HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-21-2012 Human Rights Commission11—COMMISSION HUMA CITY
HUMAN RIGHTS
49 Years of Advancing Equality 1963 -2012
AGENDA
CITY OF IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
HELLING CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
August 21, 2012
6:00 P.M.
I . Call Meeting to Order/ Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes from the following meeting: July 17, 2012
3. Public Comment of Items Not on the Agenda
4. New Business:
a. Annual Report (Packet Item 4a)
b. University of Iowa Center for Human Rights Update
c. Iowa Women's Music Festival (September 1) (Packet Item 4c)
5. Old Business:
a. Letter advertising Youth Ally Award (Packet Item 5a)
b. Human Rights Breakfast (Packet Item 5b)
i. Speaker
ii. Tickets
C. Ad Hoc Diversity Committee (Packet Item 5c)
d. Immigration Subcommittee
e. World Human Rights Day Proclamation (December 10) (Packet Item 5e)
f. Police Citizen's Review Board
6. Updates /Reports:
a. Commission
b. Staff
7. Set Next Regular Meeting for September 18, 2012 at 6 p.m.
8. Adjourn
The Iowa City Human Rights Commission meetings follow the Iowa City Community School
District closings for inclement weather except for early dismissals for heat.
Minutes
Human Rights Commission
July 17, 2012 — 6 P.M.
Helling Conference Room
Members Present:
Members Excused:
Staff Present:
Others Present:
Page 1 of 18
PRELIMINARY
Hang Olmstead, Orville Townsend Sr., Connie Goeb, Kim
Hanrahan, Shams Ghoneim, Jessie Harper.
Diane Finnerty, Howard Cowen.
Stefanie Bowers
Journalism Students (University of Iowa) including Tom Close.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Human Rights Commission
meeting of July 17, 2012.
Recommendations to Council: None.
Call to Order:
Chair Olmstead called the meeting to order at 18:00. Jesse Harper is introduced and welcomed
as new Commissioner.
Hanrahan moved to approve minutes, seconded by Goeb.
Motion passed. 5 -0. ( Ghoneim not present)
Public Comments of Items Not on the Agenda:
Close- Asked if Commissioners and staff could stick around after the meeting for brief
interviews.
SG: I wonder if we'd be interested to know the status of The University of Iowa Center for
Human Rights?
SB: Actually that is in the reports of Commissioners.
New Business:
a. 2012 One Community /One Book
SB: There is a handout in the packet. There is a letter from The University of Iowa Center for
Human Rights, and the two chairs of the One Community/One Book, Joan and Pat. They
have chosen a book The Late Homecomer, and it looks like they will be arranging
discussion forums throughout the community from September through November of this
year. It's a book that talks about migration and immigration I believe. It looks like they
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will have the author Ms. Yang, reading and discussing her book in late September, and
they are asking of the Commission for financial support for this all volunteer community
project, which continues to be dependent upon the generosity of Johnson County
businesses, organizations and groups. Just to give you some history this is something in
the past that the Commission has always contributed to if you're wondering what the
history is. In fact when the committee used to be a little different a few years past there
were actually myself and a few others who sat on the committee that selected the book,
but now to streamline things I think just the two chairs select the book instead of having a
whole committee do that. There has been interaction and participation from the
Commission on this.
SG: Can we write for future references, suggestions?
SB: Yes.
KH: Do you know how much we gave in the past?
SB: It looks like the most that has been given is $350 in the past.
HO: Any other discussion?
KH: Well given that we've just started out fiscal year I guess I'm still unclear what our budget
is.
SB: For co- sponsorships generally it's between $1,000 to $1,100 each year which is allotted.
HO: Any other discussion?
SG: I think we should continue unless there is a reason not to.
OT: I'd like to know in terms of budgetary needs. Any idea in terms of what their agenda is
and what their total budget is if they would need to_?
SB: That I don't know, but I know they do a lot of advertising, so I think a lot of the
contribution pays for publicity in the form of posters, bookmarks, flyers, ads on radio and
websites and in newspapers, and to support the community forums. I don't have like an
exact figure for how much that would cost them, but those are what the contributions
would assist them on.
CG: I would support supporting them at the same level we have in the past at $350.
Motion: Goeb moved to contribute $350.00 to One Community /One Book, seconded by
Ghoneim. Motion passed 6 -0.
Page 3 of 18
Old Business:
a. Iowa Compact
HO: If you recall last month we agreed to join the Compact, and with the stipulation that I
write a memo, which was actually a letter to the mayor and city council letting them
know we're doing that and asking them to consider it themselves. We're passing the
letter around now.
SB: I'm going to interrupt Harry. Just for the visitors if you have web access if you go to the
City of Iowa City website and then go to the city council page, then to boards and
commissions. There you will see minutes /agendas for the boards and commissions, so if
you wanted to look at the packet that they're referring to that's available on line.
KH: Will you be including a copy of this declaration with this letter so they can reference an
explanation to all five of those?
HO: We can do that, it's not a problem. Any other discussion? Do I hear a motion to approve
the letter?
SB: I might just add that you might want to put Dear Mayor Hayek and City Council
members because if you send to one its sent to all.
HO: Okay.
KH: Should we also put Harry Olmstead Chairperson and Iowa City Human Rights
Commission?
SB: Sure.
HO: I will make those changes. Do we have a motion to approve the letter?
SG: I'll make a motion to approve the letter as written adding the additions.
Motion: Ghoneim moved to include a copy of the compact, seconded by Townsend.
Motion passed 6 -0.
b. Adult Ally Award
SB: That was asked to be put on the agenda, and I think it had to do with getting the word out
sooner to the schools and to other organizations. I think at the last meeting there was a
discussion and it's probably in the minutes, about maybe doing outreach to the schools. 1
believe it was mentioned with maybe the school counselors.
SG: And hopefully maybe we can put it in the D.I. or Iowa City Press Citizen.
Page 4 of 18
SB: We certainly can, but I would probably wait until closer in time.
CG: What was this just a letter to the school counselors and schools and stuff telling them
about this, and that it's in May, but we weren't circulating anything about it?
SB: Yes.
KH: When do we start advertising in the school newspapers?
SB: This year was the first year because in the past it's always been really the youth that are
being recognized, so we're soliciting the adults. This was the first year that we've ever
done outreach in the school newspapers. I would say it was done in March or April.
Both of the high schools responded to the request, one however never followed up. So it
was actually only published in the West High paper. I think to answer the question about
the Daily Iowan and The Press Citizen; I think there were discussions earlier this year
that since this was targeted towards youth, that we would reserve the youth awards for
The Press Citizen and the Daily Iowa for advertising. But for the adult Ally Award that
would be more in venues that youth would be looking at and we weren't sure if the Daily
Iowan and The Press Citizen would be something that they would be looking at
necessarily. I think that's why it wasn't advertised in the D.I. and The Press Citizen this
year.
