HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-27-2021 Human Rights CommissionHuman Rights Commission
July 27, 2021
Formal Meeting- 5:30 PM
Helling Conference Room
Agenda:
1. Call Meeting to Order and Roll Call
2. Approval of the June 22, 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. Conversation with Temple Hiatt with BE SMART
5. Discussion on using a Land Acknowledgement at the start of Human Rights
Commission meetings
6. Report/Update on the Diversity Markets from the South District Neighborhood
Association
7. Discuss American Rescue Plan Act Funds
8. Subcommittees: Housing, Anti -Racism, Health Equity
9. Commission Statement in Support of Black Lives Matter
10. Social Justice Racial Equity Grant Reports
11. National Hispanic American Heritage Month Proclamation
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,orq.
Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa CitY. Iowa 52240-1826
(319) 356-5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
JULY 27, 2021 MEETING PACKET CONTENTS
AGENDA ITEM #2
• DRAFT MINUTES FROM JUNE 22, 2021
AGENDA ITEM #5
• AD HOC TRUTH & RECONCILIATION LAND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
AGENDA ITEM #6
• SOUTH DISTRICT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION UPDATE ON
DIVERSITY MARKETS
AGENDA ITEM #7
• LETTER AND HANDOUT ON THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT
FUNDS
AGENDA ITEM #9
• HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION STATEMENT ON BLACK LIVES
MATTER
AGENDA ITEM #10
• SOCIAL JUSTICE RACIAL EQUITY GRANT REPORTS
CORRESPONDENCE
• FIXING THE SCHOOL TO PRISON PIPELINE
• JULY COMPLAINT UPDATE
Draft Minutes
Human Rights Commission
June 22, 2021
VIA Zoom Platform
Commissioners present: Adil Adams, Jessica Andino, Ashley Lindley, Roger Lusala , Bijou Maliabo, Tony
Sivanthaphanith.
Commissioners not present: Jason Glass, Mark Pries.
(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.
Meeting called to order: 5:34 p.m
Approval of the minutes from the May 25, 2021 meeting: Motion to approve by Lindley; seconded by
Adams. Passed 5-0. (Maliabo not yet present; Glass and Pries absent).
Public comment of items not on the agenda: None.
(Commissioner Maliabo arrived at 5:38 p.m.)
Conversation with Police Department Liaison to the Human Rights Commission, Daisy Torres:
Ms. Torres is a civilian Community Liaison Officer assigned to the Commission. She can coordinate
between the Commission and ICPD if issues arise or collaboration is needed. Her many other duties
include assisting sworn officers, especially with Spanish translation, and providing community outreach
for the ICPD.
Ms. Torres reported on the status of various outreach programs such as "Coffee with a Cop." COVID has
limited these activities, but officers have participated in bike rides and other socially -distanced activities.
As operations return to normal, she is working on re -activating programs such as the First Responders
Forum. This is a program that helps educate community members on safety devices such as smoke
detectors, as well as the role firefighters play in responding to emergency situations.
She is also working on the BULBS program, which provides vouchers for burnt out vehicle lights in lieu of
ticketing individuals who cannot afford to replace them. BULBS operates when a person is stopped for a
traffic violation, but ICPD is planning an event in late July (the 20" or 23rd) at Riverfront Crossings Park
where people will be able to obtain a vehicle equipment check and vouchers to fix a variety of issues.
Funding Request: Diversity Market:
This is a request from the South District Neighborhood Association for $2000 to support their Diversity
Markets. These Markets showcase BIPOC-owned and women -owned businesses. The Markets are held
on June 12, 19, and 26, and July 3 and 10. Given that the June 12 and 19 markets have already passed,
the Commission could not fund these. The June 26 market falls within the Commission's fiscal year'21
budget, while the July markets fall within the fiscal year'22 budget. The funding request itemized the
$2000 overall request as a cost of $400 per market date. Motion by Lusala to fund the June 26 market at
$400 from FY'21 funds, and to allocate $400 from FY'22 funds to a July market. Maliabo seconded.
Passed 6-0.
Coralville Pride: Does Commission want to be a Vendor at Event (Sunday, September 5, Noon — 8PM):
Commissioners discussed being a vendor at the Coralville Pride event on September 5th at a cost of $50.
To be a vendor, the Commission would need commitments from Commissioners to staff a table and
distribute information. Support for the event itself was unanimous. However, Commissioners were not
able to commit to a date so far in advance and had questions regarding logistics (would a table be
provided or not, must it be staffed for the entire event or not, etc.). Commissioner Lindley raised the
question of whether the Commission could commit to the $50 cost and, in the event Commissioners
were not available to staff, perhaps donate the table to an appropriate non-profit organization, or share
a table with another organization in order to achieve necessary staffing levels. Motion by Lindley to
reserve a vendor table. Lusala seconded. Passed 6-0.
Request for Transit Facility Letter of Support:
Commissioner Lindley noted clean, sustainable transportation is a human rights issue and spoke in favor
of the letter requesting federal funds to support a new transit facility. Commissioners Lusala and
Maliabo agreed. Motion by Maliabo to approve the letter as written on behalf of the Commission.
Seconded by Lindley. Passed 6-0.
