HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-18-2017 Human Rights Commission� r
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
(319) 356-5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
AGENDA
Human Rights Commission
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
5:30 p.m.
Hailing Conference Room
City Hall, 410 E. Washington Street
i Call Meeting to Order and Roll Call.
2. Approval of Minutes.
a. Approve minutes of Human Rights Commission regular meeting date of June 20,
2017.
3. Approval of FY17 Annual Report.
4. Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda.
5. Items to be discussed.
a. Collaborating with Community Organizations.
b. Social Justice Racial Equity Grant FY18.
c. Evaluate Human Rights Commission's subcommittees.
d. Proposal to evaluate process for considering nominations for youth ally award
and keynote speaker for annual human rights breakfast.
6. Updates/Reports.
a. Update on 34th Annual Human Rights Awards Breakfast.
b. Update from Rapid Response Team.
c. Update on Building and Crossing Bridges Together Program.
d. Report from the Iowa City Community School District's Equity Committee.
e. Report from University of Iowa's Center for Human Rights Advisory Board.
�. Announcements from members.
8. Announcements from staff.
9. Next Regular Meeting: Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at 5:30PM.
10. Adjournment.
If you will need disability -related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting please
contact the Equity Director, Stefanie Bowers, at 319-356-5022 or at stefanie-bowers(a)iowa-
citv.or . Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access
needs.
July Agenda Packet Materials
Agenda Item 2a
Draft Minutes
Human Rights Commission
Melling Conference Room, City Hall
June 20, 2017
Members Present:
Jeff Falk, Adil Adams, Tahuanty Pena, Joe Coulter, Kim Hanrahan, Eliza Willis, Shams
Ghoneim.
Members Not Present:
Barbara Kutzko, Andrea Cohen.
Staff Present:
Stefanie Bowers.
Recommendations to City Council: No.
Call to Order:
Hanrahan called the meeting to order at 5:31 PM.
Approval of May 16, 2017 Minutes:
Coulter moved to approve the minutes; the motion was seconded by Ghoneim. A vote was
taken and the motion passed 4-0. (Adams not present for vote. Hanrahan and Willis abstained
as they were not present at this meeting).
Collaborating with Community Organizations:
Hanrahan will provide an update in the fall.
Update on Building and Crossing Bridges Together:
This event being held on September 30 at Hancher will feature a performance by Niyaz, an
Iranian Canadian musical duo, in the evening and interactive activities in the afternoon.
Commission subcommittee members (Falk, Adams, Kutzko) are planning to make the event
very inclusive by inviting many to perform.
Juneteenth:
Willis and Coulter will represent the Commission at this annual event and present the certificate
and award to the winner of the youth essay contest.
Human Rights Awards Breakfast 2017:
Commissioners selected Jean Lloyd -Jones as the keynote speaker for the Human Rights
Awards Breakfast. She will be asked to speak on human rights in the context of a polarized
political system. Coulter moved and Ghoneim seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the
motion passed 7-0.
Update Social Justice Racial Equity Grant Process for FYI 8:
This Commission subcommittee (Willis, Cohen, Hanrahan) has been reviewing and making
suggestions on the grant application, evaluation process and pre -training for all Commissioners.
They will present their recommendations at a special commission meeting being held on July
11
Update Rapid Response Team:
This Commission subcommittee (Willis, Ghoneim, Hanrahan, Cohen) has met once and a draft
letter has been created to solicit area organizations.
Parities in the Park:
Falk attended the June 8 event at the Court Hill Park. Hanrahan will attend the August 3 event
at Wetherby Park.
Report from the Iowa City Community School District's Equity Committee:
At its last meeting, the group discussed ADA compatibility for a playground at Shimek
Elementary and the cultural climate of schools in the district.
Report from the University of Iowa Center for Human Rights Advisory Board:
The program committee is working on an event that would discuss the affects of terrorism and
violence on youth.
Announcements:
Willis reported on Pride 2017 held in downtown Iowa City on Saturday, June 17.
Coulter reminded Commissioners of the City Manager's Roundtable notes available on the
City's website.
Adams mentioned that he and others will be break the Fast for Ramadan Iftar this upcoming
weekend.
Ghoneim invited Commissioners to break the Fast at the Community Ramadan Iftar being held
at the Iowa City Mosque.
Staff:
The City recently changed tour restrooms to single use family restrooms. Anyone can use the
restrooms, regardless of gender identity or expression.
The strategic planning meeting for the Social Justice Racial Equity Grant is set for July 11 from
5:15 — 7:15 PM at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, Meeting Room A.
Next regular meeting date July 18, 2017 at 5:30 PM
Adjournment: 6:50 PM
2
Human Rights Commission
Attendance Record
TERM
July
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
NAME
EXP.
7,
19,
16,
20,
18,
15,
20,
17,
21,
14,
25,
16,
20,
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2016
2017
2017
2017
2017
2017.
2017
Barbara
1/1/
---
---
---
---
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
WE
Kutzko
2020
Jeff Falk
1/1/
---
---
—
---
---
---
---
X
X
X
X
X
X
2020
Tahuanty
1/1/
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
X
X
X
Pena
2020
Joe Coulter
1/l/
X
OX
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
2019
Atli] Adams
UP
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
2019
Eliza Jane
1/1/
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
Willis
2019
Andrea
1/1/
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
Cohen
2018
Kim
1/1/
X
X
O
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
Hanrahan
2018
Shams
1/1/
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
Ghoneim
2018
Key
X
= Present
O
= Absent
O/E
Absent/Excused
R
= Resigned
Agenda Item 3
Human Rights Commission
The Iowa City Human Rights Commission is represented by nine residents of Iowa City,
each of whom are appointed by the City Council for three-year terms. The
Commissioners, all committed to civil rights, reflect a broad cross-section of the
community, thus ensuring diversity of ideas and interests. In the appointment process,
consideration is given to racial, religious, cultural, social and economic groups within the
City.
