Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-24-2023 Human Rights Commission (Revised)Human Rights Commission October 24, 2023 Regular Meeting — 5:30 PM Emma J. Harvat Hall, City Hall Agenda: 1. Call the meeting to order and roll call 2. Reading of Native American Land Acknowledgement 3. Approval of the September 26, 2023, meeting minutes 4. Public comment on 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 or one another concerning said items) S. Correspondence 6. Updates on Outreach and Engagement by the Police Department 7. Statement Rejecting Antisemitism and Islamophobia 8. Racial Equity & Social Justice Grant • Guide on Supporting Grant Recipients • Fiscal Year 2023 Check Delivery Center for Worker Justice (Kollasch) Great Plains Action Society (Jons, Paul Shantz) • Informational Session for Fiscal Year 2024 via Zoom o Wednesday, November 8, 6 -7:15 p.m. (Maliabo, Kollasch, Lusala, Paul Shantz) o Wednesday, November 15, 12-1:15 p.m. (Kollasch, Maliabo) 9. Collaboration with Recreation Department on Upcoming Programs • All Around the World, November 12 (Lusala, Jons, Maliabo) 10. Commission Committees • Building Bridges (Maliabo, Paul Shantz, Pandya) • Reciprocal Relationships (Lusala, Channon, Jons) • Breaking Bread (Kollasch, Pries, Ismail) ii. Staff Announcements 12. Commissioner Announcements (Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with one another concerning said announcements) 13. Adjournment Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all City of Iowa City - sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in these events, please contact the Office of Equity and Human Rights at 319-356-5022 or humanrights(&iowa-city.orci. Agenda Item #2 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. Agenda Item #3 Draft Minutes Human Rights Commission September 26, 2023 Emma J. Harvat Hall Commissioners present: Jahnavi Pandya, Doug Kollasch, Kelsey Paul Shantz, Bijou Maliabo, Ahmed Ismail, Roger Lusala, Mark Pries. Commissioners absent: Sylvia Jons. Staff present: Stefanie Bowers, Sergeant Kevin Bailey. Recommendation to City Council: No. Meeting called to order: 5:30 PM. Native American Land Acknowledgement: Maliabo read the Land Acknowledgement. Approval of meeting minutes of August 22, 2023: Ismail moved, and Maliabo seconded. Motion passed 7- 0. Correspondence: The Commission received correspondence from Annie Tucker. It was an inquiry that asks for the Commission to consider showing films that highlight systemic inequity. Tucker also provided an article entitled, "Ten Lessons We Learned about Truth and Reconciliation" by the Truth Telling Project. Updates on Outreach and Engagement by the Police Department: Sergeant Bailey, spoke on the recent events the Department has participated in, including but not limited to, National Night Out, Welcome Festival, Community Violence Intervention Committee, and the Climate Fest. Tre Hall was recently hired as a Community Outreach Specialist. Racial Equity and Social Justice Grant: Grant informational sessions will be held on November 8 and 15. Staff will send out an Outlook Invite to see who is available on the selected dates. Commissioners will continue to have conversations with their respective organization and arrange a time to deliver the checks. Staff will assist in providing the checks. Jons will create a template that others can use when having conversations with organizations. Pries has delivered the check to Houses into Homes. Ismail will be delivering the check to the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County later this week. Checks to still be delivered: AI-Iman Center (Maliabo), CommUnity (Maliabo), Center for Worker Justice (Kollasch), Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County (Ismail), Great Plains Action Society (Dons, Paul Shantz), Wright House of Fashion (Lusala), Natural Talent Music (Pandya). Commission Committees: Breaking Bread — All members have been busy working on community programs but will meet up soon to discuss work plans. Reciprocal Relationships —Committee recently lost a member who resigned. Other members have been unable to arrange a time to meet. Building Bridges —The committee was able to meet and are working on aligning their efforts with the Commission's strategic Plan and Better Together 2023. Partnerships with Recreation Department: a. Mental Health Celebration — October 14, RAL Social Hall (Maliabo, Pandya) — Has not met. b. Indigenous Peoples Day— October 9, RAL Social Hall (Paul Shantz, Jons) — Planning an event in collaboration with Great Plains Action Society for October 9 at Terry