HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-23-2021 Human Rights CommissionHuman Rights Commission
February 23, 2021
Electronic Formal Meeting- 5:30 PM
Zoom Meeting Platform
Electronic Meeting
(Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8)
An electronic meeting is being held because a meeting in person is impossible
or impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of commission
members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19.
You can participate in the meeting and can comment on an agenda item by
going to
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEpd-6gpigiGdRVTQXYew7vBtUJs87Uw5D3
via the internet to visit the Zoom meeting's registration page
and submit the required information.
Once approved, you will receive an email message with a link to join the
meeting. If you are asked for a meeting ID or webinar ID, enter the ID number
found in the email. A meeting password may also be included in the email. Enter
the password when prompted.
If you have no computer or smartphone, or a computer without a microphone, you
may call in by telephone by dialing (312) 626-6799. When prompted, enter the
meeting ID or webinar ID. The ID number for this meeting is: 954 0788 3930.
Once connected, you may dial *9 to "raise your hand," letting the meeting host
know you would like to speak. Providing comments in person is not an option.
Agenda:
1. Call Meeting to Order and Roll Call
2. Approval of the January 26, 2021 meeting minutes
3. 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)
4. Introduction & Conversation with Dustin Liston, Iowa City Police Chief
5. Introduction & Conversation with Jamillah Witt, Access to Justice Coordinator,
Iowa Accountability Program
6. Funding Request: Center for Families Services Global Network
7. Subcommittees: Housing, Anti -Racism, Health Equity
8. Commission Statement in Support of Black Lives Matter
9. United Nations Convention Rights of the Child PhotoVoice
10. Social Justice Racial Equity Grants Submissions and Selections for FY21
11. Correspondence
12. Staff/Commission Announcements. (Commissioners shall not engage in
discussion with one another concerning said announcements).
13. 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(a�-iowa-city. org.
Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
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CITY OF 10VVA CITY
4 10 Fast "'ashin ton Strect
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(3 l 9) 3 5 ELL 5 000
(3 19) 3 5 6-5009 FAX
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HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 23, 2021 MEETING PACKET CONTENTS
AGENDA ITEM #2
• DRAFT MINUTES FROM JANUARY 26, 2021
AGENDA ITEM #6
• FUNDING REQUEST: CENTER FOR FAMILIES SERVICES GLOBAL
NETWORK
AGENDA ITEM #8
• COMMISSION STATEMENT ON BLACK LIVES MATTER
AGENDA ITEM #10
• SOCIAL JUSTICE AND RACIAL EQUITY GRANT RANKINGS AND
AVERAGESFY21
CORRESPONDENCE
• SOCIAL JUSTICE &RACIAL EQUITY 4T" QUARTER UPDATE
• LETTER FROM LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS JOHNSON
Preliminary Minutes
Human Rights Commission
January 26, 2021
Electronic Formal Regular Meeting Zoom Meeting Platform
Members Present: Ashley Lindley, Roger Lusala, Jessica Andino, Mark Pries, Jason Glass, Bijou
Maliabo, Adil Adams.
Members Not Present: Noemi Ford, Maria Bruno.
Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers.
Others Present: Sara Barron.
(Electronic Meeting Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8)
An electronic meeting was held because a meeting in person was impossible or impractical due to
concerns for the health and safety of commission members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19.
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:34 PM.
Approval of the November 24, 2020 meeting minutes: Motion by Lusala with minor edits, seconded by
Pries. Motion passed 7-0.
2021 Election of Officers: Lindley moved, and Lusala seconded to elect Andino Chair of the Commission
for 2021. Motion passed 7-0. Pries moved, and Lusala seconded to elect Glass as Vice Chair of the
Commission. Motion passed 7-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: Sara Barron reminded Commissioners of the
opportunity to discuss housing programs and funding opportunities in the area with the Johnson
County Affordable Housing Coalition with two programs they are sponsoring.
FUNDING REQUEST: CENTER FOR FAMILIES SERVICES GLOBAL NETWORK: Because the requested amount
exceeds the budget amount allocated for this fund, staff will reach out to the organization and ask
them to resubmit for the meeting date of February 23, 2021. The request was for Zoom
programs and events to educate the public on racial equity and injustice.
FUNDING REQUEST: JOHNSON COUNTY UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION: This was a request for $500.00 to offset
the cost of Night of 1000 Dinners in celebration of International Women's Day. The event will be held on
Wednesday, March 10, 2021. Motion by Pries, seconded by Lusala. Motion passed 7-0.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROCLAMATION: Lusala will accept the proclamation at the City Council February 2,
2021 meeting date.
