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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-15-2019 Human Rights CommissionFurl A01NA1 Human Rights Commission (HRC) Tuesday, October 15, 2019 5:30 P.M. City Hall, Helling Conference Room 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City 1. Call Meeting to Order and Roll Call. 2. Approval of the August 22, 2019 meeting minutes. 3. Approval of the September 17, 2019 meeting minutes. 4. Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda. (Commentators shall address the Commission for no more than 5 minutes. Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with the public concerning said items). 5. Items to be discussed: a. Funding Request: University of Iowa Lecture Committee. b. Funding Request: University of Iowa African American Studies. c. Annual Report. d. Human Rights Breakfast (October 23). e. Committees: Public Safety; Education; Community Outreach; Housing. f. Human Rights Commission's Strategic Planning Report 2018. g. Official Statements by the Human Rights Commission. h. Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant. i. Open House and Informational Session (November 11). i. Correspondence. 6. Staff/Commission Announcements. (Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with one another concerning said announcements). 7. Comments of Staff. 8. Adjournment. If you will need disability -related accommodations to participate in this meeting please contact the Equity Director, Stefanie Bowers, at 319-356-5022 or at stefanie-bowers@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. Page 1 of 4 Draft Minutes Human Rights Commission City Hall, Helling Conference August22,2019 Members Present: Jeff Falk, Cathy McGinnis, Bijou Maliabo, Jessica Ferdig, Barbara Kutzko, Tahuanty Pena. Members Absent: Adil Adams. Noemi Ford. JonathonMunoz Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers. Recommendation to Council: Yes. The Human Rights Commission makes the following recommendation to City Council for the Social Justice Racial Equity Grant for fiscal year 2020. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:36 PM. Social Justice and Racial Eauity Grant: The Commission followed up from its discussion of July 3 on the recommendations for changes/updates to the Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant (SJRE) for fiscal year 2020. The recommendations are as follows: 1. Governments, public schools, colleges and universities should not be a primary applicant. Like City departments, governments, public colleges, universities and public schools receive money from federal, state and local tax collections. Such institutions should not compete with local nonprofits for limited City funding. If a government, public school, college or university have a project that they would like to initiate it should be submitted as a part of their annual budget process. This would not restrict a government, public school, college or university from being a non- primary applicant to a grant. This also would not prevent an organization associated or affiliated with a government, public school, college or university from applying as a primary applicant. For example, a student association or a parent teacher organization. 2. Ineligibility periods should be placed on organizations that have received prior SJRE grant funding. Starting with fiscal year 2020, organizations that receive SJRE grant funding will be ineligible to receive SJRE grant funding in the next SJRE grant cycle. For example, if organization "A" receives funding in the SJRE grant FY20 cycle, it would not be considered for funding prior to the FY22 grant cycle. This would be true even if it is a new or different project than had been funded in FY20. 3. Whether an organization has received or will receive funding from the City of Iowa City should be considered when making recommendations as to who should be funded. Commissioners should factor into its recommendation to City Council whether an organization will or has received funding for any project from the City of Iowa Page 2 of 4 City within the last five years, and if so, the amount of the funding, and the duration of the funding. 4. There should be a maximum amount requested by each proposal. Organizations will be restricted to requesting no more than $25,000 for a project. 5. Applicants should be strongly encouraged to attend an open house informational session on the grant that will be presented by commission members. The informational session will be an opportunity to learn about the grant, the process, and how commission members evaluate and rank the applications. The event will be held in the month of November prior to the application period which runs from December 2, 2019 — January 3, 2020. 6. The application form should state in its opening introduction that the intent and purpose of the SJRE grant is to service and benefit Iowa Citians as much as reasonably possible. 7. The application should provide in its opening introduction a definition of social justice and racial equity to serve as guides for both commissioners and applicants. The proposed definition is a merger of two definitions taken from the Adams, Bell and Griffin (2007) book Teaching for Diversity and Social Justice and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. For purposes of this grant the Commission would use the below definition to evaluate each application based on the six identified priority areas —housing, building community, employment, criminal justice, education, health. Social justice and racial equity are both a process and a goal. The goal is full and equal participation of all groups and individuals in a society that is mutually shaped to meet their needs, allow them to reach their full potential, and limit/decrease barriers. This definition includes a vision of society that is equitable, and where all members are physically and psychologically safe and secure. 8. The application should ask applicants to provide a narrative about how the proposed project came to be. The narrative could be descriptive or based on city or statewide statistics. This would be added prior to the question that asks What community need does this program, service or activity fulfill? Response should include information or data that demonstrates the need (local or statewide data). 