Discussion of including a Land Acknowledgement as a part of HRC meetings:
Commissioner Lindley reported there is not yet a draft acknowledgment, but progress is being made and
it is hoped a draft can be presented soon. Local Indigenous Nations have been consulted and are actively
assisting in crafting the acknowledgment
HRC Subcommittees:
Housing did not have a commissioner present at this meeting and therefore did not report
Lusala reported on Anti -racism. The summer series is going well. The first event on White Privilege was
well -attended and well -received. The second event, scheduled for Monday, June 28, is a screening of the
movie, "Stonewall Forever;' followed by a panel discussion. Another event is the Iowa City Bias
Challenge. The committee has been publicizing the Bias Challenge and approaching local leaders to
participate. This is an activity where people take the Harvard Implicit Bias test(s) of their choice, then
discuss results on social media and take a survey regarding the results. More events are planned for
later in the summer. Lindley added her hope that all Commissioners will participate in the Bias
Challenge. The committee will be personally contacting their networks to encourage people to
participate in the Challenge and to in turn publicize it to their networks. Maliabo commented that the
Johnson County United Nations Association greatly appreciated the White Privilege program.
Health Equity was not able to meet this past month
Commission Statement in Support of Black Lives Matter:
Commissioners discussed the updated statement in support of Black Lives Matter. This will be publicized
and used as a guide for the Commission in its work. Motion by Andino to accept the draft statement as
written. Second by Siva nthaphanith. Passed 6-0.
Convention on the Rights of the Child:
Discussion on this item was tabled for the July meeting, as a meeting will be held later this week with
Johnson County United Nations Association and The Center regarding developing a program.
Social Justice and Racial Equity Grants:
The Center for Worker Justice provided an interim report on its program for young entrepreneurs.
Commissioners appreciated the level of detail included in the report.
Reports of Commissioners:
Lindley reported the UI Center for Human Rights held a Truth and Reconciliation event, which she
attended. It was an informative, well-done, and well -attended event. A recording is available on the
UICHR website, and she encourages Commissioners to view it.
Lusala attended several Juneteenth events, including the Block Party sponsored by the City, which was
well-done and well -attended. He also attended the first Diversity Market, with which he was impressed.
Finally, he encourages everyone to attend the Stonewall Forever screening on Monday, June 28, which is
part of the Bias Challenge.
Maliabo thanked the Commissioners, especially Andino, for their involvement and efforts in the
community. She attended the Women's Refugee event, which is held monthly. It is a gathering meant to
empower and encourage women within their community. There will be another event either the last
Saturday in July or the first Saturday in August addressing women's experience during the pandemic.
She will send Commissioners an invitation and encourages everyone to attend, as both men and women
are welcome. She also mentioned that, regardless of how busy Commissioners are, all should make the
effort to volunteer in the community and reach out to leaders, as this allows real connections to form
and real communication to happen. It also builds stronger relationships with the community.
Sivanthaphanith attended Juneteenth events as well. He is also co -hosting an LGBTQ-inclusive training
with Onelowa on Friday, June 25, and will send commissioners the link. The trainer will be Onelowa's
Max Mowitz, whose trainings he highly recommends.
Andino attended the first Diversity Market as well; she was impressed and hopes everyone can attend a
future Market. She also has been volunteering with the Center for Worker Justice, where she learned
through a meeting with Iowa Legal Aid and the Affordable Housing Coalition that help is available to
avoid eviction for unpaid rent now that the eviction moratorium is ending. Iowa Legal Aid will have
representatives at the courthouse, or they can be contacted directly, to assist people in filling out Iowa
Finance Authority paperwork to access assistance funds. She has also accepted an additional graduate
research assistantship where she will assist legislators in enhancing protections for individuals who
reside in mobile home parks in Iowa. She will provide more information to anyone interested in getting
involved.
Staff reported the City released a memo on eviction, which generated considerable publicity. Anyone
facing eviction may call the office if they feel the motive may be discriminatory, and Commissioners are
encouraged to refer individuals to the office for assistance if needed.
Adjourned: 6:59 p.m. Motion by Lusala; seconded by Adams
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Native American Land Acknowledgement
Prepared for the City of Iowa City's Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Human
Rights Commission
PURPOSE
Iowa City owes its existence to the many Indigenous peoples who were the original stewards of this land
and who were subjected to manipulation and violence by non-native settlers, invaders, and governments
in order to make this moment possible. Acknowledgement of this truth is central to our work toward
reconciliation across all barriers of difference and injustice. Starting with a Native American Land
Acknowledgement, this Commission will bear witness to the legacies of violent displacement, migration,
and settlement that have marginalized those who were the first inhabitants of this land. We must also
address the mistreatment and exclusion that Native Americans continue to face today. The Ad Hoc Truth
and Reconciliation Commission and the Human Rights Commission encourage the community and City of
Iowa City to join us in these efforts through the use of a Native American Land Acknowledgement.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
To be read at all public meetings and events:
"We meet today in the community of Iowa City, which now occupies the homelands of
Native American Nations to whom we owe our commitment and dedication. The area of
Iowa City was within the homelands of the Iowa, Meskwaki, and Sauk and because
history is complex and time goes far back beyond memory, we also acknowledge the
ancient connections of many other Indigenous peoples here. The history of broken
treaties and forced removal that dispossessed Indigenous Peoples of their homelands
was and is an act of colonization and genocide that we can not erase. We implore the
Iowa City community to commit to understanding and addressing these injustices as we
work toward equity, restoration, and reparations."
LEARN MORE
Native Governance Center Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgement
US Department of Arts and Culture: Honor Native Land Virtual Resources and Guide
Meskwaki Nation - History
Special thanks to the University of Iowa Native American Council for their work and guidance, as well as
members of the public, for their input.
FACE PAINTING
Diversity Market Pilot Season
South District Neighborhood Association
Report by Angie Jordan
We are so grateful for the support of our Iowa City Human
Right Commission grant that ensures our Diversity Market
free -to -the -public face painting June -July. With this
funding we are able to elevate two women entrepreneurs
and their businesses while also ensuring kids on our side
of town had exposure to the awesomeness of face art by
professionals! This opportunity is a big deal as it allows
for Diversity Market attendees to not have to spend
money to enjoy the family fun, and maybe partake in a
new experience. On June 12, 19, and 26 there were an
estimated 500 plus market attendees. There are still two
more market days left, July 3 & 7.