COMMISSION STATEMENT ON BLACK LIVES MATTER: Staff will plan on including the statement in
the February 23, 2021 for Commissioners to further discuss implementation.
1
UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION RIGHTS OF THE CHILD: Staff will reach out to the Johnson County United
Nations Association to see if there is a possibility to collaborate on an upcoming program or event on this
topic.
SOCIAL JUSTICE & RACIAL EQUITY GRANT UPDATES FY2021: There were 29 submissions. The Commission
decided to review submissions for the FY21 SJRE grants at their February meeting date. Staff will deliver the
grants and rubrics to Commissioners and alert organizations that the review of submissions will occur on the
February 23, 2021 date. Commissioners will send their completed rankings to staff by Tuesday, February 16.
HOUSING SUBCOMMITTEE: No update but members will plan to listen to the Johnson County Affordable
Housing Coalition program on housing in this area.
ANTI -RACISM SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATE: No update but will meet to discuss Black History Month programs.
They also noted the success of their White Privilege film screening held in December.
HEALTH EQUITY SUBCOMMITTEE: Maliabo joined this subcommittee. This subcommittee plans on working to
increase educational efforts on the COVID -19 vaccine. Basically, advocating for getting vaccinated.
REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS: Lindley spoke on her participation in the Humanize My Hoodie Alley event
and possibly holding an event on their work for Commissioners or for the public. She also did an interview
with KCRG on the Social Justice and Racial Equity grants for FY21, she plans to be active in the MLK Day
Celebrations for 2021.
Pries participated in the MLK car parade. He is also involved with the Iowa Interfaith Coalition Racism Task
Force based out of Des Moines and the Southeastern Senate where they talk and discuss the Lutheran
response to the death of George Floyd. He is also participating with the Good Lutheran Church of Texas and
they are studying a book on "Be the Bridge: Pursuing God's Heart for Racial Reconciliation" by Latasha
Morrison. He also encouraged other Commissioners to take the Harvard Implicit Bias test.
Glass was invited to attend the Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation meeting of February 4 and encourages other
Commissioners to join as well.
Andino mentioned a working group she is a part of that wrote a letter to the Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation
Commission to assist in any way possible in helping them fulfill their goals. She was also recently appointed by
City Manager Geoff Fruin to serve on the Iowa City Affordable Housing Steering Committee.
Lusala was part of a COVID-19 study. He recently found out he received the placebo but was given his first
vaccine shot last Tuesday.
Adam was able to participate in the Sudanese Community Center Annual Meeting.
Maliabo is currently taking a course on 10 Skills to Agile Leadership.
STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS: Staff mentioned two upcoming trainings with Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr. Staff also went
over the schedule for Black History Month for City programs and events.
MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 6:31 PM.
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Cover Letter (required reading)
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 toeliminate 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 this 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.
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.
Please sign here to verify you have read the cover letter to this form.*
Application
Date *
2/27/2021
Group/Organizaton Name
CENTER FOR FAMILIES SERVICES
Contact person
Joseph Mungai
Phone number*
13193253225
Email *
jmungai7@gmail.com
Date of activ ity/eve nt/prog ram
2/27/2021
If your event occurs on multiple dates, list here
Event location and address*
1958 S ridge drive on zoom
Is the event wheelchair accessible?*
r' Yes
r No
Is the event accessible to individuals with visual impairments?*
r Yes
r No
Describe the activity/event/program and how it contributes to Human Rights. *
Educating members of our community through material issues and impact of equity, implicit
Bias, equal rights and access to resources and opportunities.
Amount of funds requested. Attach an itemized budget (field below).
$ 2,000.00
Attach itemized budget.*
CENTER FOR FAMILIES SERVICES.docx 11.91 KB
List other funders below:
none
Has this organization applied for any other City of Iowa City funding for this activity/event/program?
r Yes
r' No
If yes, what department were the funds requested through?
How much funding was requested?
Was this request granted?
r Yes
r No
Has the organization received any funding from the City of Iowa City in the last year?*
r Yes
r No
If yes, what department were the funds requested through?
How much funding was requested?
How will this activity/event/program be marketed?
social media and electronic communication
Will sponsors be mentioned and/or logos be used in the marketing of the activity/event/program?
r Yes
r' No
Is the activity/event/program a fundraiser?*
r Yes
r- No
CENTER FOR FAMILIES SERVICES: equity educational event
Organizing, Printing and distribution = $2000
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CITY OF 10VVA CITY
4 10 East Washington Strect
Iowa City{, Iowa52240-1826
(3 19) 3 5 6 - 5 000
(3 19) 3 5 6-5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
City of Iowa City Human Rights
issues statement in support of
Matter
June 22, 2020
Commission
Black Lives
Like so many across the nation, we were outraged by the murder of George Floyd at the
hands of Minneapolis police officers. We felt it was time to make an unprecedented
statement addressing this human rights violation.