The Commission has the following powers:
• Make recommendations to the City Council for such further legislation concerning
discrimination as it may deem necessary and desirable.
• Educate the public on human rights and illegal discrimination, such as organizing
and facilitating educational public forums that address one or more of the broad
range of topics included within the rubric of human rights.
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 the Human Rights Ordinance.
• Coordinate programs designed to eliminate racial, religious, cultural and other
intergroup tensions.
The Commission annually elects a Chairperson and a Vice -Chairperson and holds
monthly meetings in the Hailing Conference Room at City Hall on the third Tuesday of
each month at 5:30 p.m.
FY 17 Human Riahts Commission Members
Kim Hanrahan, Chair
Eliza Jane Willis, Vice Chair
Adil Adams
Andrea Cohen
Joe Coulter
Jeff Falk
Shams Ghoneim
Barbara Kutzko
Tahuanty Pena
The Human Rights Office consists of two full-time staff, a Human Rights Coordinator and
a Human Rights Investigator.
Summary of FY17 Commission Initiatives
The Commission and staff accomplished FY17 goals. These included, among others,
• supporting initiatives 'to advance social justice and racial equity including working
with the City Council on a grant providing funding to support such causes.
focusing on tair housing; offering training for landlords and management
companies, and the public; conducting research regarding the existence of
discrimination in the local rental process regarding source of income.
sponsoring events and programs to the public on Knowing Your Rights.
FY 17 Recommendations by the Commission to Council
July 2016: Implementation guide on how to administer the Social Justice and Racial
Equity Grant for FY17.
October 2016: Amending Title 2 of the City Code, entitled "Human Rights." To remove
references to "Housing Accommodation," update references to "Men and Women," and
clarify time periods.
November 2016: Human Rights bylaws updated to reflect amendments to Title 2 in
October of 2016. (see above).
November 2016: To declare the second Mondays of October as Indigenous People's
Day.
March 2017: Grant allocations for the social justice and racial equity grant for fiscal year
2017.
FY 17 Mayor's Proclamations Submitted by the Commission
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (October 2016).
National Hispanic Heritage Month (October 2016).
National Native American Heritage Month (November 2016).
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 2017).
Black History Month (February 2017).
Juneteenth (June 2017).
FY 17 Programs $ Activities of the Commission
1. July 19, 2016, Participated in White House Call on Community Conversations.
2. July 21, 2016, Participated in Iowa City Sustainability Action Planning Workshop.
3. July 22, 2016, Sponsored 26th Anniversary of the ADA advocacy program.
4. July 22, 2016, Participated in University of Iowa International Programs meeting to
better assess the needs of international students.
5. July 26, 2016 Participated in University of Iowa Chief Diversity Office meeting to
bridge communication between the City and the University.
6. August 1, 2016, Mailed Survey to 166 Housing Choice Voucher recipients as part
of a follow up to the impediments to fair housing choice.
7. August 1, 2016, Attended League of Iowa Civil and Human Rights Agencies
quarterly meeting.
8. August 8, 2016, Mailed Dress Codes, Admittance Policies, and Public
Accommodation Discrimination information to area business owners.
9. August 10, 2016, Participated in meeting with Shelter House staff to discuss the
experiences of persons searching for housing when transitioning from the Shelter
House.
10. August 17, 2016, Participated in first Refugee Assistance Discussion in Johnson
County.
11. August 18, 2016, Prezi Why You Should File a Complaint If You Believe You Have
Been Discriminated Against.
12. August 23, 2016, Attended ADA-ADAAA Interactive Process.
13. September 2, 2016, Updated contact information for Equity and Human Rights
Office for the 2017, Greater Iowa African American Resource Guide.
14. September 7, 2016, Attended Changing Landscape for LGBT Rights in the Public
Sector Workforce presented by Duckett Law Firm.
15. September 9, 2016, Presented at Community Leadership Program Leadership &
You sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.
16. September 13, 2016, Sponsored Job & Resource Fair at the Robert A. Lee
Recreation Center.
17. September 22, 2016, Attended Development of Employee Handbooks/Employee
Policies & Procedures/Staff Evaluation presented by Gordon Fischer Law Firm.
18. September 23, 2016, Attended Black and Blue play held at Riverside Theatre. .
19. September 24, 2016, Sponsored Why Vote? What's in it for Me?
20. September 27, 2016, Sponsored Introduction to the City of Iowa City, an event
designed to orient international students at the University to the city and its
services and operations.
21. September 29, 2016, Attended U.S. Small Business Administration 101 Workshop.
22. October 13, 2016, Sponsored Building and Crossing Bridges Together. A program
designed to combat hate speech and fear mongering while building a stronger
Corridor community.
23. October 26, 2016, Sponsored 33rd Annual Human Rights Commission's Awards
Breakfast. Diane Finnerty was the keynote speaker.
24. October 27, 2016, Human Rights Coordinator was elected Treasurer for the Iowa
League of Human and Civil Rights Agencies.
25. November 1, 2016, Attended New Interface Training Lexis Nexis Advance.
26. November 3, 2016, Sponsored The Benefits of Disability in the Workplace
workshop.