Trueblood Lodge. c. All Around the World — November 18, RAL Social Hall (Lusala, Maliabo, Jons) — Has been some email correspondence that has initiated conversations. Human Rights Award Breakfast Ceremony: Lusala and Kollasch will MC the event. Announcements of commissioners: Paul Shantz's husband recently was sworn in at a Citizenship Ceremony. Pries has attended numerous events in the past month including a few meetings of the Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Pandya recently started a new mental health position. Lusala as part of his new position spoke on trainings on secondary trauma. Announcements of staff: The HRC celebrated its 601h anniversary on August 20. There is a program planned for September 13 featuring Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for HUD Demetria McCain and a commemorative video that will be released the first week of September. Adjourned: 6:21 PM. The meeting can be viewed at httos://citychanne14.com/video.html?series=Local%20Government. N ti r Q N O r D\ N m � 0. 0. < C 0. 0. C. a a- a- rL a w a N Q N Q rL Q Q CL M. a r W % R z •- R Q C O .: 46 a Agenda Item #8 � r �r""'IIEtlR? CITY OF IOWA CITY Human RighINC'nmmissign Guide for Human Rights Commissioners Supporting Iowa City Social Justice and Racial Equity Grant Recipients (23-24 Year) As Iowa City Huunan Rights Commissioners, our role in fostering social justice and racial equity in Iowa Ciq, is pivotal. One significant avenue for this is by supporting the recipients of the lowa City Social Justice and Racial Equity (SJRE) Grants. These grants are designed to empower organizations to address systemic inequities in our community. Here's a guide on how you can effectively build relationships, understand, support, and showcase these organizations: 1. Build Relationship: - lnitiate contact: Reach out to your assigned SJRE Grant recipient as soon as possible to introduce yourself and express your commitment to their cause. - Schedule regular meetings: Establish a consistent communication schedule to keep abreast of their progress, challenges, and needs. - Bea resource: Offer guidance, connections, and assistance where appropriate to help them succeed. 2. Understand the Grant Recipient Community Organization: Research their mission: Familiarize yourself with their organization's history, goals, and current initiatives. - Understand their community: Learn about the specific communities they serve and the unique challenges they face. 3. Understand Their Grant Project: - Review their grant proposal: Understand the project they've undertaken, the intended impact, and the timeline. - Clarify expectations: Discuss the goals and metrics of success to ensure alignment with the SJRE. program's objectives. Sylvia S. Jons, Vice -Chair, HRC 4. Proactively Identify Opportunities to Partner: - Identify synergies: Explore opportunities for collaboration between the SJRE recipient and other organizations or agencies. - Leverage resources: Help them tap into additional resources or partnerships that can enhance the project's effectiveness. 5. Identify Opportunities to Be an Ally or Support Them: - Advocate for them: Use your position to advocate for their initiatives within the Human Rights Commission and the larger community. - Attend their events: Show your support by attending their events and programs, share these opportunities with the Commission (email Stefanie as well), and encourage other commissioners to attend. 6. Showcase the Organization and Project: - Share their story: Utilize your platform and HRC's communication tools (social media, newsletter, etc.) to highlight their work and achievements within the community. Connect them to resources: Help them access media outlets, community networks, or platforms for wider exposure. 7. Be the Link Between Them and the City, and Wider Community: - Facilitate communication: Act as a bridge between the SJ RL recipient and the broader lowa Cite community, ensuring they have a voice. Address concerns: if issues or challenges arise, facilitate dialogue and resolution. S. Prepare and Share Monthly Updates to the Commission during our HRC meetings: - Share progress: Provide regular updates on your assigned SJRE organization's activities and milestones during commission meetings. Seek input: Encourage other commissioners to offer insights and support where appropriate. Iiy actively engaging with your assigned SJRE Grant recipient, you can playa vital role in advancing social justice and racial equity in ioNva City. Your commitment to understanding, supporting, and showcasing their efforts will contribute to a rnore equitable community for all. Remember, the goal is to create a space where the community's voices are heard, and their needs are addressed through these important grant initiatives. Your involvement can make a significant difference in the success of these projects and the betterment of Iowa City as a whole. Late Handouts 0 Q N � O � co Q O N N v u z m o Q o- Er/ N L O o -0 U p Q _0 OO +-' +' o ■ o u= O •�, VT A •o : •T 4J (1) E v S o U o N U E O o � O U 0 3 u LM•- �� ate-J ate-+ U c :3 4- VT> E5% O O N _ 4le C3 U •� Q •� v + C o a o � .