KH: So would you draft a letter to the counselors and there may be appropriate class room
teachers that could also be forwarded to.
SB: Yes. Usually I think how the school district prefers is I send it to the administration
office and they distribute it. It will be more of a To Whom It May Concern or something
and not specific to certain people. If you guys personally know anyone who you think
would be an asset to know about this award I would encourage you to let them know
about it. You can certainly once the letter is approved ask for the word document I can
get it to you to personalize it.
SG: And also faith communities would be another potential assistance.
OT: Have we sent any information concerning this award to the community centers?
SB: It was sent via postcard and through email to the people that I know who work at the
centers. There was a postcard that was generically sent to the community centers
advertising it.
OT: I was just thinking that there may be situations where individuals might want to do
something like this, but doesn't have the support they need to fill it out.
HO: Remember this is the Youth Ally Award and recognizing a leader in the community, and
the youth have to nominate a leader themselves. Any further discussion?
Page 5 of 18
c. Keynote Speaker Breakfast
SB: I included bios for the names that I received and the bios are as good as any Google
search that I could do of the person. When selecting a speaker things to consider are
whether or not they're a good public speaker obviously. Also their ability to engage the
folks who buy tickets to the breakfast, and also encourage those people in the community
to buy tickets to the breakfast. So to a certain extent you are looking for someone who is
well spoken and also someone who will generate rickets sales.
KH: Who have we had in the past?
SB: Last year was Reverend Dial. One year it was Kevin Burt the musician. He actually
being a musician, he sang the keynote.
HO: We've had the diversity office from the university.
SB: Yes Dr. Dodge from The University of Iowa, and also the provost Wallace Loh spoke.
The owner of Thai Flavors, which I know is not the same owner, but the original owner
spoke. The Executive Director of Diversity Focus, Alfred Ramirez has spoken, but he is
no longer the Executive Director. It's been a mix of community and university talent that
has spoken.
HO: Do we have to make a decision this evening?
SB: The concern is that the next meeting is the 215` of August, so you certainly could vote at
that time, but at that time you would probably have to have a runner up and a third runner
up because you're just not guaranteed that that person is going to be available because
advertising would probably start that first week of September. It's doable if you prefer to
wait.
HO: I like the speaker of Zack Wahls. I had the opportunity to hear Zack twice in the
community this year and one this past weekend at the Book Festival. He packed the
senate chamber to an overflowing crowd. He's an exciting speaker. He spoke in front of
the senate assembly on same sex marriages, and he's been traveling all over the United
States, all over the world actually speaking on behalf of same sex marriages. He comes
from a family that is of same sex marriage, and he's really proud of being the son of two
lesbian women. He's a former eagle scout and he has written a book that's out on My
Two Moms, an excellent read.
KH: There have been occasions where his mothers have joined him on his presentations as
well, and I think that's really great.
SG: So are you suggesting or making the motion Harry?
HO: I can't make the motion.
Page 6 of 18
SB: You can, you have full rights just like any other member.
HO: Oh okay good. I'd like to move that we ask Zack Wahls to be our speaker this year.
CG: I'll second it.
HO: Any further discussion?
SG: About the subject matter or Mr. Wahls?
HO: Mr. Wahls and the motion.
SG: I was just going to mention something Mr. Wahls, but as far as what are we
wanting...
HO: We're going to want a second backup person as well tonight too so.
SB: Or you can maybe wait till August if I can make contact, if the motion passes.
SG: I was just going to ask a question. When is the breakfast?
SB: It will either be the last Thursday in October or November 8h.
SG: The reason I'm asking this, this is an election year, and if you're interested to know
anything about counting your votes maybe you could consider Doug Jones. He just
wrote a book about voting and voting rights. Since it's gonna be, if it's in October that
maybe something of interest to the community, maybe not. I'm just throwing it out there
because of the relevance of the issue itself. I know Zack was also in the ACLU Iowa
with his two parents, so I'm familiar with the cause, but I just wondered.
HO: It said he returned to school in the spring from what he indicated, and back to UI to finish
his degree environmental sciences.
SG: So I guess my thought is this. If you all agree or food for thought. This is _ and it
goes beyond the presidential vote and elections, but the subject is important for obvious
reasons. So maybe that would be the year to have somebody to _ that issue, and
having maybe that for next year since he's going back.
CG: My thought was only and I just quickly read this so, is that and I'm not sure what
relevance it has to Human Rights exactly.
SG: Actually to vote I think is an issue.
CG: I mean being able to vote, but I'm not sure again okay.
Page 7 of 18
SG: We're talking about the elderly; we're talking about people that may have difficulty
reaching. We're talking about immigration also because of ID issues. The subject matter
it doesn't have to talk about his book, but he certainly researched it long enough. The
challenges that are facing, _ presenting groups including minorities to actually vote.
OT: You indicated that we were not under the hammer time wise, that we can revisit this at
our next meeting.
SB: No its possible. I mean it would be cutting it close, but it's possible.
OT: I would suggest that we make the decision at our next meeting.
SB: There is a motion out.
KH: Is that because you feel like you need further time to think about other candidates that be
thrown in the pool or?
OT: Yes, and we've got candidates here, but they all basically bring something to the table. I
would just like more time to think about it.
SB: I would just add that if anybody wants to add somebody to make sure you get me those
names so that I can try to find as much information on them and include that in the packet
for August.
HO: I said I can withdraw my motion, I didn't say I would yet, but I will. Can you withdraw
your second Connie?
CG: Oh sure if that's what we want to do. Again I think I was the one that mentioned back to
begin with so I'm kind of favoring him. So I, but I just think that his, obviously his
notoriety is far reaching. He's been on national talk shows and he is a big draw. A lot of
people probably that have been by to see him and may have already seen him because he
has made himself available. I still think you know if we wait on him, I mean this is kind
of prime time for him. I mean in terns of the draw because of the book.
HO: He may not even be available because I know that he's working on pre -state elections
right now, where same sex marriage is coming up on the ballot.
CG: I guess to me he's a local guy and a good speaker and a good draw so, and obviously a
very significant human rights issue. To me he fits all the criteria and then some.
OT: Keep in mind the democratic process you know, that's my feeling, but if the majority
wants to proceed we can do that. If the majority wants to vote today I mean there are
some time issues and things like that, so the democratic process should prevail. If you
guys, the majority wants to proceed with it then you can.
Page 8 of 18
KH: My only concern about holding off is that we could find ourselves in a real quandary if
all of a sudden we don't have anybody that's available. I don't know if they ever do
anything if this is not appropriate, but you know how they do in weddings save the date.
Is there anyway... Zach could you potentially be available. I see both sides of it. I am
kind of leaning towards wanting to vote tonight.
HO: Okay I put my motion back on the table for Zack Wahls as our breakfast speaker. Do I
hear a second?
CG: Yes I'll second it again.