June 29,2021
The South District Diversity Market is the first ever L 1°L
grass -roots led neighborhood effort to increase access to
neighborhood opportunities to shop, eat and enjoy entertainment in the South District of Iowa
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79
City. It was initiated as part of a one, small piece to the
neighborhood's Business Revitalization Effort (see link for
ongoing updated Facebook photo album) directly connected
to the larger effort of standing up a South District
Self -Supported Municipal Improvement District in the area.
All these efforts are linked to the overall effort of
neighborhood revitalization led by the neighborhood. The
main goals of the market season were to create a space for
traditionally marginalized entrepreneurs --women and people
of color --to promote and sell their services and products
during a pandemic while also elevating a marginalized
neighborhood to ultimately show South District commercial
property owners who are not yet supportive of business
revitalization efforts and just how much new foot traffic can
be created by a family
friendly event around
these courageous and
passionate vendors with their own customer base. Another
goal was to encourage people from outside the South District
to visit our neighborhood and see how wonderful it is on this
side of town!
The Diversity Market is a pilot and if successful the
collaborating parties, South District Neighborhood, JD Beauty
Supply shop (in Pepperwood Plaza's former police
substation), The Kingdom Center Church, Dream City and
the Multicultural Development Center of Iowa, hope to
continuing opportunities for vendors to "shine" and also link
them to existing small business resources while creating a connection to a pilot business
incubation and accelerator program and physical space. This effort has linked and leveraged
sponsors and community partners within the last two weeks some that include: Better Together,
Think Iowa City, Iowa City Area Business Partnership, Caring Hands and
More, United Action for Youth, Childrens' Museum, Moms Demand
Action, League of Women Voters, Lifepointe Christian Church, City of
Iowa City, and local businesses, residents and allies throughout the Iowa
City area. The hope is to further connect some of these resources to
continue elevating and supporting the 34 vendors of the market and
those also on our waitlist.
The market season is weekly on Saturdays June 12-July 13 over the
course of five weeks this summer from 3pm-7pm at The Kingdom
Center--611 Southgate Ave. In just 3 short months, this grass -roots
effort spearheaded by SDNA and JD Beauty Supply --Angie Jordan and
Tasha Lard --recruited vendors, volunteers and raised over $10,500 in
vendor fees, donations and sponsors to cover costs of free -to -the -public entertainment (face
painting and bouncy house), music, promotion, tents, tables, vendor business cards, and many
other materials, equipment and supplies to ensure the vendors had wrap around care as
everyone on the team learned and lifted each other. Neither of the two lead women of color,
president of the SDNA and owner of JD Beauty Supply, were paid for any of their work. A final
goal of these efforts is to create opportunities for leaders like these in our community to be paid
for their work so that it may be sustained and valued.
Thank you Iowa City Human Rights Commission for helping ensure we are
the change we seek in our beloved Iowa City community.
114
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
(319) 356-5000
July 1, 2021 (319) 356-5009 FAX
www. icgov. org
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) into law.
This legislation established the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, which
provides significant resources to state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to support
urgent COVID-19 response efforts, replace lost public sector revenue and restore service levels,
support immediate financial stabilization for households and businesses, and address public
health and economic challenges caused by the pandemic and that have disproportionately
impacted certain populations.
While the funds provide broad flexibility to local governments, the U.S. Treasury has released
detailed guidance on how these funds can be used. A summary sheet of eligible uses is
attached to this letter. You can also visit www.icoov.org/ARPA to learn more, find a link to full
U.S. Treasury Guidance, and view other City resources and outreach materials.
The U.S. Treasury has allocated $18.3 million to the City of Iowa City. The City received
approximately half of this funding in May 2021 and anticipates receipt of the remaining balance
in May 2022. All funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024.
The City anticipates ongoing public input opportunities throughout the eligible use period
(December 31, 2024) and will collect an initial round of public input through August 15, 2021.
We encourage the community to imagine how these funds can be transformative for Iowa City.
On behalf of the City of Iowa City, I would like to invite all Iowa City Boards, Commissions, and
Committees to share ideas for spending these funds. Thoughts and ideas can be submitted
through the following:
• Online survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ICARPA
• E-mail to publicinput(@iowa-citv.org
Additional virtual and in -person listening sessions are also being scheduled and details on these
opportunities will be published online at icgov.org/ARPA and through other City platforms.
Thank you for your consideration and all the work you do to make our community better.
S'in�cerely. /� l/
Rache rg
Assistant City Manager
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
The American Rescue Plan will deliver $350 billion for state, local, territorial, and
Tribal governments to respond to the COVID-19 emergency and bring backjobs.
The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds provide a
substantial infusion of resources to help turn the tide on the
pandemic, address its economic fallout, and lay the foundation for
a strong and equitable recovery.