9. The application should ask whether a sustainability plan has been established for projects that wish to continue in the future without SJRE grant funding. The sustainability plan must be specific on future funding and not simply state the agency will continue to look for support. A sustainability plan is not required for projects to be recommended for funding and is only applicable for projects that plan on continuing after the SJRE cycle ends. 10. The application should ask how the good or service produced as a result Page 3 of 4 of a project will be shared and/or communicated with the targeted community and the larger community. This question would replace the below question currently asked on the application How will these outcomes be shared beyond your organization with the community? 11. Recipients of the SJRE grant after completion of the grant cycle must as a part of the agreement present to the commission and the community at a commission sponsored forum on their project. The project presentation would include project summary, objectives, results, and evaluation. 12. SJRE grant funding should be available for some operational expenses. Operational costs should be defined as below and grant recipients would be allowed to use up to 25% of its funding request on operational costs. Operational Costs: expenses which are related to the operation of a business, or to the operation of a device, component, piece of equipment or facility. They are the cost of resources used by an organization just to maintain its existence. Examples Include but are not limited to: salaries or wages of personnel, advertising, raw materials, license or equivalent fees (such as Corporation yearly registration fees) imposed by a government, real estate expenses (like rent or lease payments), furniture and equipment, utilities (such as telephone service, internet connectivity, etc.), maintenance of equipment, office supplies and consumables, and insurance premiums. 13. After applications have been received but prior to the recommendation to City Council, commissioners may submit questions to applicants via staff. Commission questions along with the response will be shared with all commissioners and published to the public. 14. To keep within the spirit of the grant, final rankings should serve different populations. A statement should be given at the open house informational session and at the Human Rights Commission meeting when allocations are being recommended so stating. 15. Partial funding may be recommended for the next highest ranked applicant, if the applicant has clearly stated on the application form that the project can be completed with less funding. A question will be added to the application form. Adjournment: Motion to adjourn at 7:44 PM. Page 4 of 4 Member Attendance Sheet Member Ter m 1/8 1/24 2119 3/19 4/16 5/21 6/18 7/03 7/16 8/20 8/22 Maliabo 1/202 Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Excused Present Present McGinnis 1/202 Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Munoz 1/202 Excused Present Present Present Present Present Present Excused Excused Present Excused Kutzko 1/202 Present Present Present Present Present Excused Excused Present Present Present Present Falk 1/202 Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Pena 1/202 Present I Present I Excused I Present I Present I Present Present I Present lExcused lPresent Present Adams 1/202 Excused Present Present Present Present Absent Present Excused Present Present Excused Ferdig 1/202 Present Present Present Present Present Present Present I Present present lPresent Present Ford 1/202 Present Excused Present Excused Present Present Present I Excused JPresent lPresent lExcused KEY: X = Present 0 = Absent 0/E = Absent/Excused NM = No meeting --- = Not a Member Draft Minutes Human Rights Commission City Hall, Helling Conference Room September 17, 2019 Members Present: Jeff Falk, Jessica Ferdig, Barbara Kutzko, Jonathon Munoz, Bijou Maliabo. Members Not Present: Adil Adams, Noemi Ford, Tahuanty Pena, Cathy McGinnis, Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers. Others Present: Andrea Cohen. Recommendation to Council: No. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:41 PM. Approval of the August 20, 2019 meeting minutes: Ferdig made a motion, it was seconded by Munoz. Motion passed 5-0. Approval of the August 22, 2019 meeting minutes: Motion failed to have a quorum of Commission members voting. Item will be placed on October 15 meeting agenda. Latino Festival: This event was held on August 24 from noon to nine on the Ped Mall. Ferdig and Ford staffed a vendor table on behalf of the Commission. It was very well attended and Ferdig hopes the Commission will participate again at the event next year. Official Statements: Commissioners had a discussion on how and when they would make official statements. It was decided that a draft statement would be presented to the entire Commission for a vote and that the Chair would sign it, if approved by a majority vote. on behalf of the Commission. Strategic Plan from 2018: Commissioners had implemented a strategic plan in the spring of 2018. It was not followed through on as anticipated. The Commission would like to have a deeper discussion on how to create initiatives and then on how to best prioritize initiatives. Because four members were absent it will be added to the agenda in the future. Committee Updates: There are four committees that assist in advancing the strategic plan. The four committees are Housing ('Falk, Adams, Pena); Public Safety ('McGinnis, Maliabo, Munoz); Education ('Ferdig, Falk, Kutzko, Pena); and Community Outreach ('Adams, Falk, Munoz). Asterisks designates chairs of the committees. Housing: No report. Page 1 of 4 Public Safety: Cohen provided a copy of a proclamation and brochure on the hate speech campaign. She would like the Commission to present a proclamation for the Mayor's consideration to introduce the brochure and the need for this type of work in the community. The Commission delegated the committee to work with Cohen on producing a final proclamation and an appropriate day for it to be declared. A possibility is the International Day of Tolerance. Education: The committee has been following the discussion of the Iowa City Community School Board on placing School Resource Officers (SRO) in the schools. At some point in the future they may ask the