HO: Any further discussion?
Motion: Olmstead moved to ask Zack Wahls to be the keynote, seconded by Goeb.
Motion passed with 4 Commissioners supporting (Olmstead, Harper, Hanrahan, Goeb)
and 2 abstaining (Townsend, Ghoneim).
SB: I can send an email and that way I can alert the Commission via email as to whether or
not it's even going to be possible for him to be the speaker. If that's not possible then
just kind of go where we left off today with speakers.
CG: It wouldn't be a bad idea to keep thinking about other speakers.
d. Ad Hoe Committee on Diversity
SB: This was asked to be placed on the agenda so I really don't have, I mean I put the
information in the packet concerning the Ad Hoc Committee, and it looks like its I in
the packet.
HO: I have a concern that the City Council didn't recognize the Human Rights Commission in
having a seat on this Diversity Committee.
SB: I do know in the memo or in the resolution it allows for current members of city boards
and commissions to apply. So somebody could be a Human Rights Commissioner and
serve on the Ad Hoc Committee. So even though there's not like a specific placement or
a seat saved so to speak, certainly somebody can overlap if they choose to. They just
have to fill out the application, and the application is due next Wednesday July 25`h in the
City Clerk's office by 5 p.m. The City Council actually makes the appointments. It's
similar to the Commission, so it would be up to them who would actually be appointed.
CG: This is an Ad Hoc Committee?
SB: Correct.
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CG: They aren't establishing as a commission. You said that current people could apply and
it would not interfere with the prohibition against serving on two committees or two
commissions?
SB: That's correct. It says members of other city boards and commissions may serve on the
Diversity Committee. The only requirement is that members must be residents of Iowa
City.
SG: I think it's important that at least one of us here at least apply because of the importance
of the issue.
HO: I wonder if Diane Finnerty has an interest.
OT: I submitted an application.
KH: Just to clarify the information isn't here in this memorandum, but the focus of this group
does not conflict with the subcommittee on immigration that we have here.
OT: My understanding is this committee is going to focus on city agencies, specifically
transportation and law enforcement.
SB: It does say that in the memorandum. It says that the resolution establishing an ad hoc
committee to study city operations as they relate to minority populations with the view
toward promoting just and harmonious interactions between local government and
minority segments of the community. Then further down it does say, maybe that's in the
resolution. The charge of the Diversity Committee is to study the operations of the city
transit system, and also to study the operations of city law enforcement including, but not
limited to the Police Citizen's Review Board.
CG: So is this the response to some of our inquiries about the Police Review Board to some
extent?
SB: I think that's fair to say.
SG: And the CRC and the for religious communities subcommittee on race so.
HO: I know the Immigration Voices Project, their Law Enforcement Committee had a meeting
with the mayor a week ago Friday I think it was, and he was very receptive to them and
setting up a meeting with the police chief. I informed them of the Ad Hoc Committee
and I know they are meeting tonight so I think they are going to bring that up as to
whether their items on their agenda.
OT: I think one of the ways that Human Rights Commission can work with the new
committee that any existing information that you feel is pertinent, then you can share that.
Page 10 of 18
SB: And as Commission members you're certainly entitled to send letters of support or both
applications to the City Council. You can call; you can email, but when you email one
you email all so just remember that. But certainly you can say why you think it's
important that he be appointed to the ad hoc.
SG: To the mayor and the City Council, or just the mayor?
SB: I can send the link to the Commission tomorrow morning that tells you how to contact the
City Council, but the way the system is set up if you click on one City Council member it
just goes to all. It doesn't differentiate if you just pick Susan Mims, it's gonna send it to
all seven council members.
HO: Would it be appropriate to have a letter coming right from the Commission in support of
Orville's application?
SB: You can do it as one body or you can do it as individuals.
JH: I motion that the Commission send a letter on behalf of Orville to represent the
Commission.
CG: I think it makes sense.
SG: Unless someone isn't, I mean someone from the Commission doesn't want to be...
OT: I think in all fairness you know since everybody is not here, in all fairness I don't think
we should speak for people that aren't here. So you might want to just do it as
individuals.
SG: Yeah I was thinking actually of impact as well. I think if each one of us who is
supporting the application and encouraging the City Council to consider it and grant it,
that we write an individual letter would have more impact than just a group of one letter.
I've always felt that way on many issues.
HO: We do have a motion; do you want to withdraw your motion?
JH: Yes I would.
e. Immigration Subcommittee
KH: I don't have very much to report for now. The one struggle that we've been having is
finding time where all members can meet. The co -chair Gloria has taken on a new full -
time job that keeps her busy in the evenings, so her only day free is Wednesday and
unfortunately Wednesday evenings is the time when a lot of churches have activities and
events. Now I've just made a call out to see if we could do Wednesday at two or three
Page 11 of 18
hoping that I can find the time and most everyone can come. We've actually not met
since the last time.
HO: Would you let Stefanie know when you meet again so she can send it out to everybody?
KH: Yes.
SG: Have you talked with Charlie (Eastham) or?
KH: He came to the last meeting.
SG: He didn't have anything to add?
KH: Well he came to the last meeting that we had to cancel, and I just happened to go out to
sit in the parking lot I couldn't contact everyone, and he came and I was able to tell him
that we would reschedule. He is on the list of someone to let know when our next
meeting is.
SG: I guess I'm not expressing myself correctly. What I'm saying is the CRC has its own
immigration group, and I wonder if he or them have something to add.
KH: Well I'm hoping and I think that was the intent for him to come to the meeting. If we can
get the members to come together then we are inviting many other people who are
involved in the immigration movement, from The Voices Project and.
SG: Carla.
KH: Maybe you've not seen, but yes Robin Clark- Bennett was going to be coming because
what we know is that there is a lot of passion and a lot of energy for this movement. We
want to try and coordinate some of what we're doing. So now Stefanie is available the
first week in August to tour through the city center to look at signage, and so that's what
we'll talk about at the next meeting, as well as get back the surveys that we have put out
in hopes that we get back more than the 25 that was returned to us last year.
HO: Any further discussion?
E World Human Rights Day Proclamation
HO: Stefanie you were going to contact the UN Association.
SB: It didn't seem like they had any plans to present a proclamation, but then they thought
that that is a great idea. So I included a copy of one that they had done in the past, and
it's not the newest one. It's from 1997, but gives you a feel for what they would probably
present to see kind of which way you were going on the proclamation. One thing I did
note is that this proclamation is very long. I'm not sure that I've ever seen a
Page 12 of 18
proclamation this long be read. I'm not saying it wouldn't, but that maybe something to
keep in mind, I mean it is long.
HO: Right, it's based on the Human Rights Declaration of the UN Declaration of Human
Rights. I brought this forth and I kind of feel that I'd rather withdraw it at this point
being that the UN Association is going to do something. I would just like to remove it
from the table at this point if everybody would agree to that.