Funding Objectives
• Support urgent COVID-19 response efforts to continue to
decrease spread of the virus and bring the pandemic under control
• Replace lost public sector revenue to strengthen support for vital
public services and help retain jobs
• Support immediate economic stabilization for households and
businesses
• Address systemic public health and economic challenges that
have contributed to the inequal impact of the pandemic
®Support Public Health Response
Fund COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medical
expenses, behavioral healthcare, and certain
public health and safety staff
Replace Public Sector Revenue Loss
Use funds to provide government services to
the extent of the reduction in revenue
experienced due to the pandemic
Eligible Jurisdictions & Allocations
Direct Recipients
• States and District of Columbia
($195.3 billion)
• Counties ($65.1 billion)
• Metropolitan cities ($45.6 billion)
• Tribal governments ($20.0 billion)
• Territories ($4.5 billion)
Indirect Recipients
Non -entitlement units ($19.5 billion)
O)V Address Negative Economic Impacts
a1'ffl Respond to economic harms to workers, families,
small businesses, impacted industries, and the
public sector
Premium Pay for Essential Workers
Offer additional support to those who have and
will bear the greatest health risks because of their
service in critical infrastructure sectors
Water and Sewer Infrastructure (i11' Broadband Infrastructure
Make necessary investments to improve access • Make necessary investments to provide unnerved
to clean drinking water and invest in or underserved locations with new or expanded
wastewater and stormwater infrastructure broadband access
For More Information: Please visit www.treasury.gov/SLFRP
For Media Inquiries: Please contact the U.S. Treasury Press Office at (202) 622-2960
For General Inquiries: Please email SLFRP@treasury.govfor additional information
Alaft
10 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Example Uses of Funds
® Support Public Health Response
• Services to contain and mitigate the spread of
COVID-19, including vaccination, medical expenses,
testing, contact tracing, quarantine costs, capacity
enhancements, and many related activities
• Behavioral healthcare services, including mental
health or substance misuse treatment, crisis
intervention, and related services
• Payroll and covered benefits for public health,
healthcare, human services, and public safety staff to
the extent thatthey work on the COVID-19 response
A Replace Public Sector Revenue Loss
• Ensure continuity of vital government services by
filling budget shortfalls
• Revenue loss Is calculated relative to the expected
trend, beginning with the last full fiscal year pre -
pandemic and adjusted annually for growth
• Recipients may re -calculate revenue loss at multiple
points during the program, supporting those entities
that experience revenue loss with a lag
Water & Sewer Infrastructure
• Includes improvements to infrastructure, such as
building or upgrading facilities and transmission,
distribution, and storage systems
• Eligible uses aligned to Environmental Protection
Agency project categories for the Clean Water State
Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving
Fund
Q Equity -Focused Services
• Additional flexibility forthe hardest -hit communities
and families to address health disparities, invest in
housing, address educational disparities, and promote
healthy childhood environments
• Broadly applicable to Qualified Census Tracts, other
disproportionately impacted areas, and when
provided by Tribal governments
LLcll Address Negative Economic Impacts
• Deliver assistance to workers and families, including
support for unemployed workers, aid to households,
and survivor's benefits for families of COVID-19 victims
• Support small businesses with loans, grants, in -kind
assistance, and counseling programs
• Speed the recovery of impacted industries, including
the tourism, travel, and hospitality sectors
• Rebuild public sector capacity by rehiring staff,
replenishing state unemployment insurance funds, and
implementing economic relief programs
A Premium Pay for Essential Workers
• Provide premium pay to essential workers, both
directly and through grants to third -party employers
• Prioritize low- and moderate -income workers, who
face the greatest mismatch between employment -
related health risks and compensation
• Key sectors Include healthcare, grocery and food
services, education, childcare, sanitation, and transit
Must be fully additive to a worker's wages
Imo° Broadband Infrastructure
• Focus on households and businesses without access
to broadband and those with connections that do
not provide minimally acceptable speeds
• Fund projects that deliver reliable service with
minimum 100 Mbps download / 100 Mbps upload
speeds unless impracticable
• Complement broadband investments made through
the Capital Projects Fund
G Ineligible Uses
• Changes that reduce net tax revenue must not be
offset with American Rescue Plan funds
• Extraordinary payments into a pension fund are a
prohibited use of this funding
• Other restrictions apply to eligible uses
The examples listed in this document are non -exhaustive, do not describe all terms and conditions associated with the use of this funding,
and do not describe all the restrictions on use that may apply. The U.S. Department of the Treasury provides this document, the State and
Local contact channels, and other resources for informational purposes. Although efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the
information provided, the information is subjectto change or correction. Any Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds received will be
subjectto the terms and conditions of the agreement entered into by Treasury and the respective jurisdiction, which shall incorporate the
provisions of the Interim Final Rule and/or Final Rule that implements this program.
7/19/2021 Human Rights Commission's statement on continued support of Black Lives Matter I City of Iowa City
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Human Rights Commission's statement on continued support
of Black Lives Matter
The Iowa City Human Rights Commission stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
We are part of a society where the lives of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color continue to be
affected by structural racism, lack of opportunity, health disparities, and direct violence by the police
and others. American cities, including Iowa City, have for too long been complacent or complicit.
The Iowa City Human Rights Commission hereby reaffirms its longstanding commitment, and pledges
to more fully act in solidarity with all who are targets of this violence and inequity.
The Commission recognizes the ongoing oppression occurring not just in police departments, but
also eviction courts, legislatures, banks, academia, and hospitals. Additionally, this includes any space
where Iowa City has been complacent about and complicit in the eradication of intellectual and
cultural contributions by Black, Indigenous and People of Color, as well as women, and ignores the
racism present in the contributions of white people and the sexism present in the works of males.
We pledge the following actions to embody our affirmation that Black Lives Matter.
• We will continue to uplift the contributions of nonwhite, non -male, and non-Eurocentric people
in our recommendations to the Iowa City City Council and support events dedicated to their
recognition.
• We will actively confront racism, sexism, or other forms of bias within the work of the
Commission or City of Iowa City by pursuing training to increase our awareness of our racism,
Select Language
https://www.icgov.org/news/human-rights-commission°/u27s-statement-continued-support-black-lives-matter 1/4
7/19/2021 Human Rights Commission's statement on continued support of Black Lives Matter I City of Iowa City
sexism and bias.
• We will support City departments' efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• We will plan and promote additional programming opportunities focused on understanding
oppression and recognizing the contributions of people from underrepresented groups, as well
as promoting widespread discussion of related issues and concerns.