� +� U E o o > o a� o r � N V o ° U a--+ ° . U . E c/) � L N E O N 4—, Z U U E V �" a --+ O � ±, p N o o U W o � s ° U, U o o U a) v o +0-� - c 0 .N E 0 U 4. c c o E U 0 m > o ,- E U o aD E _o 0 E c .N E E o E Uc O Y a O m a +, c O E O O a O o Ln O U to •7 O t en U U = I _ m L 0 u lob- ti All 3 a s CC m N O N .Q V CL 0 N O N a H o = o '— cj v7 a.+ ro cu _ -tom eo � cu -C3 av ,.+ - rp E CD= aj + lz� -CD � at = Ln Qd — C� 0-0 s . E � = Jz�L b co L f w + w aj f� ra ro Q v rr L 0 rr L ■ cn E 0 �m w w 2 F z LU H x 0 LL 0 E D 2 CL 0 III � e u •Pll W r vi o' +aa C U�oo >, +� ° .0 0-) �U E °' E o ° 3 o _ u 3 0 — O � Q) O _ (n (n c a) U Q� O U Q O ++ O .cn N O N O s co -0° C '�'°�'�° O O � U �� 40 cn O +' o o E o o 3 o -0 U N a� 0 0 a o — 3 U a� U 40 0 O cn O u -se ~ O �G O O U 0 0 O U Q) U_ ^ LM (n t �o -2 cn 0- 0 aao�) (na� o I - o 0 m Q cn�.c>'u .'Ca� ■� a � o t Q U >, U to U — O N � aJ U O O O O U +' O O 0 U� >� � m � O W � i -P �_ c N O 0) o Q E �O O O U _U — N U O O +� � O O O p v1 `1 _ O CT)N N S U O O_ o N -0 O U O O � cn O +j i O 0 O p U U - O L — � al pl O — N O — N 0 o '� J C O O o � O � +J a O X c o O_0 U — U C) O O = O i IN Ln}' to aLA V) o U O LJ +i o +-j - }' cn Ln N )pv �� >a,�—� O i _ O-0 O OUl 0 0 N U o c a) a) Y o o - >1a — o 70 .Qp o U O0 U U E Q ° o 0 0 CL CL (A 3 a L 0 a L J U 7 a P Cr LO U O Af, AM 501 a 0 N O Q 6 I E U Ln t Tm- i O 0) O N L U c O O L O i a L W OD n D U U O T U) L L a t c O O E E U M "i IS W - u � V u U U l) .� .� -P O to N O s 'c O O - O N O C7 O c (n O N -0 ��nn4J� Z Z O m ccm D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . O o 4J o U W D ■ O CL Ll) 4 ■� i 0> U U �_ U u V V> U) O — N p M OJ cn U + Q U L .� cn U p J D- u Q CC U O Q Y Q J � c m U '}+ +� C: 0 %+- ? — - +' +' N cn 0 O � U U 2 J O D U cn E +� cn a U C w O 0 0 0 0 0 0 71 Q Q Q U U (D =--- -- l J J mom 4J 4 0 W 4J c W ■ � CL ■ � u � � 4mP � � � @ E 3 ttt 7, \ z � © : \ I 0 U Ul o � .0 L a� s JI Q W � LEI ■ 0 ■ U p ■ 4 4-j N 3 N o 4-j Vi N 'O m CL o Q) o E O' c: O O E cc OUU DO v.i 'N O c Q O t D .� a, � _ — � � 'c Q s — D p D E >, s O s E U s a--+ O +' O U O 3 4-1 �o�o= ■ � U 'gin � .� ° o L u N a s L 11) _ N � Q U `m t & E 'S N 0 T N 3 G m m t6 N O U m o c L m � N � a C O) y C D M Z � N c rn `o 0 L ry [ O m � C � U N C - E [ O N_ C N_ a C L p a` 0 n O N M 0 m rn m *" Cv *" ry ,ti o 0 Qi ( ti Qi vo vo 6 W, krm-lj kL-InojL e 4 4 4 4 4 4 y 4 4 4, •ii1 � ii1 ii1 � ii1 L ii1 ii1 ii1 � cyµµ4 rYl trx trx trx �h trx wx trx trx trx trx trk trx to trx m O rz CL M 2 LD rm Q a '- 7 � Yy GJ CL u, L Q tlJ In N N ' dE } < r to O 2 Lri o 4 tP4 ii1 ul- {Q {lj {P4 {ii D Ul E ILJ v ! - i - +-j N JQ 4-j N O N V N U Q C) rr >Q O O t ®r, o D �2, ta. OI i F 7� wo �o»io ca .. E co cu y o •= cn>-%� 0 - O :3 > > =O O O o •- c CD c� > a 0 :7 The following documents were handed out during the meeting. DRAFT: Statement rejecting antisemitism, islamophobia and all forms of identity -based hate. October 24, 2023 Iowa City Human Rights Commission During the Iowa City Council regular formal session on October 17, 2023, public comment on items not on the agenda included instances of hate speech, including antisemitism and racism. A statement from the Iowa City manager's office on October 19 denounced these comments, saying that while these callers were allowed to speak because "free speech is a constitutional right... our community should know that our City stands firm in denouncing this hateful and ignorant rhetoric and condemns these actions and words that intend to degrade and divide. We are a progressive and caring community, based on the values of racial equity, social justice, and human rights, and we will continue to stand tall and proud as a beacon of hope and support for all who call Iowa City home." Unfortunately, these brazen public statements of antisemitism and racism from members of the public do not happen in isolation. Incidents of antisemitism in the United States were already at an -all-time high in 2022, and this is anticipated to continue to rise. Last week,the FBI released their annual statistics on hate crimes: antisemitic hate