Commission to make an official statement on the subject. Community Outreach: No report. National Hispanic Heritage Month: Ferdig will accept the proclamation on behalf of the Commission at the City Council meeting of September 17. Human Rights Breakfast: This annual award ceremony is scheduled for October 23. Dr. Melissa Shivers, University of Iowa's Vice President for Student Life will be the keynote speaker. Nominations are currently being accepted for honorees. Maliabo and Ferdig will serve on the selection committee. Staff will send a note out to other Commissioners, not in attendance. to see if at least one more can serve on the selection committee. Pena will do the welcome at the event, Ferdig will introduce the speaker, McGinnis will announce the awards, and Munoz will perform the closing. Falk attended a Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition meeting where Tracy Hightshoe, Director of Neighborhood and Development Services, spoke on City initiatives on affordable housing. Kutzko is assisting with the planning of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. It will be held at Mercer on Monday, January 20. She also recently joined the Black Voices Project. Ferdig helped at the City's job and career fair and would recommend interpreters be made available next year for job searchers. She also is a committee member on the University of Iowa's Health Equity Advancement through the College of Public Health. They have an annual summit that will be held this coming spring. Adjournment: Motion to adjourn at 6:48 PM. Page 2 of 4 Member Attendance Sheet Member Term 1/8 1/24 2119 3/19 4/16 5/21 6/18 7/03 7/16 8/20 9/17 Maliabo 1/2021 Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Excused Present Present McGinnis 1/2021 Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Excused Munoz 1/2021 Excused Present Present Present Present Present Present Excused Excused Present Present Kutzko 1/2020 Present Present Present Present Present Excused Excused Present Present Present Present Falk 1/2020 Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Pena 1/2020 Present Present Excused Present Present Present Present Present Excused Present Excused Adams 1/2022 Excused Present Present Present Present Absent Present Excused Present present Excused Ferdig 1/2022 Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Present Ford 1/2022 Present Excused I Present Excused Present Present Present Excused jPresent JPresent lExcused Agenda Items 5a & 5b July 1, 2019 r x CITY OF IOWA CITY 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826 (319) 356-5000 (319) 356-5009 FAX www.icgov.org Thank you for your interest in seeking sponsorship from the Iowa City Human Rights Commission. The Commission provides funding to organizations and agencies to offset the costs of organizing, planning, and facilitating educational public forums or programs and activities that are designed to eliminate racial, religious, cultural, and other intergroup tensions, including but not limited to, sex, color, creed, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, and national origin. To process your request for sponsorship, we need you to take a few minutes to fill out the attached application form. Please note sponsorship requests are due by 5 p.m. on the second Monday of each month. The Iowa City Human Rights Commission will review the request at their monthly meeting and staff will contact you to let you know whether the request has been approved. If you are awarded funding, you will be required to submit a full (one page) summary of funding impact, including but not limited to, number of persons involved in your project, anecdotal stories to share with the team about the event, frequency of the event, and other essential information. Reporting instructions for full reimbursement of funds are attached to this document. If you have any questions about the application process, please do not hesitate to contact Equity Director Stefanie Bowers at 319-356-5022 or stefanie-bowers&iowa-city.org. Sincerely, Stefanie Bowers Equity Director/HumauRights Coordinator Stefanie Bowers City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240-1826 Or By facsimile to 319-887-6213 or email to stefanie-bowers@iowa-city.org. Funding Changes - Human Rights Commission - Funding applications must be submitted a month before an event as the Human Rights Commission meets and votes on requests on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. If you are awarded funding, you will be required to submit a full (one page) summary of funding impact, including but not limited to, number of persons involved in your project, anecdotal stories to share about the event, frequency of the event, and other essential information. Each organization must submit both receipts and an invoice to Stefanie Bowers within 3 weeks (fifteen business days) after the event to receive reimbursement. The invoice must include the dates of the receipts, a W-9, and the address for where payment should be remitted. Funding reimbursement will not be issued until receipts, invoice and the report are submitted. If you have been approved for funding and you no longer need it, you must notify Stefanie Bowers within 3 weeks (fifteen business days) after your event so that we can release the funding for other community organizations to have an opportunity to apply for the funding. HRC APPLICATION FORM REQUESTING SPONSORSHIPFY19 Today's Date: ID -7 — I Group/organization Name: U� t f- Z I r r*tmma� CITY OF IOWA CITY 410 East Washingten sheet Iowa city, Iowa 52140-1826 (3 1 9) 3 5 6-5 000 1319) 356-5009 FAX w,v v,.tcgm erg Contact person: V Eali L 4r Phone number: b I >' � — 7,}��Email address: VLkfitf ® (3t t) C f u Date of activity/everruprogram: Event location and address: Is the event location wheelchair accessible? y �f Is the event location accessible to individuals with visual impairments? Describe the activity/event/program and how it contributes to Human Rights: N M AT,--- s17L,d-Pan% /4' (`l �l / 'V/— ✓h/5� �— .T r� 105� Amount of funds requested and itemized budget (provide the budget on separate sheet): Other funders involved? Has the organization applied for any other City of Iowa City funding for this activity/even/program? If so, what deparlment(s), how much? Was the request granted'? Has the organization received any funding from the City of Iowa City in the last year? If so, what department(s), how much'? A.A-arm i e e- _ _ . - V , �, IF A naf . men. /ta a... How will this activity/event/program be marketed? ij7 W, (..