27. November 8, 2016, Mailed Guidance on Service Animals and Emotional
Support/Therapy Animals to area landlords and management companies.
28. November 16, 2016, Updated Know Your Rights: Hate Crimes brochure. The
brochure was translated into Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, and French African.
29. November 16-17, 2016, Presented Know Your Rights to 45 third -year students at
the University of Iowa, all who are from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.
30. November 29, 2016, Attended The Ins and Outs of Our Immigration System
sponsored by the Iowa State Bar Association.
31. December 5, 2016, Mailed Sexual Harassment in the Workplace information to
area business owners.
32. December 7, 2016, Participated in Iowa League of Human and Civil Rights
Agencies executive meeting.
33. December 7, 2016, Sponsored Lunch and Learn: Creating an Inclusive
Community.
34. December 14, 2016, Participated in second Refugee Assistance Discussion in
Johnson County.
35. December 28, 2016, Mailed Know Your Rights brochures to over 30 social service
agencies.
36. January 4, 2017, Created online complaint submittal form. Online complaint
submittals allow for person to file a complaint with the Office of Equity and Human
Rights 24/7.
37. January 13, 2017, Attended How To Do Unemployment Insurance Appeals
sponsored by the Iowa State Bar Association.
38. January 13, 2017, Attended University of Iowa College of Law continuing legal
education on Effective & Ethical Supervision of Law Student Externs.
39. January 16, 2017, Participated in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.
40. January 17, 2017, City website updated to include list of local immigration lawyers.
41. January 19, 2017, Participated in Iowa League of Human and Civil Rights
Agencies executive meeting.
42. January 25, 2017, Distributed mailer on Know Your Rights and Know Your Rights:
Hate Crimes to University of Iowa Student Legal Services.
43. January 30, 2017, Distributed mailer on Know Your Rights and Know Your Rights:
Hate Crimes to the University of Iowa International Center. Mailer included Arabic,
Chinese, Spanish and French African.
44. January 31, 2017, Attended Anti-LGBTQ Executive Order sponsored by the
Human Rights Campaign.
45. January 31, 2017, Mailer distributed on the Office of Human Rights and Equity
providing complimentary educational resources on responding to bias and hate
crimes.
46. February 14, 2017, Participated in Iowa League of Human and Civil Rights
Agencies Special Meeting.
47. February 16, 2017, Presented Introduction to Human Rights to University of Iowa
students.
48. February 21, 2017, Mailer entitled The City of Iowa City Office of Equity and
Human Rights is here to Serve You distributed to area landlords and businesses.
49. February 21, 2017, Human Rights Commission agendas updated to include ADA
accommodation notification.
50. February 21, 2017, The Human Rights Office renamed the Office of Equity and
Human Rights.
51. March 6, 2017, Attended I Am Not Your Negro documentary.
52. March 8, 2017, Attended Discipline and Documentation for New Supervisors
sponsored by the National Public Employer Labor Relations Association.
53. March 8, 2017, Presented at Introduction to Law and Legal Career Seminar at the
University of Iowa College of Law.
54. March 9, 2017, Participated in roundtable discussion with Zach Benedict for Age
Friendly Community Conversation Day.
55. March 11, 2017, Sponsor of Know Your Rights: Spousal and Partner Abuse Laws
and Resources program.
56. March 20, 2017, Stay Connected. Community members can sign up to receive
equity and human rights news and event information from the City straight to their
inbox via e-subscription.
57. March 22 Attendee at City employee discussions of Evicted, a book by Matthew
Desmond regarding eviction and the shortage of affordable housing.
58. March 24, 2017, Attendee of Accomplices in Eliminating Racial Bias.
59. March 28, 2017, distributed mailer entitled Stay Connected. Community members
can sign up to receive equity and human rights news and event information straight
in their inbox from the City.
60. March 30, 2017, Sponsored Fair Lending Training presented by the Federal
Reserve Bank of Chicago.
61. April 3, 2017, Participated in discussion on the Johnson County Community ID
Program with delegates from Italy. The event was hosted by the Council for
International Visitors to Iowa Cities.
4
62. April 5, 1017, Attended City employee discussions on the book Evicted part 2.
(Please see #57 for more details).
63. April 12, 2017, Sponsored Lunch and Learn: The Employment of Non -US Citizens.
64. April 19, 2017, Sponsored Applying Fair Housing in Your Daily Life.
65. April 19, 2017, Attended Diversity and Inclusion: Employee Resource Group
Consortium.
66. April 19, 2017, Presented at What's Law Got to Do With It?
67. April 20, 2017, Sponsored Promoting Fair Housing in Your Business and
Complying with the Law.
68. April 25, 2017, Attended Lincoln Commission on Human Rights Fair Housing
Conference.
69. April 26, 2017, Distributed mailer regarding Service Animals on privately owned
business premises to area business owners.
70. April 28, 2017, Attended Fair Housing: What You Need to Know.
71. May 10, 2017, Sponsored 14th Annual Youth Human Rights Awards Ceremony.
72. May 14 — 17, 2017, Attended and Volunteered at the 2017 National ADA
Symposium.
73. May 15, 2017, Advertised in Pride GoGuide Magazine, Iowa City's LGBTQ
resource guide.
74. May 24, 2017, Participated in Executive Committee Meeting for the Iowa League of
Human and Civil Rights Agencies.
75. May 24, 2017, Participated in Tate Arms/Iowa Federation Home National Registry
Listing meeting.
76. June 5, 2017, Hosted University of Iowa Intern for the summer.
77. June 6, 2017, Participated in Government Alliance on Racial Equity working groups
meeting.