crimes rose 25 percent from 2021 to 2022, and Antisemitism accounted for over half of all reported religion -based hate crimes. Muslim Americans remain overrepresented among victims of hate crimes. In a recent survey by the Council on American -Islamic Relations (CAIR), 69% of American Muslims said they had personally experienced anti -Muslim bigotry or discrimination since 9/11, and 83% said they witnessed someone else experience this. We are currently witnessing a torrential amount of misinformation and polarizing commentary that fuels Islamophobia and antisemitism. We must reject forces that would seek to divide our community and turn instead to compassion, shared humanity, and a continued belief that we can create a just and peaceful Iowa City. Therefore, as community members, we reject all forms of identity -based hate speech, antisemitism, islamophobia, and xenophobia. We stand with our neighbors and community members of all religions, cultures, and backgrounds. We know that our communities are made better by diverse inclusion of all identities. Furthermore, as signatories, we commit to calling out all forms of identity -based hate speech, antisemitism, islamophobia, and xenophobia wherever we encounter them. We encourage community members to engage with bystander intervention trainings: • Bystander Intervention to Stop Antisemitic Harassment, from Right To Be and T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights. • Bystander Intervention to Stop Islamophobic and Xenophobic Harassment, from Right To Be and CAIR-Chicago. 9 Bystander Intervention in Public Spaces, from Right To Be. If you, as an Iowa City community member, have been affected by any form of identity -based hate speech, please know that you can report these incidents to the City of Iowa City here: https://www.icqov.orq/qovernment/departments-and-divisions/equity-and-human-rights. We urge anyone who witnesses instances to report any instances of Islamophobia, anti-Semitism or other discrimination. We welcome other community members, leaders, and groups to join us in signing this statement. If you would like to add your name to this statement, please... Signed, Iowa City Human Rights Commission c- Community Violence Intervention Safety Village prep Community Police Academy prep U of I Homecoming Parade Coat Drive December Unhoused Several Trunk or Treat Events Dear Sergeant Kevin Bailey and Officer Tre Hall, The International Women's Club of Iowa City has served women from around the world for over 60 years. Our club has offered friendship, support, education and English instruction for immigrants, visitors, refugees, international students, and visiting scholars. Women new to the USA always have a multitude of questions about safety, law enforcement, and city services. They are a vulnerable group as their English language is often limited and their cultural customs and community services may be much different than here in Iowa. In our 60 years of support for international women, the educational and outreach service that the Iowa City Police Department provided to our women this past week rates near the top. Sergeant Bailey, your educational presentation to our women on October 17th was carefully geared to the questions and vulnerabilities of our group. Thank you for studying our list of questions prior. Thank you also for spending the time needed to answer all questions, clarify difficult language, and demonstrate to the women that the Iowa City Police Force welcomes and accommodates diversity in Iowa City and is especially attentive to vulnerable groups. Tre Hall, your hosting of our visit to City Hall and the Iowa City Police Department areas specifically was well -planned, congenial, and very useful. Women now know more about the many city services offered, where to go with specific questions about services, and they know they will be received kindly. Our contacts and educational sessions with your police department this past week could not have been more positive. We compliment you on your fine, proactive, diligent community outreach work. Thanks to you, this week there are women in our community from Columbia, Hong Kong, Japan, Pakistan, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Turkey who now feel safer, more accepted, and well served in Iowa City and who are speaking highly of our city to family and friends around the world. The International Women's Club is truly appreciative and will speak highly of your department to all our members and affiliates. Sincerely, Joy Thompson English Program Manager International Women's Club https.//iwciowacity.wordpress.com/