* &E /-T) Is the activity/event/program afundraiser? If so, explain: Please acknowledge by initialling here that you have read the cover letter to this form: Submit request to: ! t . m{-Vj HRC APPLICATION FORM REQUESTING SPONSORSHIP FY19 CITY OF IOWA CITY 10 East Washington Sliest Iowa Cay. Iowa 522,10-I826 (319) 356-5000 Today's Date: to` 7 — (3 i 9) 356-5009 FAX rvww-�cgov.org Group/organization Name: A464EA aW A!& CA-f C4W 3 1)1 `G f Contact person: byt Phone number: 77 —7535 61,-`. Ema1 address: EV C1 (31 f j u —o -?d c �� Date of activity/event/program: L� Event location and address:�cltw e 4S Lf-7--Gf9t� Is the event location wheelchair accessible? / f J is 'ire event i6Cati vn aei;CS5lbie to individuals with visual Impairments? Cf ! Describe the activity/event program and how it contributes to Human Rights:Oty f j,d lift U-rs ld,*j L t c-C Amount of funds requested and itemized budget (provide the budget on separate sheet): �t� ' 6� 7� Other funders involved? Has the organization applied for any other City of Iowa City funding for this activity/even/program? If so, what^f department(s), how much? Was the request granted'? i Has the organization received any funding from the City of Iowa City in the last year? If so, what hJr How will this activity/event/program be marketed? /7— /�F t ¢---',�F { J3j � iYLH fi1Lf Lv Lc _.(S� C�ILi./-r t � OG ISN�` Will sponsors be mentioned and/or sponsor logos be used in the marketing of the activity/event/program? %j14,-,/k Is the activity/event/program a fundraiser? If so, explain Please acknowledge by initialling here that you have read the cover letter to this form: Submit request to: Agenda Item 5c HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION The Iowa City Human Rights Commission is represented by nine residents of Iowa City, each of whom are appointed by the 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 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 Helling Conference Room at City Hall on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. FY 19 Human Rights Commission Members Tahuanty Pena, Chair Bijou Maliabo, Vice Chair Adil Adams Jeff Falk Jessica Ferdig Noemi Ford Barbara Kutzko Cathy McGinnis Jonathon Munoz The Human Rights Office consists of two full-time staff, a Human Rights Coordinator and a Human Rights Investigator. 1 Summary of FYI Commission Initiatives The Commission accomplished FY18 goals. These included, among others, • contributing to and participating in activities, programs, and events that advance human rights. • supporting local organizations through the administration of the Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant funding. FY 19 Recommendations by the Commission to Council January 2019: Recommendation to fund the following organizations for the Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant: Iowa Harm Reduction, Refugee and Immigrant Association, University of Iowa Labor Center, Inside Out Reentry, University of Iowa Mood Disorders Center, Shelter House, Access 2 Independence, Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County & South District Neighborhood Association. FY 19 Manor's Proclamations Submitted by the Commission National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 2018) Indigenous People's Day (October 2018) National Native American Heritage Month (November 2018) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 2019) Black History Month (February 2019) National Fair Housing Month (April 2019) Marriage Equality Day (April 2019) International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (May 2019) LGBTQ+ Pride Month (June 2019) Juneteenth National Freedom Day (June 2019) FY 19 Programs & Activities of the Commission 1. July 9, 2018, Participant, Implicit Bias training developed by US Department of Justice. 2. July 9, 2018, Sponsor, Juneteenth Youth Essay Contest. 3. July 17, 2018, Presenter, "Creating an Inclusive Workplace" to Johnson County Diversity & Inclusion Committee. 4. July 21, 2018, Sponsor, Vendor, 28th Anniversary of the ADA celebration program. 5. August through December, 2018, Hosted Human Rights Office Student Intern. 2 6. August 2, 2018, Mailer on "Parking as a Reasonable Accommodation" sent to area Landlords and posted on City website. 7. August 9, 2018, Participant, Civil Rights Trail Project for Iowa City planning meeting. 8. August 14, 2018, Participant, "Working Across Cultural Difference, Know Yourself So You Can Learn About Others." 9. August 15, 2018, Participant, Meeting to discuss Impediments to Fair Housing in Iowa City. 10. August 20, 2018, Weekly Advertisement in print and online versions of the Daily Iowan updated. 11. August 22, 2018, Published map showing location of Complainants and Respondents for the year 2017. 12. August 23, 2018, Placed ad in print and online versions of "Hawkeye View" edition of Daily Iowan. 13. August 28, 2018, Attendee, "Disability Access in Government -Assisted Housing Under Title II of the American with Disabilities Act." 14. August 29, 2018, Attendee, "Epic Fails!! Top Errors for new Supervisors to Avoid" webinar. 15. August 29, 2018, Attendee, "Recruiting, Retention & Revenue: Best Practices" panel discussion. 16. September —June, 2018 Placed monthly ad Go Guide. 17. September 5, 2018, Co-sponsor, Resume Building Workshop. 18. September 6, 2018, Presenter, University of Iowa Class entitled "Language, Justice, and the Law." 19. September 11, 2018, Organizer, Sponsor, Iowa City Job & Resource Fair. 20. September 13, 2018, Sponsor, "Understanding Implicit Bias" training for City Board and Commission members. 21. September 14, 2018, Presenter, "Iowa's Civil Rights History and Legacy" for Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program. 22. September 18, 2018, Renewed Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition membership. 23. September 19, 2018, Placed ad in the Press Citizen "Key" edition. 24. September 21-22, 2018, Attendee, "Racial Equity Workshop," a two-day seminar. 25. September 25, 2018, Attendee, "Grant Writing 101." 26. September 27, 2018, Attendee, "Fair Housing Study Public Kick -Off Event." 27. September 28, 2018, Sponsor, Iowa Human Rights Agencies Fall Meeting 2018. 