The killing of George Floyd resonates within our community, illuminating the failure to
address underlying economic and social forces perpetuating systemic racism
throughout our nation. Because of these failures, many names have become headlines:
Tamir Rice, Philando Castile, Botham Jean, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, among
so many other BIPOC. Living While Black should not be a death sentence.
Systemic racism and centuries of oppression of people of color, especially of African
Americans, represent ongoing human rights crises. This is embedded into many areas
of our community, including but not limited to law enforcement, criminal justice, housing,
employment, education, healthcare and childcare. We recognize that these interrelated
factors make solutions complex. Though the issues are systemic, solutions must be
specific, focused on individual and policy -level changes, involving broad participation to
be successful.
As a commission, we pledge the following commitments to you
• We state unequivocally Black Lives Matter.
• We will increase our efforts to highlight the work being done by the City of Iowa City
Office of Equity and Human Rights to educate and engage the community on human
rights issues.
• We will spread awareness of resources and activities in the community through the
Social Justice and Racial Equity Quarterly Report found here.
• We will continue to be active representatives of this community and in working with
the Iowa City City Council, further dialogue and advocate for action for human rights
issues, including addressing the Iowa City Freedom Riders' demands.
• We will listen to and help amplify community voices on matters of human rights.
Community residents are always encouraged to contact a member of the Human Rights
Commission or City staff if they have questions or concerns.
0 We will engage in active dialogues with local officials and City staff members,
February 17, 2021
Page 2
including law enforcement, that allow them to make informed decisions regarding
equitable and just policies and practices upholding human rights and holding human
rights violators accountable.
• We further offer our assistance in bridging the gap and fostering an open dialogue
between law enforcement and those participating in non-violent protests. We want to aid
in promoting trust between these groups to assure safety for all and protection of the
Constitutional Rights of free speech and freedom of assembly.
• We commit to building a more robust Human Rights Commission Strategic Plan
starting in July to assure that our priorities align with the goals above and in light of the
heightened awareness in our community to issues of race within systems and policies.
The goal of these commitments is to help us stay true to our duties and to more actively
spur us to be a part of the solution in dismantling systems of oppression by starting with
small acts of our own today.
This commission looks forward to building on our strengths and addressing critical
areas that must be improved in our community. We hope that the passion of the last few
weeks is indicative of the will to truly find solutions to these issues, which will
undoubtedly take a sustained, long-term effort involving all community members. We
must assure that this is not a fleeting moment, but a pivotal one that leads to lasting
change.
To learn more about the City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission visit this link.
n solidarity,
City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission
Organization
Amount
Year
Average Rank
Free Lunch Program
$8,000.00
No
62.5
Divine Media Group
$15,000.00
No
40.66667
Sylvan Learning Center
$16,000.00
No
69.83333
Open Heartland
$14,749.00
No
87
Sudanese Community Center
$25,000.00
FY20
70.16667
National Alliance on Mental Illness Johnson County
$25,000.00
No
66.33333
Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition
$25,000.00
FY17
74.16667
4Cs Community Coordinated Child Care
$16,850.00
No
75.66667
Domestic Violence Intervention Program
$2,430.00
No
77.66667
Food Pantry at Iowa
$6,075.00
No
76.33333
Little Creations Academy
$10,089.00
FY20
70.66667
Interdance
$7,500.00
No
57
Multicultural Development Center of Iowa
$6,000.00
No
80.16667
Johnson County Interfaith Coalition
$24,990.00
No
67.66667
IC Compassion
$25,000.00
No
78.16667
Rotary Club of Iowa City (Noon)
$10,000.00
No
56
Corridor Community Action Network
$24,692.38
No
67.16667
Iowa City Coralville Boxing Club
