. For
good cause shown, the Commission may set aside an entry of default within
ten (10) days after the Commission may proceed to hear testimony adduced
upon behalf of the complainant. After hearing such testimony, the
Commission may enter such order as in its opinion the evidence warrants.
(f) The Commission or the complainant shall have the power to reasonably and
fairly amend any complaint and the person charged shall have like power to
amend his/her answer.
(g) The Commission shall not be bound by the strict rules of evidence
prevailing in courts of law or equity but the right of cross-examination
shall be preserved. Plaintiffs shall bear the burden of proving
allegations in the complaint. The testimony taken at a hearing shall be
under oath, recorded, and, if ordered by the Commission, transcribed.
Sec. 18-43. Findings and order.
(a) If upon taking into consideration of all of the evidence at a hearing, the
Commission determines that the respondent has engaged in a discriminatory
or unfair practice, the Commission shall state its findings of fact and
conclusions of law and shall issue an order requiring the respondent to
cease and desist from the discriminatory or unfair practice and to take the
necessary remedial action as in the judgment of the Commission shall carry
out the purposes of this chapter. A copy of the order shall be delivered to
the respondent, and complainant, and to any other public officers and
persons as the Commission deems proper. A description of possible remedial
actions appear in Section 18-40.
(b) If, upon taking into consideration of all the evidence at a hearing, the
Commission finds that a respondent has not engaged in any such
discriminatory or unfair practice, the Commission shall issue an order
denying relief and stating the findings of fact and conclusions of the
Commission, and shall cause a copy of the order dismissing the complaint to
be served by certified mail on the complainant and the respondent.
Sec. 18-44. Judicial review; enforcement.
(a) The Commission may obtain an order of court for the enforcement of
Commission orders in a proceeding as provided in this section. Such an
enforcement proceeding shall be brought in the district court of the
county.
(b) Such an enforcement proceeding shall be initiated by the filing of a
petition in such court and the service of a copy thereof upon the person
charged. Thereupon the Commission shall file with the court a transcript
of the record of the hearing before it. The court has the power to grant
such temporary relief or restraining order as it deems just and proper, and
to make and enter upon the pleadings, testimony, and proceeding set forth
in such transcript an order enforcing, modifying, and enforcing as so
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modified, or setting aside the order of the Commission, in whole or in
part.
(c) An objection that has not been urged before the Commission shall not be
considered by the court in an enforcement proceeding, unless the failure or
neglect to urge such objection shall be excused because of extraordinary
circumstances.
(d) Any party to the enforcement proceeding may move the court to remit the
case of the Commission in the interest of justice for the purpose of
adducing additional specified and material evidence and seeking findings
thereof, providing such parties shall show reasonable grounds for the
failure to adduce such evidence before the Commission.
(e) The Commission's copy of the testimony shall be available to all parties
for examination at all reasonable times, without cost, and for the purpose
of judicial review of the Commission's orders.
(f) The Commission may appear in court by the city attorney or his/her
designee.
(g) If no proceeding to obtain judicial review is instituted within thirty (30)
days from the service of an order of the Commission, the Commission may
obtain an order of the court for the enforcement of such order upon showing
that the person charged is subject to jurisdiction of the Commission and
resides or transacts business with the county.
Passed and approved this
ATTEST:
ACTING CITY CLERK
MAYOR
EXHIBIT II
Proposed Changes in Iowa City
Human Rights Ordinance
(Please refer to Ordinance No. 77-2830, Exhibit III)
A. Article I, Section 18-1 Definitions (p. 1-3)
redefine AGE:
means chronological age of any person who has reached the age of 18 or
is considered by law to be an adult.
i
RATIONALE: To clarify and make grammatically consistent with
other definitions.
add definition DEPENDENT:
any person, regardless of age, who resides in a household and who
derives primary care or support from that household.
redefine DISABILITY:
means the physical or mental condition of a person which constitutes a
substantial handicap. A disabled individual is any person who 1) has
a physical or mental impairment or mental impairment which
substantially limits one or more of such person's major life
activities, 2) has a record of such impairments, or 3) is regarded as
having such impairment.
RATIONALE: To make consistent with Federal definition of
disability.
add definition MARITAL STATUS:
means condition of being married, single, divorced, separated, or
widowed.
l
RATIONALE: To clarify and broaden protection in this area.
add definition PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SOURCE OF INCOME:
means income and support derived from any tax supported federal, state
or local funds, including but not limited to Social Security,
Supplemental Security Income, Aid to Families with Dependent
Children, Food Stamps, Rent Subsidies, and unemployment compensation.
i
delete, under SEXUAL ORIENTATION:
everything after the first sentence, ending "of the opposite sex."
I
j RATIONALE: To make form consistent with other definitions.
AN
0
2
B. Article III, Section 18-31 Employment (p. 5-7)
(a) The clause at the end, reading "unless such disability is related to
job performance of such person or employee" to be deleted.