SG: I'm confused. What are we supposed to be removing from the table?
HO: The proclamation that I brought forth.
SB: It would be the first one, the one that is entitled proclamation.
SG: The one we put together you mean?
HO: Right.
SG: Why Harry?
HO: Well because the UN Association is going to do something and they are probably in a
better position, and they've done it in the past. We don't want to have two proclamations
for the same thing going to the City Council.
SG: Well I guess I have a different opinion, but that's just me. First of all I don't know
maybe they won't. I mean we're two independent bodies and what's wrong with us
having the proclamation from the Human Rights Commission. After all this is in our
own backyard so to speak and they can do it. Isn't twice having more impact if the
language also could be different, which ours is bit more _ but we can summarize it.
don't know why as a Human Rights Commission go ahead and do it too the City
Council.
HO: How do the rest of you all feel?
KH: Can we do it in conjunction?
SB: I think that's possible. I think there would obviously have to be agreement on the content
of the proclamation if that's the route you wanted to go.
OT: I think I may have mentioned this last time it was brought up, but in terms of red flags,
the length of this is like a red flag for me. International covers everything you know. I'm
more in line with us putting our focus on what's happening locally, dealing with specific
things that, number one we feel need to be addressed, and number two, we have a certain
amount of control over trying to accomplish the outcome. I understand and it's
something that needs to be done, but I'm just having problems understanding you know
why aren't we dealing with it locally.
Page 13 of 18
SG: Maybe because there are some violations of human rights locally.
OT: Why are we dealing with this as a Commission, and don't get me wrong. I'm not saying
it's a bad thing to do. I'm just saying that we've got our local proclamations and things
we're doing, and now we come up with this. What's the value of this?
HO: Any other discussion?
CG: I guess I'm a bit neutral on it. I don't think it's, I mean there's nothing you can that I
disagree with in the proclamation, but it is long. I'm kind of a local person as well in
terms of some of these broad statements are ones that are you know, they sound good but
what do they accomplish in terms of what our role is as a Human Rights Commission. I
mean proclamations in general probably I would put into that category to some extent,
not picking on this proclamation in particular. So it really is you know I think if
somebody else is going to cover, I mean ideally yeah we would like to endorse it or
something when they do it. To me that would be the best way to do it, but I could live
with either outcome.
SG: If we can shorten it. I mean we're obviously if you go to the fourth paragraph from the
bottom it's all about those living in Iowa City from the faith and .... It does start talking
about rights of children, different races. It alludes to immigrants, documented and others;
no one should be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention. I mean it can definitely be cut
down. If you like I can work on that and think about it.
KH: I think I'm with Connie. I'm fairly neutral, however if you were to bring back a
condensed shortened version of this proclamation to put forth to us I would be really
willing to consider that and look at it next rime.
HO: Why don't we do that and then we'll table it another month and work on that.
CG: So December 10h is the actual date of when these declarations are made or is it?
SB: That's the recognition date. The City Council doesn't have their meeting scheduled that
far planned out so I can't tell you when they would be meeting in December.
HO: Any other further discussion?
g. Police Citizen's Review Board
SB: I kind of think Diane might have been the one to request this on the agenda. So I don't
know if anybody else has anything under this topic, but I think it was Diane who
requested it.
SG: I think the reason if I remember correctly it was brought in because we wanted to know
what has the City Council or the mayor has done about the subject matter. We've already
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referred to them to look at the concerns that were shared. Have they reported anything
back to us?
SB: I think they are withholding until the ad hoc committee looks at the PCRB because that
would be part of the ad hoc committee.
HO: At the time of our last meeting the ad hoc committee had not been approved by the City
Council. Any other discussion on the Police Citizen Review Board? Okay updates and
reports on Commissioners.
6. Updates/Reports:
a. Reports of Commissioners
Hanrahan:
No report
Harper:
No report
Goeb:
No report
Ghoneim:
No report
Townsend: Our subcommittee as you know, we were going to put the program together, and
Royceann Porter and another group has some things going on so we're kind of looking at
possibly partnering with them and coming up with something, but we haven't got all the players
at the table yet so. Other than that we've kinda got a change in our planning and nothing has
happened yet.
Olmstead: I just wanted to remind everybody I think Stefanie has forwarded information on the
webinar that will occur this week. I believe in two weeks after that racial justice and racial
assessment. I know the first Thursday the 19th at noon till one or two at Grace Baptist Church on
Clinton Street. I encourage people to try and make that if you can. That's all I had
SB: I think you had a question about the University Human Rights?
SG: Sort of through the grapevine it appears that The University of Iowa is sort of looking
into changing the status of members of the council including the Center of Human
Rights. I was wondering if you had any information Harry since you sit on the board on
that because it's still unclear whether they are going to have the center under a University
department or what, but it may not stay as it has been since its inception.
HO: At out last meeting it was discussed about the funding sources and the funding sources
right now and Ms. Dodge has agreed to schedule a lot of funding for the center. After
that they are not sure, but they do have the Human Rights... (tape ends) I believe my
next meeting is in August and I'll probably have further information at that time.
SG: Do you think we have any role to play here to encourage the University regarding the
importance of such a center and our work with them?
Page 15 of 18
HO: Stefanie can I ask you to answer that. You have more history.
SB: Like a letter in support of continuing?
SG: Yes.
SB: I mean it would be something that the Commission has voted to do in other venues I
guess would be similar, but not exactly that specific. It's certainly something the
Commission can decide if they want to do that or not.
KH: Could you bring some more information...?
HO: I'd like to wait till the August meeting for more information and see where they're
coming from at that point.
OT: I've heard that there is a lot of change going on on the campus. Since this is an area that
you know to centers, an area that we have a definite interest in, would it be appropriate
for the Commission to address a letter to _ indicating that we're heard that there are
some changes occurring, and we are just concerned about the status of the center. We
wonder if she could give us some feedback as to what's going to be happening, and as
always if there's anything we can do to help or enhance the center, we'd more than
willing to do so.
SG: That would be nice, and especially that our chair always sits on the board. We have a
vested interest in
OT: I feel like if we want to get information and we want to get it in a timely manner so that if
there is something we have concerns about and we want to try to do something about it,
it's important that we get accurate information.
SB: It would have to be at another agenda. It's not on the agenda for tonight. So you guys
couldn't take any action anyway so, but I can try to get information too.
OT: It's not on the agenda, but since its come up as a concern can the Commissioners, we as
Commissioners request that you send a letter or does it have to be...
SB: No because that would be asking me to take action, and it's not on the agenda so.
KH: I just had a question for clarification. So we would be receiving board packets
electronically now?
SB: You still have a choice. I think the preference is for people to receive them
electronically. There has been no change in policy as far as staff's ability to send a hard
copy out. Other than Diane who has, she's the only one that I send. Well I send the
electronic to everyone, but she is the only one that I don't send a hard copy to is the better
Page 16 of 18
way to put it. I think it's a preference, but there's been no change in policy as far as our
ability to send it out.