The differential valuing of life, achievement, opportunity, and intellectual and cultural contributions
based on which racialized group one is thought to be a member of is manifestly unjust. It compels us
to repeat, internalize, and act on the affirmation that Black lives matter. Black lives do matter, and
our collective practices, discourses, policies, and laws must reflect this. Black lives matter for the
same reason that everyone's life matters; yet we are compelled to affirm that Black lives matter
precisely because institutions, practices, and behaviors have so long denied it.
We are committed to continuously engaging the people of our community in dialogue and action to
realize a world in which "Black lives matter' is a simple description of how we all live.
Until that world is achieved, we stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
G-* Date of publication
Thursday, July 01, 2021
,L Department
Equity and Human Rights
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Quick links
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City Council
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Select Language
https:/lwww.icgov.org/newslhuman-rights-commission%27s-statement-continued-support-black-lives-matter 214
Final Report Iowa City Social Justice Grant
Name of Organization: Little Creations Academy
Program: PATHS to Success, Parent Engagement Nights
The evening of June 7, 2021 was the fourth and final parent engagement event at Little
Creations Academy. This event, held at the daycare center from 4:30-6:30, focused on the
playful theme of Sun's Out, Fun's Out!, and like the previous three events, included a literacy
component.
Attendance at this event was approximately the same as at our other events. There were
estimated to be close to 40 people, including 25 children. Numerous outdoor activities were set
up in areas designed for babies and toddlers, younger children, and school aged kids. Each
activity was overseen by volunteers from First Presbyterian Church allowing the teachers to
interact with parents and their children. Pastor Tony Smith of New Creations International
Church, where LCA is housed, grilled delicious hotdogs and hamburgers for everyone to enjoy
as part of their supper. Totes containing books and outdoor activity items were provided to
every child that attended.
Overall, the PATHS Program has been an extremely successful endeavor at LCA to support
more active engagement from families and the teachers. By the fourth event, parents were
comfortable interacting with staff, asking questions, and learning about the lessons and activities
taking place at the daycare center. Children of all ages knew that each event brought with it
books for them to take home as their very own, and were excited to receive their totes. Children
that attended all four events obtained 6-12 books for their home libraries. Teachers also
benefited from hosting each gathering. They became more confident in planning and organizing
the activities as well as stepping in during the events themselves when something required
attention. This grant also further strengthened the friendship/partnership between LCA and First
Presbyterian Church. Volunteers often asked when the next event was coming up so they could
mark it on their calendars.
So what's next? Staff and parents agree that these parent engagement events should continue.
Many items purchased by the grant can certainly be used for future events. It is also hoped that
additional grants will become available to enable other creative ways for engaging parents in
their child's early education experiences.
The employees, volunteers, and families at Little Creations Academy are grateful indeed for the
funding received to host these popular and meaningful events to promote literacy and parent
engagement.
(See photos below from the last family event!)
Father and son get ready
to eat
L;.J
This little guy is excited to see
the books he received.
"Stepping out" a tune
Enjoying the ball pit
Pastor Smith kept everyone
well fed!
A volunteer assists in assembling
one of the prizes from a game.
The City's Office of Equity and Human Rights is hosting a three-part series on the school -to -prison
pipeline.
The protests for justice both before and after George Floyd, and the movement for restructuring law
enforcement, are calls for tangible, transformative societal change. Some changes are happening
because of increased bias training and greater funding for mental health in law enforcement. Public
and private employers are reaching out to communities of color and working harder to recognize the
challenges they face.
All that change is welcome, but a fundamental reason for the continued calls for more social change
lies in one issue, or cycle: the school -to -prison pipeline. That hidden, harmful factor is the effect of
implicit bias on everyday decisions that begin in elementary school for people of color. Decisions in
K-12 to discipline, suspend, or expel impact future decisions to arrest, detain, charge, and
prosecute. Later, decisions are made to refuse employment because of an individual's criminal
record.
The Office's series on the school -to -prison pipeline will be presented by social justice advocate and
implicit bias specialist, Thomas Newkirk. Learn more about Thomas Newkirk's work at his website.
Part 1 introduces the various parts of the school -to -prison pipeline and provides a basic
understanding of the role implicit bias plays in creating, exacerbating, and expanding that pipeline. It
is scheduled from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021 in Emma Harvat Hall, City Hall, 410 E.
Washington Street. This training will also be streamed on Zoom. Meeting ID: 817 2972 9670.
Part 2 digs more deeply into how bias affects discipline in education settings, juvenile justice
imbalances, arrests, and even probation and employment. This program will be held on Thursday,
August 19, 2021.
Part 3 brings it all together to discuss remedies. This includes the need for enhanced training for all
decision -making groups that are part of the school -to -prison pipeline, along with enhanced data
collection and monitoring of decision -making. This discussion will be held on Wednesday,
September 15.
To stay up to date on the time and location for the future trainings, subscribe to receive news
releases from the Office of Equity & Human Rights at icaov.orglsubscribe.
If you need disability -related accommodations to participate in this program, please contact Equity
Director Stefanie Bowers at 319-356-5022 or stefanie-bowers(a).iowa-citv.org. Early requests are
strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
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Status of Complaints July 19, 2021
Housing
Complainant alleges discrimination on the bases of age, color, disability, race and sex. Retaliation is
also alleged. Complaint was served 7-20-21.
Complainant alleges discrimination on the basis of color and disability. Retaliation is also alleged.
Complaint was served 7/20/21.
The following documents were handed
out during the meeting.