28. October 4, 2018 and February 22, 2019, Ad placed in print and online versions of West Side Story, the student paper of West High School. 29. October 5, 2018, Presenter, University of Iowa class entitled "Environmental Justice." 30. October 10, 2018, Participant, "Advancing Racial Equity in Your Library" webinar. 31. October 11, 2018, Mailer on Guidance for Employers Using Criminal Background Checks in Hiring sent to area businesses. 3 32. October 12, 2018, Fair Housing Choice Survey announced; available online or mailed by request. 33. October 12, 2018, Participant, "The State of Poverty in Johnson County" Public Forum. 34. October 19, 2018, Participant, City staff book discussion of The Boys in the Bunkhouse, by Dan Barry. 35. October 23, 2018, Sponsor, Onelowa's 2°d Annual LGBTQ Workplace Culture Summit. 36. October 24, 2018, Participant, CIVIC International Leadership Program panel discussion with human rights educators from Korea. 37. October 24, 2018, Sponsor, 35th Annual Human Rights Award Breakfast. 38. October 25, 2018, Participant, Trans Rights = Human Rights Rally. 39. October 26, 2018, Renewed listing in Greater Iowa African American Resource Guide. 40. October 27, 2018 Co-sponsor and Attendee, Refugee and Immigrant Recognition Dinner. 41. October 29, 2018, Participant, Census Kick-off Meeting. 42. November 1, 2018 and February 1, 2019, Ad placed in print and online versions of Little Hawk, the student paper of City High School. 43. November 13, 2018, Hosted informational sessions for those interested in applying for Social Justice and Racial Equity grants. 44. November 15, 2018, Attendee, "Fired -Up About Reading" program at Alexander Elementary School, sponsored by Iowa City Fire Department. 45. November 20, 2018, Human Rights Commission's funding form updated to online form making it more accessible to community organizations that apply for sponsorships. 46. November 29, 2018, Updated website to include more recent list of area immigration attorneys and non-profit entities serving immigrant residents and their families. 47. November 30, 2018, Presenter, "Mediation in the Wild: New Options, New Practices" conference. 48. December 1, 2018, Iowa City featured in Go Guide for being one of three cities in Iowa to earn a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index, a measure of how friendly a city is to LGBTQ+ people. 49. December 3, 2018, Attendee, Government Alliance on Race and Equity monthly meeting. 50. December 6, 2018, Participant, League of Human and Civil Rights Agencies Executive Committee meeting. 51. December 10, 2018, Participant/Co-writer, Public information video regarding service animals in public accommodations. 52. December 10, 2018, Co-sponsor and Attendee, "Remembering the Holocaust in a Global Society in Turmoil," a lecture commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 53. December 12, 2018, Posted Fair Housing Choice survey on website to seek community input on impediments to fair housing choice. Survey form emailed rd to 679 people on Housing Choice Voucher waiting list as well as community organizations, including notice regarding how to obtain/take survey without owning a computer. 54. December 17, 2018, Attendee, "Can I Say That? Ethical and Effective Communication in Iowa's Increasingly Diverse Landscape." 55. December 17, 2018, Sponsor, "Board and Commission Training 101." 56. January 14, 2019, Placed recurring ad in print and online versions of the Daily Iowan. 57. January 18, 2019, Presenter, Liberty High School Dr. Martin Luther King Day Celebration. 58. January 21, 2019, Co-sponsor and Attendee, Dr. Martin Luther King Day celebration and day of service events. 59. January 23, 2019, Co-sponsor and Attendee, Lecture by Ron Stallworth in conjunction with a screening of "BlacKkKlansman," the true story of Mr. Stallworth's undercover police work infiltrating the KKK in the 1970's. 60. January 25, 2019, Attendee, League of Human Rights Agencies meeting. 61. January 28, 2019, Placed ad in print and online versions of Daily Iowan's annual Rental Guide. 62. February 1, 2019, Placed ad in February issue of GoGuide. 63. February 7, 2019, Presenter, University of Iowa class entitled, "Introduction to Human Rights." 64. February 12, 2019, Attendee, Legal Aid (Iowa City Regional Office) Advisory Council Meeting. 65. February 14, 2019, Participant, Civil Rights Panel Commemorating Black History Month. 66. February 20, 2019, Presenter, University of Iowa class entitled "Introduction to Law." 67. February 23, 2019, Co-sponsor, 5th Annual PrideCon 2019 LGBTQ+ Youth Summit. 68. February 27, 2019, Presenter, BUILD (Building University of Iowa Leadership for Diversity Initiative) class "What's Law Got to Do With It?" 69. March through August 2019, Hosted Human Rights Office Student Intern. 70. March 3, 2019, Co-sponsor, Civil Rights Soul Food Dinner. 71. March 20-23, 2019, Attendee, WPC 20 (White Privilege Conference, 20th year). 72. March 29, 2019, Sponsor, Government Alliance on Race and Equity trainings entitled "Advancing Racial Equity: The Role of Government" and "Community Engagement." 73. April 1, 2019, Inserted housing discrimination ad in Iowa City resident's utility bills, encouraging reporting of any discrimination experienced. As was also published on social media, including but not limited to Nextdoor, Facebook, and Twitter. 74. April 5, 2019, Published memoranda entitled "Guidance on Criminal Background Checks in Housing" and "Guidance on Criminal Background Checks in Hiring." These were placed on the City website and sent to area landlords and business owners. 3 75. April 8, 2019, Attendee, Government Alliance on Race and Equity monthly meeting. 76. April 8, 2019, Participant, League of Human and Civil Rights Agencies Executive Committee meeting. 77. April 17, 2019, Attendee, 2019 Civil Rights Conference in Lincoln, NE. 78. April 23, 2019, Attendee, League of Human and Civil Rights Agencies meeting. 79. April 23, 2019, Sponsor, Landlord Fair Housing Training featuring sessions on Assistance Animals, Reasonable Accommodation and Reasonable Modification. 80. April 25, 2019, Attendee, LGBTQ+ Municipal Services webinar sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign. 81. April 25, 2019, Attendee, Disaster Response Training. 82. April 30, 2019, Participant, City staff book discussion of Heartland: a memoir of working hard and being broke in the richest country on earth. 