HO: Why don't we just say if anybody wants to just receive the hard copy to let you know, or
receive the electronic to let you know.
b. Report of Staff
SB: The status of complaints is in the packets. I also wanted to mention that there's an ADA
celebration and Harry maybe you can help me out on this. I think it's tentatively
scheduled July 28`h at the Coral Ridge Mall, but last time I checked I didn't have times.
don't know if times have been established. If I get an electronic email concerning the
ADA celebration at the Coral Ridge Mall on July 28`h I will send it to Commissioners.
HO: It's 10:00 to 3:00.
KH: Is now a time where you could explain what the process is for researching and what you
do when a complaint comes to your desk?
SB: I think that's something more for orientation with Commissioners. I can set up a time to
talk to you about it.
HO: When you say during mediation you're saying that two parties are sitting down with a
mediator trying to work it out.
SB: Yes.
HO: And the process is if that doesn't work out then it comes to the Commission?
SB: No. The only time that the Commission, meaning the members of the Commission
would be involved in a complaint is if there's a probable cause determination. If that
complaint is not resolved then there is a semi -role that the Commission in determining
how that, whether that complaint goes on to a public hearing or whether it closed. But
other than that staff handles the complaints and the Commission does not actively
participate in that process.
SG: And the frequency Stefanie in the past say five years for example, has this ever
happened?
SB: No not in my time no. There was one right before I came on that was still on the books,
but no. It's not something that you're going to see a lot, and like I said if anybody wants
more information its best to setup a meeting, but just to give a little background. It's not,
a probable cause one, there's a lot of steps in the way of getting to a probable cause. One
you have mediation, so usually if there's been a harm, it's possible that the respondent
and or the person who is alleged to have discriminated against knows this and so they are
going to try and resolve it in mediation. The second thing is that a complainant has the
Page 17 of 18
right to request a right to sue if a complaint has been on file for longer for 60 days. There
are also exceptions to that, but just generally speaking after 60 days a complainant can
always request a right to sue. A right to sue would be asking us to close the complaint
file that we have and they would be pursuing the matter in a court of law. So there's a lot
of steps to get to a probable cause and some of the ways that the system is set up, those
get filtered either through a right to sue or there is an agreement reached. So you never
get to that point. I don't want people to think it doesn't mean bad things aren't
happening, it's just that usually when those happen you're either gonna read about it in
local newspaper because the person is suing or its gonna be worked out and you wouldn't
hear about it.
HO: Stefanie anything else?
SB: We moved up to the third floor. There is an elevator so it's accessible for everyone
obviously. We want to be up to code, and if any of you have an opportunity it's great.
We have an enclosed space with individual offices and windows that open. It's very
quiet up on the third floor, and it gives us the ability I think to really be seen as a City
Department versus where we were before, which was a great location but it wasn't as
clear, kind of that we were a division of the city. I think now it's very clear so. There are
three offices, so it's Kristin and myself and then we have a student legal intern, which we
have each semester. She has her own office plus there's a bigger office in there that we
are using as a conference room once we get unpacked. So that will be nice too because
when people come in they can go straight up and go to the conference room and not kind
of be in open space like this when they are handling sensitive matters. If you get an
opportunity we like it, we're happy.
Adiournment:
Motion to adjourn at 18:57.
Page 18 of 18
Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2012
(Meetina Datel
KEY:
X = Present O = Absent
O/E = Absent /Excused
NM = No meeting /No Quorum
R = Resigned - = Not a Member
TERM
1011
11/2
12/1
NAME
EXP.
1/17
2/21
3/20
4/17
5/15
6/19
7/17
8121
9/18
6
0
8
Dr. Howard
1/1/13
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
O/E
Cowen
Constance
1/1/13
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
Goeb
Harry
1/1/13
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Olmstead
(8 -1 -2010)
David B.
1/1/14
X
O/E
O/E
O/E
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
Brown
Diane
1/1114
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
Finnerty
Orville
1/1/14
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Townsend,
Sr.
Henri Harper
1/1/15
O/E
X
O/E
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
Kim
1/1/15
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Hanrahan
Shams
1/1/15
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
Ghoneim
Jessie
1/1115
O/E
X
Harper
(Appointed
6-5-12)
KEY:
X = Present O = Absent
O/E = Absent /Excused
NM = No meeting /No Quorum
R = Resigned - = Not a Member
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
Histor
The Iowa City Human Rights Commission (HRC) was established in August 1963 as the
Iowa City Human Relations Commission. In comparison, Des Moines established a
Human Rights Commission in 1955, Davenport in 1962, Dubuque in 1963, Sioux City
and Mason City in 1964, the State of Iowa in 1965, Waterloo 1966 and Ames 1974.
Commission
Nine (9) residents of Iowa City are appointed by the City Council for three year staggered
terms. The Commissioners, all committed to civil rights, reflect a broad cross section of
the community, thus ensuring diversity of ideas and interests. In the appointment process
consideration is given to men and women of various racial, religious, cultural, social and
economic groups within the City.
Meetings
The Commission annually elects a Chairperson and a Vice- Chairperson and holds
monthly meetings in the Helling Conference Room at City Hall on the third Tuesday of
each month at 6:00 p.m. Special meetings are held as needed. The meetings are open to
the public.
Staff
There are two (2) full time staff, a Human Rights Coordinator and a Human Rights
Investigator.
General Duties
• Educate the public on illegal discrimination and civil rights.
• Provide the enforcement necessary to further the goals of the Human Rights
Ordinance.
• Cooperate, within the limits of any appropriations made for its operation, with
other agencies or organizations, both public and private, whose purposes are not
inconsistent with those of the Human Rights Ordinance.
• Coordinate programs designed to eliminate racial, religious, cultural and other
intergroup tensions.
Activities, Education & Outreach of Commission and Staff for Fiscal Year 2012
Iowa: A State of Immigration Display, Host.
28th Annual Iowa City Human Rights Commission Awards Breakfast, Sponsor.
Faces of Iowa City, Co- Sponsor.
The Struggle for LGBT Rights in Uganda: Reverend Mark Kiyimba, Co- sponsor.
Diversity Focus Shift Series: Sir Ken Robinson, Attendee.
Dealing with Difficult Employees Webinar, Participant.
Protect Your Computer, Protect Yourself: Data Risks Facing Municipalities Today, Participant.
University of Iowa National Coalition Building Institute Affiliate Training, Participant.
4a
Black American Gothic, Facilitator.
Laying Claim to Our Spirit: 2011 History Makers Gala, Attendee.
2012 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration of Human Rights Planning Committee, Member.
League of Women Voters of Johnson County — Series on US Constitution, Co- Sponsor.
Save Our Spaceship — Environmental Responsible Action & Awareness, Participant.