78. June 8, 2017, Participated in Party in the Park sponsored by Parks and Recreation.
79. June 12, 2017, Advertised on Fair Housing in the Hawkeye View (formerly known
as the University Edition of the Daily Iowan).
80. June 12, 2017, Advertised Fair Housing ad throughout summer semester in the
Daily Iowan.
81. June 17, 2017, Vendor at Iowa City Pride Festival.
82. June 20, 2017, Participated in League of Iowa Human and Civil Rights Agencies
quarterly meeting.
83. June 21, 2017, Attended The Johnson County Coalition Against Domestic Violence
In Her Shoes: Living with Domestic Violence.
84. June 24, 2017, Co -sponsored and participated in 7th Annual Juneteenth
Celebration.
85. June 29, 2017, Co -sponsored Serving up Opportunity Community BBQ.
Commission Financial Sponsorships for FY17
ADA Anniversary Celebration. (July 2016)
Iowa City Voter Registration for Persons with Disabilities. (September 2016)
Celebrating the World's Children. (October 2016)
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service. (January 2017)
Annual Choice Event. (January 2017)
All About Girls Summit. (February 2017)
Night of 1000 Dinners. (March 2017)
Poverty Affects Us All. (March 2017)
5
Overview of the Comalaint Process
Title Two of the City Code (Human Rights Ordinance) prohibits unlawful discrimination in
the areas of education, housing, employment, public accommodation and credit. The
characteristics covered are: age, color, creed, disability, familial status*, gender identity,
marital status, national origin, presence/absence of dependents*, public assistance
source of income*, race, religion, retaliation, sex, and sexual orientation. *Housing only.
A person claiming to be aggrieved by an unlawful discriminatory practice or act must file
a complaint within three -hundred days of the alleged discrimination. Staff of the Human
Rights Commission investigate complaints alleging discrimination. Staff serve as neutral
fact finders and do not represent either party in the complaint process.
1. Filing: The complainant (the person who alleges the discrimination) fills out, signs
and dates a complaint form.
2. Jurisdictional Review: A dated and signed complaint is reviewed by staff to
determine whether it meets the legal requirements. If the complaint does not meet
jurisdictional requirements, the complainant is notified and the complaint is closed.
3. Notice: Within twenty days of the file date (seven days for housing complaints) a
copy of the complaint is sent certified mail to the respondent
(individual/business/organization accused of discrimination) along with a
questionnaire and document request. A copy of the complaint is also sent to the
complainant.
4. Answer: The respondent is required to provide an answer to the allegation(s) of
discrimination and submit any requested records or relevant documents within
thirty days of receipt. (Fifteen days in the case of housing complaints.)
5. Screening: All information is reviewed to determine whether further investigation is
warranted. If staff finds that there is a reasonable possibility of a probable cause
determination or the legal issues present in the complaint need further
development, staff continue the investigation of the complaint. A complaint
determined by staff not to warrant further processing is administratively closed. The
complainant and respondent are promptly notified of the administrative closure via
certified mail. A complainant may object to the administrative closure within ten
(10) days of service by filing a written request for review that states the basis for
the objection. If after review it is determined that the complaint does not warrant
further processing, staff will close the file and notify the complainant and
respondent via certified mail. No further action is taken on the complaint.
6. Further Investigation: If the complaint is found to warrant further investigation, both
the complainant and respondent may be interviewed and additional
documents/records requested. Witnesses and other persons with knowledge
concerning the allegations in the complaint may also be contacted and interviewed.
When the investigation is complete, staff analyze all the collected information and
write a Data Analysis & Complaint Determination with a recommendation regarding
whether probable cause exists on the complaint.
7. Right to sue: After the complaint has been on file for sixty days, the complainant
131
has the option of pursuing the matter in a state district court. If this option is taken,
and all requirements have been fulfilled, staff close the complaint and issue a right
to sue letter to the complainant. No further action is taken on the complaint by staff.
The issuance of a right to sue has no bearing on the merits of the allegations
contained in the complaint. It simply is an option the law grants to complainants.
8. If both parties agree, mediation can be undertaken at any time during the complaint
process prior to a probable cause determination. If successful, the complaint is
closed upon satisfaction of the agreement reached in the mediation. If not
successful, the investigation continues.
9. Finding: The Human Rights Coordinator makes the final decision on whether
probable cause exists on each complaint.
a. If probable cause is found, the complaint will move to conciliation.
b. If probable cause is not found, staff informs both the complainant and
respondent of the decision by certified mail.
10. Conciliation: The Human Rights Coordinator attempts to conciliate or resolve the
complaint.
11. Public Hearing: When conciliation is unsuccessful, the complaint file will be
reviewed by the City Attorney, who shall form an opinion as to whether the
complaint is litigation worthy and make a recommendation to two Commissioners.
If both members of the Commission wish to proceed contrary to the
recommendation of the City Attorney, the Commissioners may authorize the
Human Rights Coordinator to proceed to a public hearing. A complaint found not to
be litigation worthy is closed.
FY 16 Complaint Statistics
Please note, some complaints filed in fiscal year 2016 were closed in fiscal year 2017.
Some complaints which were filed in fiscal year 2017 had not been closed by the end of
fiscal year 2017, creating the difference in numbers between those opened and closed.
Most complaints filed cite more than one basis for discrimination, so totals will not be
equal.