IFInside Out Reentry Community
500 N. Clinton St.
Iowa City, IA. 52245
(319)338-7996
www.insideoutreentry.com
FY20 Social Justice Racial Equity Grant Report
March 31st - June 30, 2021
Inside Out Reentry Community (10) received Social Justice Racial Equity Grant funding in
2020 to continue our impact in the Iowa City community through public education and
awareness of the issues of incarceration and reentry. 10 hosted a quarterly forum series
oriented around reentry, cultivating a supportive community for returning citizens, and
offering educational and empowerment opportunities for returning citizens. Three of the
forums were designated for the public, and the fourth for 10 members directly. We expected
to serve at least 200 people across the 3 public events. To measure performance, 10
tracked the number of attendees and feedback through surveys at events. At the three
public events 10 had a total attendance of 313.
Program and Activity Progress:
Unheard Voices: Impacts of Incarceration on Children and Families
Inside Out held a virtual forum on April 22nd, 2021, to discuss the hidden impacts of
incarceration and reentry on children, partners, and family members. These groups often
face challenges finding support for their situation, as well as the effects of the societal
stigma surrounding incarceration. The event included a panel of service providers, who
discussed programming and support groups for these families and children, as well as a
panel of individuals who have been impacted by the incarceration of a loved one.
Executive Director Michelle Heinz started the presentation with an overview of how youth,
families, and relationships are impacted by the incarceration of family members, the
financial impacts, and the racial disparities found within the justice system. The service
providers panel included Daniel Johnson, founder of Children of Promise Mentoring
Program in Cedar Rapids, which is a mentoring program supporting youth who have an
incarcerated parent, and Sue Hutchins, founder of Living Beyond the Bars of Iowa, which
features a support group for family members and loved ones of incarcerated individuals.
Panelists shared the challenges children and families face and how these programs provide
support. A question -and -answer session followed their presentations.
Prior to the event, 10 created an anonymous form where anyone in our community could
share their experiences of having an incarcerated loved one. 10 read these messages at
the event, including this experience from a sibling: "I felt like I couldn't talk about it outside of
my family because people might judge us. Visiting them was really hard... family didn't really
talk about it much and didn't really tell anyone else about it."
The second panel featured individuals who have been impacted by the incarceration of a
loved one. Due to the societal stigma that affects family members of incarcerated
individuals, two of the three panelists chose to share their stories anonymously.
Inside Out Reentry Community
500 N. Clinton St.
Iowa City, IA. 52245
(119)339.7996
www. insideoutreentry.com
As part of the event, lO assembled kits for children who have an incarcerated parent. These
kits feature resources for the children and family, including a picture book about having an
incarcerated parent, a journal where they can record things they would like to share with
their family member when they see them, and pre -stamped cards they can use to mail to
their loved one, and more. These free kits are for children aged 4-9 years old in Johnson
County and are available on our webs ite for families to request.
We had a total attendance of 134 individuals. The webinar was recorded and is available en
IO's website for viewing. We partnered with the University of Iowa Liberal Arts Beyond Bars
Program and University of Iowa Center for Human Rights for this event.
Survey Information:
A survey was emailed to attendees following the event and was completed by 15
individuals. Overall, we received positive feedback on the event. 86% of respondents either
agreed a strongly agreed that they had a better understanding of the societal stigmas and
challenges children, partners, and families face when a loved one is incarcerated. 93% of
respondents either agreed or strongly agreed (and none disagreed) that they learned about
supports and opportunities that exist for the children, partners, and family members of
incarcerated and returning community members. Attendees were asked to rate on a scale
of 1 to 5 (5 being the highest), the support service providers panel, and the average rating
was 4.5. They were asked to rate the panel of individuals impacted by the incarceration of a
loved one, and the average rating was 4.5. They were also asked to rate the workshop as a
whole and the average rating was 4.6. 100% of attendees agreed the event was well
organized. Multiple comments highlighted how the attendees learned from the forum,
including: "I really appreciated the panelist sharing their individual stories. Makes it more
real when we have real stories." Overall, the Unheard Voices event was a success.
Justice That Heals: A Forum on Restorative Justice
Inside Out's final virtual forum was held June 22, 2021, and was focused on restorative
justice, which works to heal people who've been harmed by criminal acts, as well as those
who've caused harm. The webinar featured a presentation from Ted Lewis, a restorative
justice trainer and consultant with the Center for Restorative Justice & Peacemaking at
University of Minnesota (Duluth). Ted shared the fundamentals of restorative justice as well
as examples and stories of how it is being used nationally, and how restorative justice can
be used as an alternative to incarceration. Following his presentation was O&A with the
audience. The second portion of the webinar featured a panel of local restorative justice
practitioners Annie Tucker and Gerald Partridge, who shared information about work done
here in Iowa, as well as initiatives planned for the future in Johnson County. We partnered
with the University of Iowa Liberal Arts Beyond Bars Program and University of Iowa Center
for Human Rights for this event.
We had a total attendance of 96 individuals. The webinar was recorded and is available on
IO's website for viewing. As part of the event, IQ gave away free copies of Howard Zehr's
Little Book of Restorative Justice to event attendees and 10 members who were interested
Inside Out Reentry Community
500 N. Clinton St.
Iowa City, IA. 52245
(319)338-7996
www.insideoutreenn y. com
in learning more about restorative justice. Overall, the webinar was a success and we hope
continues the conversation about restorative justice in our community.
Survey Information:
Attendees received a survey via email after the event. Twenty returned the surveys, and the
overall feedback was positive. 95% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that
they left with a better understanding of what restorative justice is and how it can be used in
our community. 95% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they learned how
restorative justice could benefit our community. Attendees were asked to rate on a scale of
1 to 5 (5 being the highest) speaker Ted Lewis, and his average rating was 4.5. They were
also asked to rate the panel of local restorative justice practitioners, and the average rating
was 4.5. 100% of the attendees agreed that the event was well organized and rated the
overall forum 4.8 out of 5. This is a comment from the surveys: "Restorative justice has
been an elusive concept for me- I knew it was better than what we were doing, but didn't
know exactly how or why. The stories told by the speakers brought the concept to life for
me. I have a much better understanding of restorative justice and how, specifically, it works
and can be used in our community."