RATIONALE: Necessary exemptions are covered in subsection (d).
(d)-(2) Add the words "or disability" to the end of clause.
RATIONALE: To clarify intent.
(d)-(7) Omit entire subsection (d)-(7).
Add a new section (d)-(8), to read:
To employ on the basis of disability in those certain instances where
presence of disability is a bona fide occupational qualification
reasonably necessary to the normal operation of a particular business
or enterprise. The bona fide occupational qualification shall be
interpreted narrowly.
RATIONALE: To allow additional exemption to employers.
i
C. Section 18-32 Housing (p. 7-8)
(a)-(1) The clause "marital status, sexual orientation, presence or
absence of dependents, or public assistance source of income" to
be added to the end of this section.
RATIONALE: To broaden protection in this area.
(a)-(2) (3) (4) The above condition to be made in the appropriate place in
each of these sections.
RATIONALE: To be consistent throughout section.
(b)-(3) Shall be changed to read "Restrictions based on sex or the
presence or absence of dependents in the rental or leasing of
I
housing accommodations by nonprofit corporations."
(d) The words "age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or
source of income" to be added to the end of this clause.
RATIONALE: To broaden protection, clarify intent.
I
Section 18-33 Public Accommodation
(d) The words "age or disability" to be added to the end of this clause.
RATIONALE: To clarify intent.
3
D. Section 18-34 Credit (p.8-9)
(a) The word "Physical" to be deleted.
RATIONALE: To broaden and make consistent the protection in this
area.
(b) The word "physical" to be deleted.
RATIONALE: To broaden and make consistent the protection in this
area.
(c) The word "physical," which appears twice in this clause, to be deleted
in both cases.
RATIONALE: To broaden and make consistent the protection in this
area.
Add a new section (d)-(1), to read:
(d) The following are exempted from this section:
(1) Refusal to enter into any consumer credit- transaction covered
above shall not be a discriminatory practice if such denial is
based on a fair and reasonable determination of credit-
worthiness or ability to comprehend the transaction.
RATIONALE: To broaden and make consistent the protection in this
area.
E. General Procedures (p. 9-14)
Section 18-37 (a)(1): (p. 9)
delete "labor" add "business" in line six.
RATIONALE: To clarify intent.
Section 18-38 (d); (p. 10)
delete last sentence; replace with: "Predetermination settlements
shall be subject to review by the commission chairperson."
RATIONALE: To expedite processing of predetermination
settlements.
Section 18-40 (a); p. 12)
in first sentence, line 2, delete "commission" and replace with
"conciliation team." End of sentence shall still read "reported to
the Commission."
RATIONALE: To conform to current practice - Commission on a whole
does not participate in conciliation of an individual
case.
Section 18-40: (p. 13-14)
add new subsection (e): move subsections 18-43 (a)-(1), 18-43 (a)-
(2), and 18-43 (a)-(3) to become a new subsection, (e)-(1), (2) and
(3).
RATIONALE: To define "remedial" action for purposes of
conciliation.
Section 18-41: (p. 13)
in line 3, delete the words "designated members of the"; delete
"recommend" in line 4 and replace with "report." Delete last
sentence, beginning with "Similarly, if..."
Additional note: Throughout the ordinance, wherever the listing of
protected classes appears, the listing shall be made in alphabetical order;
except under Housing, Sec. (a)(1)(2)(3)(4), where the classes "presence or
absence of dependents" and "public assistance source of income" shall
appear at the end of the listing of other protected classes.
RATIONALE: To make the listings consistent and aid in comparison from
section to section.
T.r
4
RATIONALE: To conform to current practice - Commission on a whole
does not participate in conciliation of an individual
case.
Section 18-40: (p. 13-14)
add new subsection (e): move subsections 18-43 (a)-(1), 18-43 (a)-
(2), and 18-43 (a)-(3) to become a new subsection, (e)-(1), (2) and
(3).
RATIONALE: To define "remedial" action for purposes of
conciliation.
Section 18-41: (p. 13)
in line 3, delete the words "designated members of the"; delete
"recommend" in line 4 and replace with "report." Delete last
sentence, beginning with "Similarly, if..."
Additional note: Throughout the ordinance, wherever the listing of
protected classes appears, the listing shall be made in alphabetical order;
except under Housing, Sec. (a)(1)(2)(3)(4), where the classes "presence or
absence of dependents" and "public assistance source of income" shall
appear at the end of the listing of other protected classes.
RATIONALE: To make the listings consistent and aid in comparison from
section to section.
T.r
City of Iowa City-
MEMORANDUM
ity
MEMORANDUM
DATE: March 8, 1984
T0: City Council
FROM: Human Rights Commission, Chairperson
RE: Proposed Changes to the Iowa City Non -Discrimination Ordinance
Letters which we received prior to our public hearing in support of our
proposals are attached. The letters opposing our proposals have been
given to you by the Housing Commission.
to//