83. May 1, 2019, Renewed membership in Race Forward: The Center for Racial Justice Innovation. 84. May 1, 2019, Placed ad in GoGuide Summer of Pride issue. 85. May 6, 2019, Co-sponsor, An Evening of Chinese Performing Arts. 86. May 8, 2019, Sponsor, 17th Annual Human Rights Youth Awards. 87. May 16, 2019, Co-sponsor, Civil Rights Tour Documentary Screening and panel discussion. 88. May 22, 2019, Attendee, Humanize My Hoodie Workshop. 89. May 30, 2019, Attendee, ADA online training, featuring Geoff Ames. 90. May 31, 2019, Attendee, Leadership on LGBTQ Equality webinar sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign. 91. June 15, 2019, Sponsor, Iowa City Pride Fest. 92. June 12, 2019, Renewed ad in print and online versions of the Daily Iowan for the summer. 93. June 14, 2019, Attendee, Trailblazer Awards, celebrating local civil rights leaders. 94. June 17, 2019, Attendee, 9th Annual Iowa City Area Juneteenth Celebration. 95. June 28, 2019, Attendee, "Lunch & Listen" session sponsored by the Iowa Commission on the Status of African -Americans. 96. June 28, 2019, Sponsor, 65th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education Celebration with Inclusive Teaching Awards. Commission Financial Sponsorships for FYI Back to School Summer Jam (August 2018) Refugee and Immigrant Recognition Dinner (October 2018) Black Voices Project Thanksgiving Meal (November 2018) "Remembering the Holocaust in a Global Society in Turmoil," a lecture commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (December 2018) C1 Lecture by Ron Stallworth in conjunction with a screening of "BlacKkKlansman," the true story of Mr. Stallworth's undercover police work infiltrating the KKK in the 1970's (December 2018) Night of 1000 Dinners (March 2019) Archibald Alexander Elementary PTO Father -Daughter, Mother -Son Night (March 2019) Iowa Chinese Association: An Evening of Chinese Performing Arts (May 2019) Overview of the Complaint 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. As of June 1, 2016, the definition of "public assistance source of income" was expanded to include Housing Choice Vouchers, commonly known as "Section 8," as well as other rental subsidies. '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 by certified mail. 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.) 7 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 has the option of pursing 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. The parties may agree to mediation at any point in the complaint process (if both parties agree to attempt mediation). If successful, the complaint is closed/withdrawn 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 19 Complaint Statistics Please note some complaints filed in fiscal year 2018 were closed in fiscal year 2019. Some complaints which were filed in fiscal year 2019 had not been closed by the end of fiscal year 2019, 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. Complaint Activity 3i•] Jd »e1 I &I y I III-]'d:Tell *et eZd onIe1:7e[� :7 !;I [�3 FY 2018 FY2019 Age 8 8 Color 11 17 Creed 0 0 Disability 11 14' Familial Status 2 3 Gender Identity 4 0 Marital Status 2 4 National Origin 2 3 Presence/Absence of 0 0 Dependents Public Assistance Source of 0 1 Income Race 19 25 Religion 4 0 Retaliation 13 18 Sex 9 4 Sexual Orientation 7 3 ' 1 cited mental disability. 2 cited physical disability. and 11 cited disability only. W COMPLAINTS FILED BY AREA Credit 0 1 Education 0 3 Employment 19 24 Housing 12 13 Public Accommodation 8 12 Complaints filed on ICRC form 1 1 Total Number of Complaints 40 542 N*001 r1IQz&I Mediated 3 2 No Probable Cause 3 1 Administrative Closure 6 2 Right To Sue 0 0 Lack of Jurisdiction3 7 5 Outside of Jurisdiction4 8 17 Satisfactorily Adjusted 0 0 Withdrawn 1 2 Probable Cause 0 0 Closed, complainant non- 0 0 compliant5 Total Number of Resolutions 35 46 Summary In FY19, employment was the area in which the most complaints were filed, with 24 complaints. Housing was second with 13, closely followed by public accommodation with 12. There were 3 complaints in the area of education and one credit complaint. In other words, an average of two employment, one housing, and one public accommodations complaint were filed for each month of FY 19. Credit and education complaints were not statistically significant. z 49 complaints were filed in FYI 9. However, two complaints cited more than one area as the reason for the discriminatory action. s `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. ° Category added in FYI to reflect complaints filed but that occurred outside of Iowa City. Category added in FYI to reflect those complainants who file, but then do not cooperate with the investigative process to the extent the complaint must be closed. This occurred in FY15, but has not happened since. 10 The most common basis cited for alleged discriminatory conduct, with 25 complainants alleging it, was race. This was followed by 18 complaints alleging retaliation and 17 complaints alleging the basis of color. Complaints alleging disability as a basis numbered 14. There were 8 complaints alleging age. Marital Status and Sex were each alleged in 4 complaints, while Familial Status, National Origin, and Sexual Orientation were each alleged 3 times. Public Assistance Source of Income was alleged once. The remaining bases were not claimed in FY 19. In FY18, employment, housing, and public accommodation were in the same positions, with 19 complaints of employment discrimination, 12 complaints in the area of housing, and 8 in public accommodation. There were no complaints in the areas of education or credit. The most common basis cited for alleged discriminatory conduct, with 19 complainants alleging it, was race. This was followed by 13 complaints alleging retaliation, and 11 complaints each alleging the basis of disability and color. Sex, age, and sexual orientation followed with 9, 8, and 7 complaints respectively. The remaining bases were alleged 5 or fewer times each. Resolutions are usually not addressed in this summary, but the unusual number of "Outside of Jurisdiction" closures in FY19 merits explanation. The office has recently expanded outreach efforts, and the number of these closures may reflect the success of those efforts. In FY19, the number of people filing complaints from surrounding areas in Johnson County greatly increased. Staff does not turn anyone away; all visitors and complaint filers are assisted. When a person from a surrounding area files a complaint, staff will provide the service of forwarding it to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission for processing instead of instructing the person to do so themselves6 and potentially confusing them. Approved 6It is office policy to use "they, them, their, etc." as gender -neutral singular pronouns. 