7
Complaint Activity
Complaints Filed by Protected Characteristic
FY2016
Age 4
Color 5
Creed
Disability
Familial Status
Gender Identity
Marital Status
National Origin
Presence/Absence of Dependents
Public Assistance Source of Income
Race
Religion
Retaliation
Sex
Sexual Orientation
Complaints Filed By Area
Credit
Education
Employment
Housing
Public Accommodation
Complaints filed on ICRC form
Total Number of Complaints
Resolutions
Mediated
No Probable Cause
Administrative Closure
Right To Sue
Lack of Jurisdiction
Outside of Jurisdiction"
Satisfactorily Adjusted
Withdrawn
Probable Cause
Total Number of Resolutions
14
7
2
0
3
5
6
16
1
16
16
1
11
12
15
4
43
2
7
0
2
6
0
0
0
18
FY2017
10
11
2
16'
3
2
5
10
2
2
17
5
11
9
5
1
2
16
11
12
3
452
5
0
8
0
4
11
0
3
0
31
7 cited mental disability, 6 physical disability, and 3 cited disability only.
2 35 complaints were filed in FY17. However, three complaints cited more than one area as the
reason for the discriminatory action. 45 reflects the number of all areas cited in each complaint. In
FY16, no complaints cited more than one area.
3'Lack of Jurisdiction' refers to complaints that allege discrimination on a basis or in an area not
covered by Title 2 of the Iowa City Code.
4 Category added in FY16 to reflect complaints filed but that occurred outside of Iowa City.
Summary
In FY17, employment is the area in which the most complaints were filed, with 16
complaints. Public accommodation was second with 12, followed by housing with 11.
There were two complaints in education and one filed in the area of credit. Race and
disability were the most common bases cited for alleged discriminatory conduct, with 17
for race and 16 for disability. These were followed by 11 complaints on the basis of
color, 10 complaints each on the bases of age and national origin, and 9 complaints on
the basis of sex. All other bases were alleged on 5 or fewer complaints. The remaining
bases were alleged 5 or fewer times each. Retaliation was alleged in 11 complaints.
In FY16, public accommodation was the area in which the most complaints were filed,
with 17. Housing was second with 12 complaints, followed by employment with 11.
There was one complaint in education and none filed in the area of credit. Race and sex
were the most common characteristics cited for alleged discriminatory conduct, with 16
complaints each. These were followed by disability with 14. The remaining bases were
alleged 7 or fewer times each. Retaliation was alleged in 16 complaints.
FY 18 Activities, Traininas & Initiatives
Produce follow-up survey to Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice.
Increase awareness of online submittal process for complaints alleging
discrimination.
Contribute to and participate in activities, programs and events that advance human
rights.
Support local organizations through the administration of the Social Justice and
Racial Equity Grant funding.
Approved
Agenda Item 5b
City of Iowa City FY18 Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant Procedure and Application Form
Background, Vision and Principles
The Iowa City Council Strategic Planning priorities for 2016 and 2017 foster a more inclusive, just and
sustainable Iowa City. To further this vision, the City Council approved funding in the fiscal year 2018 budget
for grants to community -based organizations to build capacity to address social justice and racial equity
(SJRE Grant). City Council approved a total of $25,000 in funds for this program for fiscal year 2018.
Purpose
The purpose of this funding is to encourage, empower and engage social justice and racial equity
initiatives. The SJRE funding is available to for -profit and non-profit organizations to fund programs,
activities, initiatives or educational outreach that help to eliminate inequities in the community.
Available Funding
The maximum amount of funding an organization can request is $25,000. Both proposals and budgets will be
subject to review.
Requirements
The organization must be principally and physically located in Iowa City.
Organizations that receive funding must submit quarterly progress reports for one year after receiving the
funds to the Iowa City Human Rights Commission.
Funding requests cannot include operational costs such as rent, salaries or utilities. In some cases, a grant
can be used to cover consultant fees. (Should we place a limit on the percentage of the grant that can be
spent this way?)
Process
Applications are available starting date and due date. The Iowa City Human Rights Commission will
review each complete application submitted and make recommendations to the City Council on how
funding should be allocated by March 31. The City Council will make the final decision on allocations no
later than April30. Funding will be awarded date. In limited circumstances, applicants may receive written
questions seeking clarification of specific aspects of their proposal and/or budget. Applicants will have one
week? to provide written responses. Note: This is not an opportunity to amend or change the application.
Application Rating Criteria
Six priority service areas are designated as high priorities for FY18 SJRE Grant funding: Education, Building
Community, Housing, Criminal Justice, Health, and Employment. This application form has three sections,
where points can be awarded. The highest score achievable is 100 points.
Submission Instructions:
Applications can be received in one of the following ways:
Online web form submission at www.icgov.org/SJREgrantaoolication:
E-mail to humanriehts@iowa-city.ore with the subject line: Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant
Fund;
Mail to:
Iowa City Human Rights Commission
Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant Fund
ATTN: Stefanie Bowers
410 E. Washington Street Iowa
City, IA 52240-1826
Deadline
All applications must be received by January. 2018. No exceptions will be made.
Format for applications:
A. Applications will be rated only on the information requested and outlined in this request for
applications.
B. Do not include a cover letter, brochures, or letters of support.
C. The application should be typed, single spaced, size 12-point font, with 1 inch margins on letter -
sized (8M x 11-inch) sheets.
D. The application may not exceed a total of 10 pages.
E. Your response should include the section number and questions in chronological order.
F. Applications must be submitted in a provided format Question for Stefanie: why did proposals look
different? We would like them all to look the some.
G. Please complete and submit the attached checklist with your application.
H. Questions about the application form or review process should be direct to Stefanie Bowers.
Please note that this application form is a public document and information included is a public record.