Entrepreneurship Workshop Follow up
In January, 10 hosted a two-day Entrepreneurship Workshop for formerly incarcerated
individuals. In June, 10 followed up with those who attended the workshop sending out a
survey checking on how their business development is going and if they needed additional
support. Gift cards were provided to those who completed the survey and can be used
towards building their business. All who responded said the workshop helped them envision
their business idea. They each identified the different supports they need to start their
business, and all said they would attend a workshop in the future. 10 will use these
responses to help plan a workshop in the future as well as connect individuals to relevant
resources to help them advance their business development.
1E
Asking About Secure Gun Storage
Owning a gun is a personal decision, but secure
storage is a public safety issue. Kids and unsecured
guns are a potentially lethal combination.
Fortunately, a simple conversation can help keep
children out of harm's way. It doesn't need to feel
strange or awkward to bring up the issue of how
guns are stored. These simple conversations with
your friends, caregivers, and relatives before your
child visits can help save lives.
Sample conversation starters
Part of general safety conversations
"Before I drop my son off, I just wanted to check
to see if you have pets? And also ask if you have
firearms in your house and confirm how they
are stored. I want to make sure he knows your
safety rules."
Part of other teen safety conversations
"Hey, excited the kids are getting together over the
weekend. I know that theyve hung out quite a bit,
but my daughter has never been over to your
house so I want to confirm a couple of things: Will
an adult be at the house the whole time? Also, I
heard a story on the news that made me decide I
should always ask this —do you have any firearms,
and how are they stored? Do you need me to pick
her up or can you give her a ride home?"
If you know that the homeowner or your family
member is a gun owner.
"We are looking forward to spending time with you
and with the whole family. I know I have never
asked this before, but after hearing about a recent
unintentional shooting in the area (refer to the Not
An Accident map), I just have to ask: how are your
guns stored? The kids get into everything and I
don't want to spend the day looking over my
shoulder worried about them, or the rest of the
kids. (option: I'm happy to purchase gun locks if you
don't have them)."
Confirm secure storage practices. Following their
description, if you need to know more, then you can
ask direct questions, like: "What kind of lock do you
use?" or "How do you store ammunition?"
Sample text or email starters
Sometimes these conversations are easier via email.
Try "sandwiching"your question amongst other
questions and information. For example:
"I know my son hasn't been to your home before
and I do like to ask a few safety questions. He is
skittish around dogs, do you have any? Also, do you
own any firearms, and if so, how are they stored?
Finally, will they be playing video games? We only
allow limited time on ones rated'E: He doesn't
have any allergies. For future reference, no pets,
and no firearms at our home. Thanks so much."
Sample texts, emails,
or conversation starters
for teenage babysitters
Certainly there are times that a teen will be in the role
of the caregiver and need to confirm this information
on his/her own. The onus is still on adults. Here is
sample language.
"I'm confirming that you need me at 7pm on
Saturday evening. Let me know if the kids will
need to be fed. Also, my parents wanted me
to ask if there are any unsecured guns in the
home? Thanks."
Make it a deal -breaker
In the unlikely event that your friends or relatives don't
confirm that they store guns securely, make sure they
know that you won't allow your children in their home:
"I'm sorry but unless you make sure your guns are
locked the entire time we're/John's at your home,
we/he won't be able to make it. The kids are good
kids, but curious, and I just can't take the risk of
them hurting themselves or someone else. We'd be
happy to have you at our house instead this year."
For more information or to get involved visit BeSMARTforKids.org
Be SMART is a program of Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
Updated: April 2021
Share your own secure
gun storage habits
If you are a gun owner, volunteer information about
your own secure gun storage habits, and let your
friends and family know that you are open to having
the conversation with them:
"Hi we just got a new puppy —I wanted to flag in
case there were any allergies. Also, I wanted to let
you know that we hunt in the fall, but our guns are
stored securely, locked, unloaded with the
ammunition stored separately. It's important for us
to know about your gun ownership and storage
practices ahead of time too. Can't wait to see you!"
Be SMART
Many unintentional shootings happen in the
homes of relatives, friends, or caregivers. It's very
possible that some of your family members or
close friends have unsecured guns in their home.
Its important to ask each time your child will visit,
as storage practices and gun ownership may
change. Never make assumptions when a child's
safety is at stake. It's up to all of us to keep our
children safe.
For more information or to get involved visit BeSMARTforKids.org
Be SMART is a program of Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
Updated: April 2021
8E
Talking To Your Children About Guns
Every year, nearly 350 children unintentionally
shoot themselves or someone else when they find
unlocked, loaded guns.' Nearly 700 American
children die by gun suicide each year? One study
showed that over 80 percent of children under the
age of 18 who died by gun suicide used a gun
belonging to a family member? The Be SMART
program, designed to prevent these shootings,
recognizes that secure storage by adult gun
owners is essential to preventing unauthorized,
unsupervised access to firearms by children.
It is always an adult's responsibility to prevent
unauthorized access to guns, not a curious
child's responsibility to avoid guns. That means
always keeping all firearms locked, unloaded, and
stored separately from ammunition.
And yet research shows that approximately 4.6
million American children live in homes with guns
that are not stored securely.# We recognize that
until every gun is securely stored, children are still
at risk of finding unsecured guns, and parents
need guidance on how to talk to their children
about what to do if that happens. The suggestions
below, developed in collaboration with Marjorie
Sanfilippo, Ph.D., a professor and expert on
children's behaviors around firearms, are a good
place to start:
Tips For Talking to Young Children:
• Make it part of the normal safety conversation
you have with your children.