11 Agenda Item 5d 36th Annual Human Rights Awards Breakfast The awards will be presented at the annual awards breakfast beginning at 7:15 a.m. (the program starts promptly at 7:30a.m. and ends by 8:30 a.m.) on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, at the Hilton Garden Inn Iowa City Downtown University. Breakfast tickets are available 36thawardsbreakfast.eventbrite.com at the early bird rate of$20 per ticket and go up to $25 per ticket on October 14. All tickets must be purchased by October 18. No tickets are sold at the door. KEYNOTE ADDRESS Dr. Melissa Shivers, Vice President for Student Life at the University of Iowa, will deliver the keynote address. If you wil l need disability -related accommodations In order to participate in this CITY OF IOWA CITY event please contactthe Equity Director, Stefanie Bowers ,at319-356-5022orat CITY OF IOWA CITY I Office of Equity stefanle-bowers@iowa-ait, org_ Ea rly requests are stranSly encouraged to a l low UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE sufficient time to meetyouraccess needs_ &Human Rights Agenda Item 5h SIRE Application # The rubric 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. 1. First, please rate the organizational information (Up to 10 points). Organizational Points A. Goals of the organization for 2019 align with social justice or racial equity: B. Mission statement of the organization aligns with social justice or racial equity: C. Does the organization have a history of accomplishment: D. Evaluator's Own Criteria: E. Evaluator's Own Criteria: F. Evaluator's Own Criteria: Comments regarding the organizational information: Total Points this section: 2. Second, please rate the proposal (Up to 60 points). Proposal Points A. Program, service, or activity advances social justice or racial equity: B. There is a need in the community for this program, service, or activity: C. Program, service or activity will have a significant impact on community members: D. Program, service or activity has tools that will be shared with others and are beneficial to community: E. Program, service or activity has specific outcomes and performance measures: F. 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): G. Timeline for service, project or activity provides for specific time frame for actions: H. Evaluator's Own Criteria: I. Evaluator's Own Criteria: J. Evaluator's Own Criteria: Comments regarding the proposal: Total Points this section: 3. Third, please rate the funding amount requested (Up to 30 points). Funding Requested Points A. Amount requested would cover the service, project or activity: B. Proposal includes a budget that clearly outlines how the funding would be spent: C. Evaluator's Own Criteria: D. Evaluator's Own Criteria: E. Evaluator's Own Criteria: Comments regarding the proposal's funding request (please include as much information as you can to facilitate the funding decision process): Total Points this section: OVERALL SCORE: out of 100 attending informational session on the Grant. This is an opportunity to learn about the origins, purpose, process, and timeline forthe grant as well as useful tips on filling out the application with plenty of time for Q & A. Two sessions offered: Monday, November11 Monday, November11 12:00 pm-1:15 pm Emma Harvat Hall City Hall 410 E. Washington Street 5:30 pm-6:45 pm Emma Harvat Hall City Hall 410 E. Washington Street RSVP to https://sjre.eventbrite.com Attendance is not mandatory to apply forth efunding but strongly encouraged. For more information, please contact the City's Equity Director at stefanie-bowers@iowa-city.org or call 319-356-5022. If you will need disability -related accommodations in amer to participate in this event please contact the above name and number Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficlenttl me to meet your access needs. („. @ichumanrights CITY OF IOWA CITY UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE CITY OF IOWA CITY Office of Equity &Human Rights The City Council has approved grant funding for Iowa City based organizations to help address social justice and racial equity (SJRE) in the community. The purpose of the funding is to encourage, empower and engage social justice and racial equity initiatives. TheSJREfunding isavailabletc) for - prof it and non-profit Iowa City based organizations to fund programs, activities, or services that help to eliminate inequities in the community Total funding available for fiscal year 2020 is $75,000, which will be divided among the recipients. Applications will be accepted December 2, 2019—January 3,2020. The application will be available online at www.icgov.org/SJREgrantapplication starting on December 3.The Iowa City Human Rights CommissionwiII review all appI Lcations and make funding recommendations tothe City CounciIfor final approval no later than March 31, 2020. Funding will be awarded by June 1, 2020. 6 priority service areas are: 1. Education * Building Community 3. Housing 4. Criminal Justice 5. Health & Employment For more information contact the City's Equity Director at stefanie-bowers@iowa-city.org or call319-356-5022. („. @ichumanrights CITY OF IOWA CITY UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE CITY OF IOWA CITY Office of Equity &Human Rights US College Life 101 DESCRIPTION This is a new program offered by the Refugee and Immigrant Association. The primary purpose of the 12-week class is to familiarize new and soon -to -be college students with the norms, expectations, and daily life of being a college or university student in the United States. The first 6 weeks of the class will be for students and the second 6 weeks will be for their parents. Topics will include: • Time management: balancing classes, homework, extracurriculars, and a social life • Expectations for homework and exams • Relationships with professors and staff • Academic and other