$25,000.00
No
58.5
Antelope Lending Library
$15,405.00
FY20
74.83333
Refugee and Immigrant Association
$8,000.00
FY19
69.66667
Shelter House
$13,388.44
FY18
62.16667
FY19
0
Willowwind School
$25,000.00
No
52.5
University of Iowa Labor Center
$20,000.00
FY19
81.33333
FY20
0
Bike Library
$4,000.00
FY17
79.16667
Physicians for Social Responsibility (Iowa)
$8,000.00
No
55.66667
University of Iowa Liberal Arts Beyond Bars
$6,575.00
No
83.5
Successful Living
$25,000.00
FY20
66.5
Sankofa Outreach Connection
$15,000.00
FY17
77.83333
PromptPress
$3,400.00
No
64.16667
Amount Available
$75,000.00
Total Amount Requested from all Organizations
$431,143.82
22
29
15
1
14
20
12
10
8
9
13
25
4
17
6
26
18
24
11
16
23
30
28
3
30
5
27
2
19
7
21
Organization
Amount
Average Rank
Free Lunch Program
$8,000.00
62.5
22
Divine Media Group
$15,000.00
40.66667
29
Sylvan Learning Center
$16,000.00
69.83333
15
Open Heartland
$14,749.00
87
1
Sudanese Community Center
$25,000.00
70.16667
14
National Alliance on Mental Illness Johnson County
$25,000.00
66.33333
20
Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition
$25,000.00
74.16667
12
4Cs Community Coordinated Child Care
$16,850.00
75.66667
10
Domestic Violence Intervention Program
$2,430.00
77.66667
8
Food Pantry at Iowa
$6,075.00
76.33333
9
Little Creations Academy
$10,089.00
70.66667
13
Interdance
$7,500.00
57
25
Multicultural Development Center of Iowa
$6,000.00
80.16667
4
Johnson County Interfaith Coalition
$24,990.00
67.66667
17
IC Compassion
$25,000.00
78.16667
6
Rotary Club of Iowa City (Noon)
$10,000.00
56
26
Corridor Community Action Network
$24,692.38
67.16667
18
Iowa City Coralville Boxing Club
$25,000.00
58.5
24
Antelope Lending Library
$15,405.00
74.83333
11
Refugee and Immigrant Association
$8,000.00
69.66667
16
Shelter House
$13,388.44
62.16667
23
0
30
Willowwind School
$25,000.00
52.5
28
University of Iowa Labor Center
$20,000.00
81.33333
3
0
30
Bike Library
$4,000.00
79.16667
5
Physicians for Social Responsibility (Iowa)
$8,000.00
55.66667
27
University of Iowa Liberal Arts Beyond Bars
$6,575.00
83.5
2
Successful Living
$25,000.00
66.5
19
Sankofa Outreach Connection
$15,000.00
77.83333
7
PromptPress
$3,400.00
64.16667
21
Amount Available
$75,000.00
Total Amount Requested from all Organizations
$431.,143.82
77
76
79
92
93
87
86
85
78
79
71
72
77
59
75
81
65
90
91
89
83
84
88
80
87
91
90
82
58
Ashley Bijou
Jason
Jessica
Roger
61
90
12
41
94
39
70
3
30
26
70
83
45
86
56
87
86
68
89
100
60
91
21
56
100
70
93
20
76
52
79
96
15
91
78
68
68
91
77
65
65
98
49
88
88
76
99
25
84
95
71
73
86
58
65
56
88
10
70
46
84
89
58
85
88
67
94
17
73
96
71
92
63
72
96
47
75
8
71
54
78
76
18
83
83
61
82
5
74
39
72
84
40
66
96
76
67
22
75
89
51
72
14
54
99
61
79
2
45
44
80
97
79
52
92
74
85
51
90
95
45
71
1
49
81
71
77
95
82
85
70
87
4
57
91
70
95
35
87
98
64
69
30
92
72
FourthQ rter Update
October - December 2020
4:)Clat Justice
& Racial Equity
Fourth Quarter Ups
October - December
Accountability
Human Rights staff attended "How Redlining Has
Created the Racial Wealth Divide in Iowa" a we-
binar examining how the racial makeup of Iowa
neighborhoods and communities have been
influenced by federal housing policy and whether
judicial remedies exist to redress the resulting hous-
ing wealth gap between white and Black households.
Human Rights staff renewed membership in the
National Community Reinvestment Coalition.
The Iowa City Police Department (ICPD) was
assessed by the Commission on Accreditation for
Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) accredita-
tion. CALENs primary purpose is to improve law
enforcement service by creating a national body of
standards developed by law enforcement profession-
als. CALEA recognizes professional achievements
by administering an accreditation process through
which a law enforcement agency can demonstrate
that it meets those standards. CALEA examined
aspects of the Iowa City Police Department's policy
and procedures, management, operations, and ser-
vices and determined ICPD did meet its standards.
The City has entered into an agreement with the
Iowa Economic Development Authority for
additional Community Development Block Grant -
CV funds for emergency housing and utility assis-
tance for low -moderate income households who
have been financially impacted by COVID.
The City took applications for funding for nonprofit
organizations providing assistance with homeless
services, mental health services, child care services
or food distribution.