Application
Form I. Organizational Information (10 Points)
Full name of organization:
Mailing address: Telephone
number:
Email address: Website:
Name and title of contact person for purposes of this application form:
Contact person's telephone number and email address:
Name and title of responsible person if applicant is awarded a grant.
Organization's Mission Statement:
How many years has the organization been in operation?
What are the 2018 goals of the organization?
Provide an example of a project initiated by the organization in the last three years that had a wide
community reach and impact. If a newly established organization, provide an experience with a prior
project that inspired this proposal.
II. Proposal (60 points)
What is the program, service or activity?
How does the program, service or activity advance social justice or racial equity? Be specific about
which of the six priority areas this project seeks to address.
What community need do you intend to meet with this program, service or activity? Response should
include information or data that demonstrates the need.
Does the program, service or activity include partnerships or collaborations with other organization(s)? If
so, what organization(s)?
If applicable, has the applicant discussed the proposed project with potential partners or collaborators? If
so, provide additional details about the nature of this expected collaboration.
What is the target audience for this program, service or activity? What are the demographics of the
community members that will be served by the program, service or activity (response should include
age, race, gender and income)? How many community members will be served over what period of time?
(Issues for Commissioners: Discuss the issue of number of community members, higher numbers do not
necessarily mean proposal will be funded. Should we ask about an underserved population.)
Will there be a charge to participants in this program, service or activity?
What are the specific outcomes and performance measures for the program, service or activity in one year
from implementation? What indicators ormetrics have been identified to measure outcomes and
performance?
Will processes and/or tools will be created as a part of the program, service or activity that can be shared
with others in the community to eliminate racial and social inequities? If so, explain how these
outcomes will be shared beyond your organization. Question for Commissioners: Should
we even ask this question?
Will the program, service or activity be continued or expanded after the SJRE Grand funding ends? If
applicable, provide additional details.
If the proposal includes fees for a consultant, please explain how this individual will participate in the project
and advance its goals.
III. Funding Amount Request (30 points)
Amount of funding request:
How will the funding be utilized?
(Note: Grant requests above $1000 are expected to provide a more detailed rationale for the
amount specified.)
Organizational budget for 2018 and 2019: How does this proposed project, service or activity fit within the
organization's overall budget?
Provide a detailed plan (e.g., timing and amounts) for spending grant monies. Provide a
timeline for the program, service or activity (timeline should identify the specific time
frame for the actions).
Note: provide a table in the application for each applicant to fill in so the format used is the same.
Has the organization identified or applied for other sources of funding for the proposed program? Does the
organization plan to do so during the period of the grant?
If other funding has been secured for the proposed project, provide additional details about the source,
amount and timing of this additional funding.
If applicant is a city department, please indicate whether the activity is fully or partially budgeted or whether
there is an intention to cover the proposed program in a future budget. Has a budgetary request been made?
If not, please explain why.
Project Budget Guidelines
The detailed budget for your proposal should be clear, well organized and easy to understand.
Consider using a spreadsheet with outlined columns and heading that outline:
Budget Category
• Requested Funds
• Outside Contributions
• Project Total Direct Costs
Direct costs for your grant are perhaps the most important component in your grant's budget.
They represent the funds you are seeking from the funding source. The costs described below
are considered direct costs:
Personnel: Show the breakdown of hours and weeks. Personnel costs are NOT covered by
the SJRE Grant.
Travel: Make sure to provide clear formulas and documentation for why travel is necessary.
Include the cost for a plane ticket, the cost of a hotel per night and the number of nights you will
be staying, and a food allowance. Be sure and use realistic but conservative figures and avoid
using round numbers; use $1,280 instead of $1,000.
Equipment: To help understand equipment costs, documentation of the program need for the
equipment. Equipment costs should be well defined and include specifications. For example,
you might include a high—speed copier system to be used to reproduce reports and other
documents for committees, staff members, and volunteers. You should explain how the copier
will help you in administering the program.
Supplies: It is helpful to break down supplies into categories such as general office supplies,
educational and training supplies, and computer supplies.
WIRE Grant Checklist
have completed ALL Organizational information as requested including (but not limited
to):
a) Contact person information
b) Mission statement
c) Goals
d) Project example(s)
have completed All requested Proposal information
a) Project, service, or activity
b) Priority area focus
c) Community need
d) Collaborator(s)
e) Target audience(s)
f) Outcomes & metrics
g) Processes or tools
h) Expansion/continuity of project, service, and activity
i) Consultant information, if applicable
3. 1 have completed ALL Funding Amount information as requested
a) Other sources of funding, if applicable
b) City department additional information
4. 1 have included a detailed timeline as requested
5. 1 have included a detailed budget as requested
Recommended Procedures for Evaluating Applications
A. Schedule a mandatory training session in January on application evaluation for ICHRC
members. At this meeting, we recap the intent, priorities, and requirements of the grant
funding, discuss our criteria for evaluating applicants, and go over our scoring
procedure. This session will provide commissioners an opportunity to raise questions
and clarifications about our process. (Expected Duration: One Hour)
B. Schedule two meeting(s) to review applications. Reminder: These meetings are open to
the public.
a. We will dedicate the first meeting to an initial review of all applications. Any
questions commissioners have about specific proposals or budgets will be raised
at this meeting and subsequently addressed, in writing, to the relevant
applicants. Applicants will have one week to provide written responses to these
questions. Responses will be provided to commissioners prior to the first review
meeting. (Expected Duration: Two Hours)
b. During the second meeting, Commissioners will provide their individual scores
on all applications. ,(Expected Duration: Two Hours)
C. Commissioners should come to the first meeting prepared to discuss their responses to
all applications. Commissioners must bring completed score sheets to the second
meeting. Any questions about the process of review and scoring should be directed to
Stefanie Bowers prior to the scheduled meetings.