Iowa City Noon Lions Club, Presenter.
My Beautiful Self. Johnson County Young Women's Seminar, Contributor.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity March, Participant.
Iowa City Sertoma Club, Presenter.
Wealth Inequality as a Civil Rights Issue: Notes from Legal History, Attendee.
Off Campus Housing Fair, Vendor.
Iowa Women's Music Festival, Vendor.
2012 Police Citizens Review Board Community Forum, Attendees.
Celebrate International Women's Day: Iowa United Nations Night of 1,000 Dinners, Attendee.
Understanding & Managing High Personalities in Legal Disputes, Attendee.
University of Iowa College of Law — Diversity Panel, Attendee.
Return to Mayberry, Attendees.
Million Hoodie March for Trayvon Martin, Participants.
Iowa City in Focus, Feature.
2012 Juneteenth Celebration, Contributor.
Building Blocks to Employment Job Fair Fall & Spring, Sponsor.
2012 University of Iowa's Celebrating Cultural Diversity, Vendor.
2012 Iowa N.E.W. Leadership, Presenter.
Building Relationships & Creating Opportunity in the African American Community: A Panel Of Parents & Youth Of Color, Sponsor.
2012 Iowa City Human Rights Commission Youth Awards, Sponsor.
Open Record & Meeting Laws Board Training, Attendees.
University of Iowa College of Law Professionalism & Diversity in Practice, Attendee.
National Americans with Disabilities Symposium, Attendee.
Webmar Employment Law, Attendee.
Understanding the Adolescent Mind & the Development Impact of Trauma, Attendee.
All About the Benjamin's Seminars, Attendees.
Strengthening & Valuing Latino Communities in Iowa Conference, Contributor.
Bystander Intervention Skills for Difficult Situations Workshop, Participant.
Life Behind the Iron Curtain from A Czech & Slovak Perspective, Co- sponsor.
Lighting the Way for Justice & Peace, Participant.
Student Legal Intern Spring Fall 2011 & Spring 2012, Host.
University of Iowa Human Rights Class, Presenter.
Overview of the Complaint Process
The City Code of Iowa City prohibits discrimination in education, housing, employment,
public accommodation and credit. The characteristics covered are: age, color, creed,
disability, familial status *, gender identity, marital status, national origin,
presence /absence of dependents *, public assistance source of income *, race, religion,
retaliation, sex, and sexual orientation.
*Housing only.
Staff of the Human Rights Commission investigate complaints alleging discrimination.
Staff serves as a neutral fact finder and do not represent either party in the complaint
process.
1. Filing: The complainant (the person who alleges the discrimination) fills out,
signs and dates a complaint form.
2. Jurisdictional Review: A dated and signed complaint is reviewed by staff to
determine whether it meets the legal requirements of the Iowa City Human Rights
Ordinance. A complaint must be filed within three - hundred (300) days of the last
discriminatory act.
a. If the complaint does not meet jurisdictional requirements, the
complainant is notified and the complaint is closed.
3. Notice: A copy of the complaint is mailed to both the complainant and the
respondent within twenty (20) days of the file date.
4. Answer: The respondent is required to answer the allegation of discrimination and
submit any requested records or relevant documents.
5. Right to sue: After the complaint has been on file for sixty (60) days, the
complainant has the option of pursing the matter in a state district court. If this
option is taken staff close the complaint and no further action is taken.
6. Screening: All information is reviewed to determine whether further investigation
is warranted,
7. Further Investigation: Both complainant and respondent may be interviewed and
additional records requested. Witnesses and other persons with knowledge may
also be contacted and interviewed. When the investigation is complete, the
investigator will analyze all the collected information and write an investigative
summary with a recommendation at the end as to whether probable cause exists.
8. Finding: The Human Rights Coordinator reviews the complaint file and the
investigative summary and makes a final decision on whether probable cause
exists.
a. If probable cause is found, the complaint will move to conciliation.
9. Conciliation: The Human Rights Coordinator attempts to conciliate or settle the
complaint.
10. Public Hearing: When conciliation is unsuccessful, the complaint will be
reviewed by the City Attorney who shall form an opinion as to whether the
complaint is litigation worthy and make a recommendation to two (2)
Commissioners. If both members of the Commission wish to proceed contrary to
the recommendation of the City Attorney, the Commissioners may authorize the
Human Rights Coordinator to do so.
Complaint Statistics
Please note some complaints filed in fiscal year 2011 were closed in fiscal year 2012.
Some complaints which were filed in fiscal year 2012 had not been closed by the end of
fiscal year 2012, creating the difference in numbers between those opened and closed.
Most complaints filed cite more than one basis for discrimination so totals will equal
more than fifty nine (59).
Complaint Activity
2
0
COMPLAINTS FILED BY PROTECTED CHARACTERISTIC
2
FY 2011
FY2012
Age
10
15
Color
16
13
Creed
1
1
Disability
16
22
Familial Status
3
g
Gender Identity
0
2
Marital Status
0
5
National Origin
11
3
Presence /Absence of Dependents
3
7
Public Assistance Source of Income
5
1
Race
25
19
Religion
4
4
Retaliation
18
19
Sex
6
8
Sexual Orientation
2
3
COMPLAINTS FILED BY AREA
Credit
2
0
Education
2
3
Employment
33
30
Housing
8
14
Public Accommodation
5
12
Total Cases 50 59
RESOLUTIONS
Mediated
6
2
No Probable Cause
9
7
Administrative Closure
3
8
Right To Sue*
2
0
Lack of Jurisdiction'
4
5
Satisfactorily Adjusted*
0
0
Withdrawn
2
2
Total Number of Resolutions
26
24
*Complaints that are mediated, satisfactorily adjusted or where a right to sue is requested
reflect complaints that could have been probable cause determinations.
Summary
Employment is still the largest area in which complaints were filed (30), followed by
housing (14) and public accommodation (12). Disability (22) is the most common
characteristic cited for the alleged discriminatory conduct. Race and retaliation tie for
second (19) followed by age (15). It took, on average, 222 days to resolve complaints in
fiscal year 2012.
In comparison, (33) complaints were filed in the area of employment, (8) in housing and
(5) in public accommodation in fiscal year 2011. The characteristic cited the most was
race (25) retaliation was second most cited reason (18). It took, on average, 113 days to
resolve a complaint in fiscal year 2011.
' `Lack of Jurisdiction' refers to complaints that allege discrimination on a basis or
in an area not covered by local law. Lack of jurisdiction could also include
complaints that allege conductlactivity that even if true would not violate local anti-
discrimination laws. Complainants are referred to appropriate agencies for
assistance whenever possible. Examples would include Wage & Hour, the Family
Medical Leave Act, or Workers Compensation.
Plans for Fiscal Year 2012
♦ Sponsor public forums on issues pertinent to human & civil rights in the community.