The City offered grants of up to $15,000 to assist
with operational costs for small businesses with no
more than 25 employees and less than $1,000,000
in gross revenues. Businesses affected by COVID
were given priority, with consideration given to the
extent of assistance received from other sources and
whether the business is owned and managed by a
person of color or a woman.
The City's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Staff
Group met in October, November, and December.
Staff from a variety of departments attended.
Human Rights staff attended the Race in the Heart-
land Conference. This virtual forum considered four
subjects: Education, Housing, Criminal justice, and
the Workplace.
City staff from a variety of departments including
Communications, the City Clerk's Office, ICPD,
Human Rights, Public Works, the City Attorney's
Office, Parks & Recreation, Transportation, and
others participated in the 21-Day Equity Challenge
sponsored by United Way of Central Iowa. This
challenge involved engaging with a variety of re-
sources —books, podcasts, videos, webinars, Ted
talks, etc, to expand staff knowledge related to a
broad range equity and inclusion topics.
Staff of Parks & Recreation viewed webinars for
`Uncovering Bias in the Interview Process; `Skills for
Having Courageous Conversations about Racism in
the Workplace; and `Understanding Systemic
Racism.
The Resource Management Division is beginning to
transition some curbside outreach to visual graphics
in place of or in addition to English words. This will
help customers who do not read English understand
our programs better.
Ellsworth Carman, Library Director, presented
"(Trans)gender-Affirming Library Practices: From
Patron Records to Restrooms, and Beyond" at the
Iowa Library Associations Virtual Conference.
ICPD staff attended the virtual "Inclusion Summit:
Rising to the Equity Challenge" and "Access to jus-
tice: Racial & Ethnic Disparities:'
Local leaders, along with representatives from the
City Manager's Office and Iowa City Police Depart-
ment, attended the 8th Annual Iowa Summit on
Justice and Disparities. The conference addressed
minority disproportionality in the criminal justice
system. The City of Iowa City and Iowa City Police
Department were sponsors.
8th Annual ONAACP
D�
Iowa Summit bn
JUSTICE & DISPARITIES
JOIN STATE DECISION MAKERS, NATIONAL
EXPERTS, & COMMUNITY ADVOCATES TO ADDRESS
MINORITY DISPROPORTIONALITY IN
THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
0 Topics: 2020 Justice Reform Efforts, Anti -Racial Profiling State Law, Juvenile
Justice, Systemic Implicit Bias, Community/Law Enforcement Relations, Voting
with a Feyon Record, Re -Ent Youth & Advocacy, etc. CEU's & CLE's Avalable.
Human Rights staff attended "7 Things to Consider
when Engaging Hard to Reach Populations on Race,
Equity, and Inclusion:' presented by ELGL.org.
Human Rights staff participated in the Inclusive
ICR-Quarterly 2020 Coalition Meeting.
For the seventh
THE CITY OF IOWA CITY RECEITS A consecutive year, the
!I, City earned a score
112% RATING
of 100 or more on the
MUNICIPALON THE Ad
'' ,CAMPAIGN, annual Municipal
This is the City's Equality Index (MEI),
consecutive - - - the only nationwide
rating system of
CITY OF IOWA CITY LGBTQ inclusion in
municipal law, policy
and services. This year's score is 112 (scores above
100 are possible due to bonus points). The MEI is
administered by the Human Rights Campaign, the
educational arm of the nations largest LGBTQ civil
rights organization.
Human Rights staff participated in The League of
Human Rights Agencies Annual Meeting.
Human Rights, City Clerk's Office, and Commu-
nications staff attended "Building Diversity and
Inclusion Initiatives with Intention," presented by
OneIowa.
The Public Works
Department created a
Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion Committee
"door" featuring the
Committee's Mission
Statement, an Inter-
faith calendar, meeting
minutes, information
and upcoming events
as a way to keep others
informed about the
Committee's work.
Transportation completed a preliminary ADA
assessment and field review for all transit stops. The
information gathered will assist in developing a plan
to improve accessibility for all users, especially those
with limited mobility.
PAI
Accountability
Climate Action and Outreach is updating the con-
tact names and information for Community Based
Organizations (CBOs), identifying the level of
susceptibility to climate change impacts for stake-
holders, and identifying the level of connectedness
with City resources and decision -making process-
es for the stakeholders. The Division will use this
information to develop an outreach plan. A group
of City staff is also building a layered Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) mapping tool to be used
in planning and evaluating new climate initiatives,
further integrating equity analysis into each climate
action.
Public Works partnered with Communications to
translate the document used when carding a proper-
ty into multiple languages.
Conversations
Communications staff attended "Engaging through
an Anti -Racist Lens: a Discussion With Sophie Mc-
Ginley" This webinar focused on anti -racist public
engagement.