campus resources and supports • Clubs, student orgs, and athletic teams • Being a first -generation US college student • And much, much more! The first 45 minutes of class will focus on the main topic of the day's class, including questions about the topic. The last 15 minutes of every class will be devoted to questions and discussion about any topic related to US college life of interest to attendees. LOCATION AND TIME Kirkwood Community College, Room 205. Mondays, 7-8pm. Beginning 9 September 2019. CONTACT Mira Questions about the program? Contact Jean Paul Mugemuzi, President of the Refugee and Immigrant Association, at refu¢eeiowa@gmail.com or 347.414.1121 or the instructors. INSTRUCTORS JL ' Dr. Peter Gerlach Is Summer Institute Coordinator at the International Writing Program and Assistant Adjunct Professor In the International Studies Program at the University of Iowa. He received his BA and MA degrees In English from Ripon College and the University of Northern Colorado, respectively. After serving as a university teacher in the US Peace Corps In Mongolia, he earned a PhD In Cultural Foundations of Education from Syracuse University. Since 2004, Dr. Gerlach has taught a variety of university -level courses In both English and Education departments, Including Introductory Composition, English as a Foreign Language, College Learning Strategies, and Seminar In International Education. He has been a Refugee and Immigrant Association board member since February 2019. His small is peter-gerlach@uiowa.edu. Mr. Boumedlen Kasha Is Program Specialist with the Iowa Accountability Program (IAP), Iowa State Court Administrator's Office at the Iowa Judicial Branch. He received his Master of Laws (LLM) degree in May 2015 from the University of Iowa - College of Law. Prior to that, he earned his AAS degree in Financial Services In December 2011 from Kirkwood Community College and his Bachelor of Law degree In 1996 from the University of Lubumbashi, In the Democratic Republic of Congo, his native country. Mr. Kasha Is one of the founders of the Refugee and Immigrant Association, established In 2013, and has been aboard member since the founding. His email Is sasakasha4@gmall.com. The following documents were handed out during the meeting. Anita Hill, Professor in Social Policy, Law, Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies at Brandeis University - Presentation: January 23, 2020 Anita Hill (June 17, 2019) made history in 1991 when she testified before Congress about the sexual harassment she said she had experienced while she was an aide to Clarence Thomas, a Supreme Court nominee who had been her supervisor at the f gttal Ernployment Opportunity Commission. One of the big discussions of the Kavanaugh hearing was, you know, what should've happened to Christine Blasey Pord's complaint. Even though it was out there. it was known, there was no way for her to know how to be heard. We also know that in the process they put together at the last minute, there was this chilling effect— there may have been other witnesses who might've come forward. With the advent of the #MeToo movement, Professor Hill has been speaking out again. She most recently made news when she critji('.ized presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden for his handling of the Thomas hearings. She spoke with Jessica Bennett, gender editor at The New York Times, at the New RuIcs Sijrnmit on c 2� Pots last week Excerpts from conversation have been edited and condensed. We have cultural problems, and cultural acceptance of it, and around the cultural acceptance were structures that are built to support it. And that includes some legal structures that were built. The nondisclosure agreements that are put into place, the forced mediation around claims of abuse in the workplace — those were things that are actually contributing greatly to an ongoing problem. We didn't really understand the complexity of it in 1991. The #MeToo movement came about because we started to understand the complexity of it, and, I will say, because the press started covering it. And if you don't have all of those things coming together, you're not going to have the kind of reckoning that actually engages people and puts together the stories and the analysis that will make for a #MeToo movement, and that invites everyone to engage in the conversation. Total Cost $40,000 (honorarium/expenses) Potential Co-sponsors: UI Center of Human Rights $300 The Obermann Center $300 UI Law School VP Student Life Office UI President's Office Lecture Committee $25-30,000 Africa and the Lloly Land Event: Show two documentary films, followed by panel discussion, then Q & A Date: TBA (Black History Month 2020) Ancient Connections Between Black People and Christianity "Too many people think there are no Africans, no black people in the Bible. I hear some African Americans turning off to Christianity saying, "It's the white man's religion." For so long, we saw nothing but pictures of white people in our Bibles and Sunday school books. Then there's another group that turns off to truth saying, ANhat difference does it make what color biblical peoples were?" After being exposed to the truth, J decided to produce a film unearthing black biblical history for reconciliation on the issue of race and the Bible. Witnessing the black presence in Israel gave me a more intimate and personal connection to the place where Jesus walked_ To make an authentic, historically accurate film. I went with a film crew from I toward University and two biblical scholars to Israel. We were assisted by the African Ilebrew community in Israel in finding living evidence of black people in biblical history. Blacks lived there before Jesus, during Jesus' time and many live there now." Paula Malabanc December 15, 2018 Budget: Total Cost $3475 Documentary Producer: Rev. Dr. Paula Whatley Matabane, Turner Monumental A.M.E. Church, Atlanta, GA. (Professor Emerita Howard University Washington, DC.) Documentary Editor: S. Torriano Berry, Film Professor Howard University Washington, DC. Panelist: Rev. Dr. Bridgitt Black, Wayman A.M.E. Church, Bloomington, IL Honorariums $2000 Airfare/Mileage $600 Hotel rooms $425 Food $200 Facility $250 Potential Co -Sponsors; -UI Lecture Committee -UI African American Studies $300 -Bethel A.M.E. Church Iowa City $300 -IC Human Rights -UI Department of Religion