♦ Update educational materials on civil rights. Make sure materials are available in
large quantity to all in the community.
♦ Translate outreach materials into Spanish.
♦ Offer training on local anti - discrimination law.
♦ Provide fair housing training to City Boards and Commissions.
Outreach to the community on how to file a civil rights complaint.
Commissioners
Harry Olmstead, Chair
January 1, 2010 —December 31, 2012
Dr. Howard Cowen
January 1, 2010 — December 31, 2012
Diane Finnerty
January 1, 2011 — December 31, 2013
Shams Ghoneim
January 1, 2012 — December 31, 2015
Constance Goeb, Vice Chair
January 1, 2010 —December 31, 2012
Kim Hamahan
January 1, 2012 — December 31, 2012
Jessie Harper
January 1, 2012 — December 31, 2013
Dan Tallon
July 21, 2012 — December 31, 2015
Orville Townsend, Sr.
January 1, 2011— December 31, 2013
July 25, 2012
Dear Vendor,
The 19`h Iowa Women's Music Festival (IWMF) is coming up on Saturday, September 1, 2012. We invite you
to join us for this free, outdoor festival from 12:00 — 6:00 PM in Upper City Park in Iowa City.
It should be a fabulous lineup during the day, including Kim -Char Meredith, Emjay, Coles Whalen, Big Bad
Gina, Lisa Ferraro & Erika Luckett, Sharon Jackson Band, Camille Bloom & The Recovery. Check out the
IWMF web site at http: / /www.prairievoices.net for more information about all of the festivities.
Vendors will be set up at the periphery of the audience with a clear view of the stage. This arrangement allows
festival -goers the opportunity to browse and purchase merchandise while listening and watching the stage
performers. Below is key information for vendors:
Vendors provide their own tables, displays, and staff. You'll also need to set up your area and then remove
your merchandise at the end of the day. Arrive for set -up any time after 9 a.m. on Saturday. Please plan to
vend until 5:30 p.m. as the festival expects a large crowd through that time. Important Note: At the rain
location (The Mill, 120 E Burlington St, Iowa City), vending space is extremely limited (and mostly outdoors). In
the event of rain, vending fees will only be refunded upon written request by mail or e-mail.
City of Iowa City policy prohibits driving vehicles on the grass in the park. Please plan accordingly.
Vendor fees are the same as last year:
Space for artisans, crafters, and businesses - $30.00
Space for non - profit organizations - $15.00
Recognition as a Friend of the Festival - additional $10.00 (additional donations welcome!)
Prairie Voices Productions strives to make this festival affordable and a great experience for vendors. All
vendors are welcome. Please find the IWMF Vendor Application enclosed. Please include a description of
your work and all types of products that you'll be selling. The vendor application form includes a list of product
categories. Mark all that apply and add additional descriptions as necessary. Please mail vendor
applications and payment by August 25, 2012.
There can be no refunds unless the outdoor festival is relocated due to rain. Day -of- festival registrations are
welcome, but there are no guarantees regarding space availability. If you are planning to register on the day of
the festival, please e-mail melea.whitea-gmail.com to let us know to expect you.
Thank you so much for your support of the 19th Annual Iowa Women's Music Festival! For more information
about the festival, please contact: Laurie Haag at the Women's Resource & Action Center, 319 - 335 -1486 or
email laurie- haagauiowa edu.
If you have questions specific to vending, please contact melea white, vendor coordinator, at 319.431.6937 or
melea.whiteOgmail com.
Hope to see you there!
.2A
IOWA WOMEN'S MUSIC FESTIVAL
ARTS AND CRAFTS APPLICATION FORM
www.prairievoices.net
Please print or type.
Name of business /organization
Contact
Street Address
State
Email Day Phone
Zip Code
Evening Phone
Circle your predominant (70 %) product category. Select only ONE
2 -D art music
3 -D art jewelry
metal personal services (massage, etc.)
books ritual tools, healing arts
ceramics /pottery pro -women political products /infonnation
clothing -mass produced glass
clothing- custom made basketry
musical instruments leather
woodworking fiber art
paper products (cards, posters, etc.) other
Are your products made by women? Yes No
Is the majority (50 % +) of the business women - owned? Yes No
Are the products made by the applicant? Yes No
Average price of products sold:
Please provide a brief description of merchandise and attach it to this form. Slides are optional;
however, a written description of the merchandise must still be included. For return of slides, please
send SASE.
Booth fee must be paid in advance by check or money order made out to:
Iowa Women's Music Festival
P.O. Box 3411
Iowa City, IA 52244 -3411
Please circle the appropriate fees(s) paid:
Artisans, crafters, businesses (booth only) - $30.00
Non - profit organizations (booth only) - $15.00
Recognition as a Friend of the Festival — additional $10.00
WAIVER: Although every precaution will be taken to guard against loss or damage to all merchandise in
the area, I hereby waive any claim of loss or damage to my products. I agree to assume full responsibility
for my merchandise.
Signature of crafter /organization representative
Date
August 15, 2012
Jane Doe
1111 ABS Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Ms. Doe,
� r
®�mot
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240 -1826
(3 19) 356 -5000
(3 19) 356 -5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
Due to your heavy involvement with youth in the community, the City of Iowa City Human
Rights Commission would like to share information about our most recent Award —Youth Ally.
The City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission Youth Ally Award recognizes an adult, who has
inspired local youth to become involved in human rights activities and initiatives either locally
or abroad. The Youth Ally Award is an Award where youth in the community nominate an adult
for special recognition. The Award recognizes an adult who through their work and trust in area
youth have empowered youth in the Iowa City area. The adult selected by the Human Rights
Commission to receive recognition will receive a Certificate of Appreciation presented at the
annual Youth Awards Program in May of 2013. We simply ask that you assist us in spreading the
word about this Award to the youth of this community and to circulate the Youth Ally
nomination form to the youth. Nomination forms will be available in the spring of 2013 on our
website at www.icaov.org /humanrights. Please call 319 - 356 -5022 or email humanrishts@iowa-
citvors if you would like further information concerning the Youth Ally Award.
Sincerely,
City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission
sa
2006 Person of the Year: Rudolph Juarez I Iowa City Press Citizen I press- citizen.com Pagel of 5
-ORS CARS HOME,, APARTMENTS CL4SSIF*D¢-,PLACEANAD CEALS" we IN SUBSCRIBE ACINATE EMEMPAPER HELP
News I Hawk Central I Prep sports I Obituanes I Opinion Data I Life
FEATURED: Local'IV'rIMS Movie finks Group photos CDUpon Man, Fied wha!yodarC lookln0 fol _ SEARCH
2006 Person of the Year: Rudolph Juarez
Shepherding us through the storm
4.43 PM_ Nov H3,2010 I Comment.
5b
http: / /www. press - citizen .com /articlel999999991NEWS01 /71231011 /2006- Person - Year- Rud... 7/9/2012
2006 Person of the Year: Rudolph Juarez I Iowa City Press Citizen I press- citizen.com Page 2 of 5
AA
The Rev Rudolph Juarez gives communion to Jack Raiff. of Mind,,, Iowa., as he holds his daughter ruling the Easter
service for the St. Pamdt's parish whirl was held at Regina High School on Al hl 16.2006 St. Patrick's Gulch suffered
severe damage when tornadoes ripped through the area. / Press Citizen file photo
wri n
Print.