Mayor Bruce Teague, together with Human Rights
staff and the Iowa City Police Department, partici-
pated in a conversation with LGBTQ-rights leaders
from Ukraine, in a program called "Advocacy for
the LGBTI Community," hosted by the Council for
International Visitors to Iowa City.
The City Bookclub discussed
the book Know My Name:
a Memoir, by Chanel Miller.
The book outlines failures in
the justice system for sexual
assault survivors, examined by
author Miller, whose attacker
received a criminally short
sentence.
Parks & Recreation staff attended the "Access to
Justice 2020 and Beyond Conference" hosted by
Mediation Services of Eastern Iowa.
The Johnson County Auditor's Office provided tips
for voting safely in Johnson County for the Senior
Center.
The Senior Center participated in the Voter Virtual
Education Event through AARP Iowa with support
from TRAIL of Johnson County. TRAIL of Johnson
County also co -presented The Electoral College and
Other Issues Related to Informed Voting.
The Senior Center participated in the program:
When Iowans Voted No: The 1916 Referendum on
Women's Suffrage, offered by Anna Tunnicliff of the
Iowa Women's Archives.
10 members of the ICPD participated in 16 com-
munity presentations, including the following
topics: De-escalation & Crisis Intervention, Personal
Safety and Crime Prevention, Neighborhood Crime
Reports, Alcohol Safety, and Family Violence and
Child Abuse.
ICPD staff met virtually with the following commu-
nity partners: NAACP, FBI, US Attorney's Office,
Johnson County Attorney's Office, Johnson County
Disproportionate Minority Contact Committee,
NAMI, Johnson County Elder Abuse Team, Johnson
County Drug Task Force, Community, Foundation
2, Shelter House, and Prevent Child Abuse -Johnson
County.
The Senior Center participated in
pw 7" CV..PY IW/O
1q [[[CY��v[
a National Coming Out Day Film
.� Discussion: A Secret Love.
The Senior Center participated in
a Book Discussion: An African
American & Latinx History of the
United States.
3
Conversations
The Senior Center took part in Transgender Aware-
ness Week: Readings & Discussion.
The Senior Center took part in the Native American
Heritage program series.
The Senior Center conducts several ongoing virtual
Spanish language -learning and conversation oppor-
tunities including Beginning Spanish Mini -Inten-
sive, Spanish Conversation Practice Group, Spanish
Justice
Iowa City Transit offered free rides on Election Day
with the goal of removing transportation as a barrier
and helping people get to the polls and exercise their
right to vote. Rides were free to everyone all day,
with no proof of voter registration or destination
required.
RIDE THE BUS FOR FREE
Election Day * Tues., Nov. 3, 2020
Polls are open�z
lam-9pm Precincts 10 12
-
shuttles avail.
Questions?
The City Council voted unanimously in favor of a
new city ordinance that explicitly prohibits the Iowa
City Police Department from engaging in biased
policing and racial profiling.
The Fire Department created and implemented a
"Bias -free Delivery of Services" policy.
Finance eliminated the utility billing carding fee.
This fee was formerly added when customers' water
was shut off, increasing the financial hardship of a
shut-off and leading to a domino effect.
The City issued a preliminary plan to accelerate
community policing, focusing on the manner in
which crisis calls will be handled, a commitment to
unbiased policing, and an effort to use innovative
solutions for common problems.
for Beginners with Tony Sanchez, and Use it, don't
lose it! Spanish Conversation with Jessica Ortiz.
�u �Co`mo t
mo
a?Qpasas
4 iMuchas �
gracias!
MEN&
qrr"�=
Parks and Recreation staff launched a pilot program
entitled `Root for Trees' that strives to grow and
expand the tree canopy coverage and tree diversity
throughout the Iowa City community. City funding
for this project subsidizes the cost of trees for Iowa
City residents by 50% and includes an option for a
90% cost reduction for those that are income eligi-
ble. This program runs October 15, 2020 through
May 15, 2021 while supplies last and is in partner-
ship with Iowa City Landscaping and Garden Center
as well as the Earl May Garden Center. Residents
can find out more about the program and apply for
a voucher at icgov.org/root4trees. This program is
especially needed due to losses from the derecho.
Parks &Recreation partnered with United Action
for Youth to host Neighborhood NESTS (Nurturing
Every Student Together Safely) at the Mercer Park
Aquatic Center three afternoons each week while
school was in session. Neighborhood NESTS serve
as a safe space with trusted adults, where children
and young adults can gather for academic success
and emotional wellbeing during this school year.