• Keep the language simple; for example: "If you
see a gun, don't touch it. Tell an adult right
away."
• Tell children not to touch a gun, even if it looks
like a toy.
• Assure children they will not get in trouble if
they tell an adult they've seen a gun.
• Repeat it on a regular basis.
Tips for Talking to Adolescents:
• Include it in your general safety conversations
about topics like drugs, alcohol, and drunk
driving.
• Tell them to immediately leave any situation
where an unsecured gun is present.
Tell them not to listen to a friend who says a
gun is unloaded or otherwise safe.
Give your teen strategies to get out of a
situation where a gun is present —or
brainstorm them together. For example, you
could agree that your teen would say:
"Mom just texted me that I have to get home
right now."
Assure them that its OK to ask about the
presence of unsecured guns in other homes,
but offer to do it for them if they don't feel
comfortable.
For All Ages:
• Don't have the conversation only once. Talk to
them frequently, just as you would about other
crucial safety issues.
• Make sure they understand that any situation
where there's an unsupervised gun is a
dangerous situation.
It is important to remember that talking to
children about guns is a precaution, not a
guarantee of safety. One study found that young
children who go through a week-long gun safety
training are just as likely as children with no
training to approach or play with a handgun
when they find one.'
This is one reason we take issue with the National
Rifle Association's program to reduce unintentional
shootings by children, Eddie Eagle, as it focuses
solely on educating children not to touch guns
without permission and to alert an adult if they
find a firearm. That alone is not nearly sufficient to
reduce unsupervised access to guns by children.
' Everytown for Gun Safety, #NotAnAccident Index: unintentional Shootings
by Children. https.//everytw/15PCuCb. A yearly average was developed using
four years of the most recent data: 2015 to 2019. Incidents from the Index
are collected from media reports of unintentional shootings by children
under the age of 18 that result in injury or death.
' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Health
Statistics. WONDER Online Database, Underlying Cause of Death/ A yearly
average was developed using five years of most recent available data: 2015 to
2019. Analysis includes children aged 0 to 17.
' Renee M.johnsom Catherine Barber, Deborah Azrael, David E. Clark David
Hemenway,'Who Are the Owners of Firearms Used in Adolescent Suicides?"
Suicide and Life
-Threatening Behavior, 40, no. 6 (2010) 609-611.
° Deborah Azrael, Joanna Cohen, Carmel Salhi, Matthew Miller, "Firearm
Storage in Gun- Owning Households with Children Results of a 2015 National
Survey,' Journal cf Urban Health, 95 no, 3 (2018): 295-304, Study defined
children as under the age of 18.
' Marjorie S. Hardy,'Teaching Firearm Safety to Children: Failure of a
Program;'Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics 23, no. 2 (2002h
71-76).
For more information or to get involved visit BeSMARTforKids.org
Be SMART is a program of Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America (Updated: March 2021)
BE
SHART
Every year in the United States, nearly 350
children aged 17 and under gain access to a
firearm and unintentionally shoot themselves
or someone else. Nearly 700 more die by suicide
with a gun each year. We have the power to
prevent tragedies like these from happening.
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
has developed the Be SMART framework to help
parents and adults prevent child gun deaths and
injuries.
Did You Know
4.6 million children in America live in homes with
guns that are both loaded and unlocked.
Nearly 350 children 17 and under gain access to a
firearm and unintentionally shoot themselves or
someone else —sometimes fatally.
Every year, nearly 700 children 17 and under die
by suicide with a gun.
Safety is Always an Adult
Responsibility
Kids will be kids, so it's always an adult's
responsibility to keep children safe. Always assume
that curious or impulsive kids may find and touch
an unsecured gun, even if theyve been told not to.
If a child handles a gun, a bad decision can quickly
become a fatal one. Be SMART adults protect kids
by storing guns locked, unloaded and separately
from ammunition, and by making sure children are
never in the presence of unsecured guns.
Our Story
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America
launched the Be SMART campaign to take action
to promote responsible gun ownership and reduce
child gun deaths. The campaign focuses on
education and awareness about child gun deaths
and secure gun storage. Moms Demand Action
volunteers encourage parents and caretakers to
"Be SMART" and take these five simple steps to
help prevent shootings by children: Secure all guns
in your home and vehicles; Model responsible
behavior around guns; Ask about the presence of
unsecured guns in other homes; Recognize the
role of guns in suicide; Tell your peers to be
SMART. Moms Demand Action is the nation's
largest grassroots volunteer network working to
end gun violence. Moms Demand Action is part of
Everytown for Gun Safety, an organization with
nearly six million supporters and more than
375,000 donors. Moms Demand Action campaigns
for new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and
loopholes thatjeopardize the safety of our
families. There is a Moms Demand Action chapter
in every state of the country and more than 700
local groups across the country.
Secure all guns in your homes and vehicles;
Model responsible behavior around guns;
Ask about unsecured guns in other homes;
Recognize the role of guns in suicide;
Tell your peers to Be SMART
What Can You Do?
Its simple. Spread the Be SMART message.
Talk to your friends and family about the
importance of secure gun storage, and get the
word out in your community. Volunteers all over
the country are available to deliver a 20-minute
presentation entitled "Be SMART: A conversation
about kids, guns and safety" to local groups and
organizations.
Visit BeSMARTforKids.org to learn more and get
involved. When it comes to kids'safety, we're all in
this together!
For more information or to get involved visit
www.momsdemandaction.org
Follow us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/BeSMARTforKids.org
or on Twitter@MomsDemand
For more information or to get involved visit BeSMARTforKids.org
Be SMART is a program of Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America (Updated: April 2021)