FY 2018 Social Justice and Racial Equity (SJRE) Grant Proposals Scoring Rubric
Conflict of Interest
A Commissioner may not evaluate a grant application if any of the following are true:
• The Commissioner currently works for the organization, even if in a non -related capacity
to the grant application request;
• The Commissioner serves as a member of an advisory board, board of directors or other
similar type board;
• The Commissioner (or close family member) would receive a direct financial benefit if
the application is funded.
SJRE Grant
The purpose of the funding is to encourage, empower and engage social justice and racial
equity initiatives. The SJRE grant is available to for -profit and non-profit Iowa City based
organizations to fund programs, activities, or services that help to eliminate inequities in the
community.
The maximum amount of funding an organization can request is $25,000.
Requirements
To be eligible for funding, the organization must be principally and physically located in Iowa
City.
Funding cannot be allocated for operational costs such as rent, salaries or utilities.
Six priority service areas are designated as high priorities for FY17 SJRE Grant funding:
Education, Building Community, Housing, Criminal Justice, Health, and Employment.
Organizations whose program, service or activity addresses one or more these priorities will be
considered first for funding.
Process
Over the course of two meetings, Human Rights Commission members will evaluate and come
to consensus on which proposals should be recommended for funding. These
recommendations will be sent to the City Council for final review and funding approval no
later than date, 2018.
Grant applicants may wish to attend the HRC open meeting but will not be invited to speak.
Between the first and second meeting, Commissioners may decide to address questions to
individual applicants in writing.
Fiduciary Responsibility of Successful Grant Applicants
Successful applicants will be required to submit both progress reports on the fulfillment of
their stated goals and accounting reports documenting expenditures as specified in the
agreement signed by the City Manager, City Attorney and the designated representative of
the grantee organization.
Scoring
This application form has three sections: part 1, Organizational Information, worth 10 points:
part two, Proposal, worth 60 points; part three, Funding Amount, worth 30 points. The highest
score achievable on an application is 100 points.
IRA
1. First, please rate the organizational information (Worth up to 10 points):
Organizational Points
Goals of the organization for 2017 align with social justice or racial equity.
Mission statement of the organization aligns with social justice or racial equity.
Comments regarding the organizational information:
2. Second, please rate the proposal (Worth up to 60 points):
Proposal
Points
Program, service, or activity advances social justice or racial equity.
There is a need in the community for this program, service, or activity.
Program, service or activity will have a significant impact on community
members.
Program, service or activity has tools that will be shared with others and are
beneficial to community.
Program, service or activity has specific outcomes and performance measures.
Program, service or activity is sustainable in the community after SJRC grant
funding would end. Applicant includes a plan for continuing the program,
service or activity beyond the grant period.
Comments regarding the proposal:
Example of a rubric for evaluating impact.
• Proposed program, service or activity would impact a large number (500 or more)
members of the community
• Proposed program, service or activity would impact a severely underserved population
in the community.
• Proposed program, service or activity has identified previously neglected members of
the community.
0
3. Third, please rate the funding amount requested (Worth 30 points):
Funding Requested
Points
Amounted requested would cover the service, project or activity.
Amount requested would need to be supplemented to cover the service, project or
activity. Should this be included?
Timeline for service, project or activity provides for specific time frame for actions.
Itemized budget for service, project or activity aligns with narrative and outcomes.
Comments regarding the proposal's funding request (please include as much information as
you can to facilitate the funding decision process):
OVERALL SCORE: out of 100.
Reviewer signature: Date:
July Information Packet
Ir
Preserving Black History in Iowa City:
Tate Arms and the Iowa Federation Home
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[owA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
The Need for Safe and Decent Housing for Students of Color
Although the University of Iowa had accepted Black students since the 1870s, Black students were excluded
from campus dormitories until the 1940s. During this period of segregated housing, members of Iowa City's
small Black community, along with a state-wide organization of Black women, took it upon themselves to
provide places for Black students to live.
Iowa Federation Home
The Iowa Federation Home, located at 942 Iowa Avenue, was a dormitory for Black female students. In 1919,
a group of students sought help from the Iowa Federation of Colored Women's Clubs. The organization
responded by conducting an ambitious fundraising campaign that raised enough to purchase a house. The
Federation Home opened in 1920. Prior to its establishment, these students struggled to find housing in Iowa
City. Many property owners refused to rent or sell to persons of color and housing was hard to come by for
Black university students. Some served as live-in domestic workers as they pursued their education and
others found housing with members of Iowa City's small Black community. At its peak, the Federation Home
provided housing for 17 women and acted as a social center for Black students housed elsewhere. The
dormitory was home to many trailblazers; residents included some of the first Black women to graduate from
the University of Iowa's College of Law and College of Pharmacy. The Federation Home closed in 1950, four
years after campus dormitories integrated.
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Tate Arms
From 1940 through the mid-1960s, many Black male students lived at the Tate Arms, located at 914 S.
Dubuque Street. Tate Arms was a private boarding house owned and operated by Elizabeth "Bettye"
Crawford Tate and Junious "Bud" Tate. Bettye worked at the University of Iowa's cardiovascular laboratory
and Bud owned a janitorial service. The Tates were one of several Black families who provided housing to
students. Today, both the Federation Home and Tate Arms are privately owned apartment buildings.