The City joined several local government amicus
briefs in lawsuits challenging the Health and Hu-
man Services Rule that removes the Affordable Care
Act's Section 1557 anti -discrimination protections
based on gender identity, sexual orientation, and
sex stereotyping. The Rule not only rolls back these
discrimination prohibitions, but also allows for
Justice
discrimination against women based on their preg-
nancy status or pregnancy history, weakens access to
translation/interpretation services for patients with
limited English proficiency, and limits the scope of
the rule so that health insurers could no longer be
covered at all by Section 1557.
The City joined an amicus brief drafted by the Pub-
lic Rights Project and the City of Seattle to support
the lawsuit challenging President Trump 's executive
order (EO) "Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping,"
which strips federal contractors of federal fund-
ing if the contractor holds diversity trainings that
mention "divisive concepts," including unconscious
bias, white privilege, etc. The vagueness of the EO
also raises concerns as to whether federal funding
to local governments that use such trainings may be
threatened.
Outreach
Human Rights placed an ad in the GO Guide for the
month of October, November, and December.
Human Rights placed ads in the online student
newspapers of West High, "West Side Story;' and
"The Little Hawk" for the months of No -
City High,
vember and December.
IOWA CITY
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND STAY UP TO DATE WITH UPS!
+r hwrnanri hts ' OFFICE OF IHIJIN�IN FCI'i��IHT isgou.a� � '�
AND EQUITY Connect wiitlh us on iinstagiram 4 i.chumanrights
wool and by email at huimanriightgiii wa-city<.cirg
r
The City Manager's Office sponsored the BIPOC
Strategic Doing workshops.
_' • YEARS
Johnson County Area Disability Advocacy
IN I* Partners Present the 2020 Virtual The City sponsored
ADA CELBRATION the virtual event,
"The Johnson County
4 FEATURING A KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY
SENATOR TOM HARKIN Americans with Dis-
abilities Act (ADA)
Celebration."
OCTOBER 3 2020 AT 2PM
1
Iowa City Public Library Board Member Hanna
Schultz presented "Fostering Public Health -Public
Library Collaborations" at the Iowa Library Asso-
The City joined an amicus brief of 54 local gov-
ernments and local government advocacy groups,
including the US Conference of Mayors, National
League of Cities, International City/County Man-
agement Association, and the International Munici-
pal Lawyers Association opposing a direct challenge
to DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
by the State of Texas.
ciation Conference. The presentation focused on
building partnerships between libraries and public
health organizations.
City staff from various Departments attended the
South District Neighborhood Mural Ribbon Cutting
Event. The mural is located at the entrance of Faith
Academy, 1030 Cross Park Avenue.
Human Rights hosted a
VVJ�Rs�Jm II
virtual program presented
-�
THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN
by the African American
PRESENTED .. THE aF.,CaNaME.,CaN MUSEUM oF,ow. r
Museum of Iowa celebrat-
ing the Tuskegee Airmen,
NOVEMBER y
Black heroes of the sky
during World War II who
included some of the
@ichumanriphts
most decorated fliers of
the war and 13 Iowans. These brave soldiers fought
for freedom abroad and equality at home.
Human Rights hosted two virtual sessions on how
to apply for the Social Justice &Racial Equity Grant.
5
Outreach
Grant funds are awarded to organizations pursuing
projects intended to have lasting social justice and
racial equity impact in the local area.
Interested in applying for t , .®
.®'��N
the Social Justice &
Racial Equity Grant for FY217. CITY OF O'VACITY
EQuity platters
Plan on attending one of two informational zoom sessions on the grant!
Tuesday, November 10, 2020 from 6pm-7:15pm
Wednesday, November 18, 2020 from 1pm-2:15pm
Human Rights staff and the City Manager's Office
attended the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council's
program, "The Truth About the South African Truth
& Reconciliation Commission," presented by Mark
Kende, Director of the Drake University Constitu-
tional Law Center.
The City celebrated Transgen-
der Awareness Week with a
proclamation read by Mayor
Teague and by flying the trans -
gender flag at City Hall.
Transportation staff are de-
'�- velo in an outreach plan to
P g
educate the public on recommended route, transit
stop, and service changes in early 2021. The plan will
reach out to underserved populations and 1-page
flyers translated into multiple languages will high-
light transit system changes by route.
17 members of the ICPD
attended 17 events in the
fourth quarter of 2020.
Events included commu-
nity listening posts, Trunk
or Treats, assembling
STEM Kits, curbside car-
oling, the South District
ribbon cutting for their
neighborhood mural, and delivering holiday gifts to
families in lieu of the annual Holiday with Heroes
shopping event that was cancelled due to the pan-
demic.
Kate Connell, Aquatics Program Supervisor, pre-
sented "Equitable Aquatics: The 3 P's on Inclusive
Aquatics - Personnel, Programming and Policies"
at the National Parks & Recreation Association's fall
virtual conference.
Staff of Parks &Recreation participated in commit-
tee meetings for Johnson County Community Part-
nership for Protecting Children, Johnson County
Disproportionate Minority Contact.
Green Iowa AmeriCorps in the Iowa City Public
Library held a book discussion: Braiding Sweetgrass:
Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the
Teachings of Plants.
Ongoing series of weekly articles written by Ju-
lie Sands, a UI Master of Social Work practicum
student working with The Center during the 2020
academic year, presented various topics to increase
competency within various cultures, including in-
vestigating the structural effects of the White -Amer-
ican culture.
9
Training
Human Rights staff hosted Implicit Bias training for
City Board and Commission members. Communi-
cations staff attended.
Human Rights staff attended "Inclusive Resources
for LGBTQ Older Iowans" presented by OneIowa.
Human Rights cre-
ated and posted a
A Fair Housingtrain-
.
c
R
ing video accessible
�- on YouTube at an
y
MEL, -- time. e training
includes a quiz for those who wish to obtain a
certificate.
�KI VAiiA It. !"Tow k,_2 t
r 12-1 CA � a
Implicit Bias 201
44oV�Tv . �vM
o �s
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Human Rights present-
ed "Implicit Bias 201"
training for area orga-
nizations and business-
es. Communications
and Public Works staff
attended.
Human Rights and Communications staff attended
"LGBTQ 101 and Workplace Best Practices"
presented by One Iowa.
City Clerk's Office and Parks & Recreation staff
viewed the "White Privilege 101: Getting In On the
Conversation" webinar.
PRIVILEGE 101:
GETTING IN ON THE CONVERSATION
Transportation began developing a 2021 Diversity,
Equity, and inclusion quarterly training schedule for
Transportation Services staff.
Communications staff attended "A 2020 Vision - It's
Time to SEE Us" and "COVID-19 Best Practices: A
Panel Discussion," both hosted by OneIowa.
Police Department and Communications staff at-
tended "Me Too" training.
. ..... i ' 4 '''- Communications staff attended
FR mAVAD`VSERNAY III E C TO p
Neogov Diversity and Cultural
FROM STAVE TO CRIMINAL WITH ONE AMEH°MFN- Competency training, as well as a
podcast on the Black Lives Matter
movement, a p odcast on Climate,
13TH- and "13th", a documentary on mass
(--') OCTOBER 7 incarceration.
ICPD staff received on-line training on Diverse
Communities/Bias Prevention, De -Escalation,
Implicit Bias, Procedural justice, and Preventing
Harassment and Discrimination.
Two ICPD officers completed training to become
Fair and Impartial Policing instructors.
ICPD staff attended virtual training, "Disability Lan-
guage and Etiquette,"
Parks & Recreation staff viewed a "Social Justice,
Anti -Bias, Inequity and Diversity" webinar that
included a discussion of what these terms mean in
Early Childhood Education and how they can and
should have a place in the classroom.
From:
Brian and/or Anne Spencer
To:
Stefanie Bowers
Subject:
DEI Committee - LWVJC
Date:
Thursday, February 11, 2021 5:04:28 PM
I am writing as the co -President of the League of Women Voters - Johnson County as well as
the chair of the DEI Committee. The League is a non -partisan group whose mission includes
educating the public about current issues related to the democratic process. We are just
beginning our DEI committee work and want to connect with others who focus on these
issues. Supporting local efforts would be a reasonable and worthwhile way our organization
can become more knowledgeable and involved. We would like to know what we can do
to support you in your efforts to address diversity, equity and inclusion.
Currently, we are developing a virtual Privilege Walk and follow up discussion. We have
piloted this opportunity with a diverse group and are looking for groups that are interested in
participating. We would be glad to talk more about what this looks like, what would fit your
needs as well as answer any questions you might have.
To follow up on the issues that traditionally arise as a result of Privilege Walks, we hope to
sponsor a series of panel discussions to explore diversity, equity and inclusion issues in the
ICCSD; issues in housing, health care and law enforcement in Johnson County; and
community book groups.
Please let us know how we can join efforts with your department to best support your work.
You can reach me at this email address (spencerfarms(&gmail.com)
or by phone at 319-321-1218.
Thanks and we look forward to working together.
Anne Spencer - Co -President
League of Women Voters Johnson County
DEI Committee Chair
The following documents were handed
out during the meeting.
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