National Register of Historic Places
Iowa City recently received a grant from the National Park Service to help preserve these two homes and
develop educational material about their history. The Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission is currently
working towards getting these properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This will solidify
their importance as historic landmarks associated with the struggle for housing equality for Black students in
Iowa City. Grant money will also be used to install plaques in front of each building, conveying their historical
significance to passersby.
"On that front porch, we talked of our dreams, laid out
future plans, told each other how many kids we wanted to
have. I won't ever forget that house."
-Barbara Brown James,
speaking about her memories
of living at the Iowa Federation Home
If you have stories you'd like to share about Tate Arms or
the Iowa Federation Home, please contact
Bob Miklo at bob-miklo@iowa-cityorg or 319-356-5240
Students outside the Federation Home, 1938
For more Information, visit www.icgov.org/hpc
CITY OF IOWA CITY
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ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
Things to do while you are at the party:
Q 1. Get your Community ID... so, don't forget to bring necessary documents! johnson-county.com/communityid.
O 2. Learn about County government on a Kids Tour! Ages 5-10; tours @ 2:15pm, 3:15pm and 4:15pm.
Q 3. Check out a book at the mobile Antelope Lending Library from 3:30-5:00 pm (parking lot).
r 4. Do science activities with the University of Iowa STEM Program.
O 5. Learn about how Public Health is everyone's health.
0 6. Explore the fun hands-on exhibits in the University of Iowa Mobile Museum (parking lot).
O 7. Eat cookies and popcorn and cotton candy... oh my!
*Interpretation services donated by Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa*
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From:
Stefanie Bowers
Sent:
Wednesday, July 12, 2017 8:51 AM
To:
Stefanie Bowers
Subject:
FW: Upcoming Meeting HRC /REf. My suggestions on the SJRE grant
The agenda for the Human Rights Commission meeting of July 18 has been poste
rr1MA150
From: Shams Ghoneim [mailto:shamsghoneim@mchsi.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 11, 2017 12:26 PM
To: Stefanie Bowers
Subject: Re: Upcoming Meeting HRC /REf. My suggestions on the SJRE grant
Hi Stefanie;
Here are some of my thoughts regarding the grant .
Many thanks.
Best regards
Shams
ON SJRE Grant:
d
*On Rquirements:
I would suggest that we do place a limit on the % that can be used on operational costs. My thought would be
%25.
* On Process: I do support the idea of the one week period for applicants to provide written response regarding
specific aspects of their proposal/budget.
*On Application Format: I too would suggest a uniform format for all proposals for ease of reviewing and
scoring.
*On organization's Mission statement: With newly established organization, I would suggest asking for a
recent , specific Pilot Study/Project that the applying organization was directly involved with during the
previous year.
* Regarding Targeted population to be benefited by the proposal, We need to be clear that it should be for
the benefit of under -served population/community.
*On Proposal: We should address the question regarding access by the wider community so to hopefully
positively confront/educate/influence attitudinal biases in the larger community.
* III) On Funding & Budget: e
*Q1 to Commissioners: How would we address an applicant who has already benefited from the grant the
prior year? And if this grant will be ongoing, we need to make it clear that applicants can only receive the grant
only once to give other organizations the same opportunity.
*Q2 to Commissioners: Consider not granting the entire $25,000 to one applicant. Our focus needs to be how
best to encourage as many worthy applicants as possible for maximal benefit to the targeted population.
*Q3: Sustainability of the proposal beyond the grant
* On Evaluations of the grant proposals: -
ON #2 : worth 60 points: I suggest that we consider scoring this in its entirety rather than scoring each
individual segment.?
On # 3: Worth 30 points Consider the same suggestion above.
stelaaw Bomcis
From:
Kutzko, Barbara E <barbara-kutzko@uiowa.edu>
Sent:
Friday, July 14, 2017 3:50 PM
To:
James, Micah Ariel; Renteria, Jesus J; Stefanie Bowers
Cc:
joan
schnabel/jell falk; adaoud2g@hotmail.com; Kutzko, Barbara E
Subject:
Building And Crossing Bridges Together
Good Afternoon All,
Adil, Jeff and I met several times to discuss options for the Building and Crossing Bridges Together program September
30th at Hancher. We had in mind something similar to the Cultural Diversity Festival that was once held in the Field
House several years back (on a much smaller scale, of course), which would bring members of the Iowa City community
to Hancher—something many in our community have yet to experience. This would also provide an opportunity for our
culturally diverse community to come together in celebration of one another and to experience how the arts can play a
significant role in building bridges.
Here is an outline of the day that we had in mind:
A brief welcome and overview of the program by members of the Human Rights Commission and Hancher, followed by
songs and dances performed by local groups.
A few Examples of possible performances: (Note: We would ask each group performing to briefly describe the
particular origin of their song/dance to encourage further dialogue during the panel discussion.)
The Dream Divas of Iowa City
University of Iowa Indian Student Alliance Performers (a co-ed bollywood fusion dance team)
Adil also knows Dancers/Singers from the Iowa City Muslim Community
Chuy mentioned a Mexican American Dance troup in Cedar Rapids that he would invite
LGBTQ Chorus
We would also include Henna Hand Painting throughout the afternoon
2:45-3:00 (Break with refreshments)
3:00 — 4:45
Performance by Niyaz (3:00-3:30) followed by a Panel Discussion with Q and A
(Panel discussion could also include members from Niyaz, in addition to diverse members from the Iowa
City community)
4:45 — Closing Remarks
7:30 — Hancher Performance