When this ears Holy Thursday service began an at St. Patrick's
Editorial Board
Peron of the Year
Catholic Church, there was little indication that tornado damage to
the Iowa City landmark would become the story of the year. As
FILED UNDER
parishioners sang and meditated on Christ's agony in the Garden of
News
Gethsemane -- the scene before his trial and execution on Good
Local News
Friday -- the National Weather Service issued a tornado watch.
Regina High School
When the service let out, most of the parishioners had to dash
across Court Street to avoid the rain, but about 40 stayed in the
sanctuary to pray the rosary led by the parish priest, the Rev.
Rudolph Juarez. Surrounded by the statues and images of heroes
and saints, the congregation offered prayers centuries old as a
funnel cloud began to form a few miles to the southwest.
Without the tornadoes, it's unlikely that the Press - Citizen Editorial
Board would have chosen Juarez as the 2006 Person of the Year.
But for years before that April event, Juarez
Related had been working on local and national
Links
2007 Person of the Year. Alul Nekhasi
levels. Raised in Davenport in a bilingual
home, Juarez has long worked to ensure
2005 Persons of the Year: The James Gang social justice for everyone, regardless of
2004 Person of the Year Susan Craig immigration status.
2003 Person of the Year: Marc Moen
2002 Person of the Year Kirk Ferentz
2001 Person of the Year: Dick Schwab
2000 Persons oflhe Year: Engled Civic Theatre
Group
1999 Person of the Year: Melanie Doubiany
Friedman and Jennifer McCarty
2008 Person of the Year: Christopher Merrill
20D9 Person of the Year: The BarbouRoske Family
Juarez came to Iowa City in 2004 in part to
reach out to the Hispanic community. After
he moved the Saturday -night Spanish -
language Mass to Sunday, suddenly
attendance skyrocketed from about 30 to
between 100 and 200 every week. Soon, the
Parish Council included Spanish- speaking
members and the church began providing
religious education in Spanish.
x
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http: / /www.press- citizen .com /article /99999999/NEWSO 1 /71231011 /2006- Person - Year- Rud... 7/9/2012
2006 Person of the Year: Rudolph Juarez I Iowa City Press Citizen I press - citizen.com Page 3 of 5
"I think that the fact that we opened the doors to more people has
led them to be more involved in the community," Juarez told the
Press - Citizen for his profile in the special section, Heart & Soul.
When the tornadoes hit
Juarez points out that when the tornado sirens went off, he didn't
immediately grasp the danger of the situation. When Deacon
Jerome Miller suggested that the congregation move to the
basement of the rectory next door, Juarez agreed. When the group
of worshipers later emerged, they saw what would become the
main icon of the Iowa City storms to be printed in newspapers and
on Web sites across the nation that night: St. Patrick's Church
poised against an ominous sky, its roof ripped off and its support
beams standing naked to the elements.
Thus began a new role for Juarez: helping his spiritual community
and broader Iowa City make sense of what had happened. His
Easter sermon -- delivered three days later at Regina High School's
gym -- focused on Jesus' statement that "I can tear down this
temple in and raise it up in three days." Although Jesus' metaphor
was referred to his upcoming death and resurrection, Juarez
focused on the hope such a sentiment provides for any community.
Indeed, he helped explain how all communities simultaneously are
shaped by and transcend the physical structures they inhabit.
In its more than a century of life, the building housing St. Patrick's
parish was more than just the home of a religious community. It
was a center of social life. Even with the loss of this historic
treasure, however, we need to celebrate that Juarez didn't lose any
of his flock that night. As dangerous as the tornadoes were, the
damage could have easily been that much worse.
Ministering to the city
To single out the ministerial role that Juarez played on a citywide
scale is not to diminish the other individual and collective responses
to the tornadoes. The Salvation Army brought its canteen to help
feed and to provide water to those clearing the debris and those
just trying to figure out where they should start the cleanup.
MidAmerican workers quickly restored power to thousands of
residents, and the company made a hefty donation toward the city's
cleanup efforts. Helen Burford of Friends of Historic Preservation
helped homeowners secure thousands of dollars in grants so they
would be able to restore their homes in a manner that retains their
neighborhoods' sense of history. And thousands of individuals lent
supplies and manpower to help neighbors and strangers return
their homes and businesses to some sense of normal.
But Juarez became a symbol for the entire community when the
media spotlight was turned on him. With Roman Catholic parishes
throughout the nation already struck by the tornado -level fallout of
the national priest abuse scandals, and with the Diocese of
Davenport later declaring bankruptcy to defend itself against
several lingering lawsuits, Juarez was one of many Catholic
officials trying to figure out how best to serve the faithful in Iowa
http: / /www.press- citizen. corn/ articlel99999999/NEWS01171231011 /2006- Person - Year- Rud... 7/9/2012
2006 Person of the Year: Rudolph Juarez I Iowa City Press Citizen I press - citizen.com
city.
Through it all, Juarez's steadfast nature and spiritual advice has
earned him praise and commendations. It's often joked that he is
playing the role of Moses leading the members of St. Patrick's
parish to the promised land — somewhere on Iowa City's east side.
Sometimes an individual's effect on a community is measured by
how well he or she develops and implements a vision for growth. At
other times, people are evaluated how well they respond to forces
outside their control. Juarez excels in both categories.
Because of his experience ministering to Iowa City's diverse
population, Juarez was well prepared to expand his ministry to a
citywide level when his church was thrown unexpectedly into the
middle of the biggest story of the year.
For helping to shepherd us all through the storm -- as well as for his
continued leadership in a time of change for the city's Catholic and
Hispanic populations - -we name the Rev. Rudolph Juarez as the
Press- Citizen's 2006 Person of the Year.
Send your nominations for Person of the Year to
opinion @press- citizen.com.
View Comments I Share your thoughts a
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Douglas W. Jones
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
This article is about the computer scientist. For other uses of the name Douglas Jones,
see Doujz Jones.
Douglas W. Jones is a computer scientist at the University of low a. His research focuses
primarily on computer security, particularly electronic voting. Together with Barbara Simons,
Jones has published a book on electronic voting entitled Broken Ballots: Will Your Vote
Count? .M Jones's most widely cited work centers on the evaluation of priority queue
implementations .M This work has been credited with helping relaunch the empirical study of
algorithm performance.0 In related work, Jones applied s1214Y trees to data compression and
developed algorithms for applying parallel computing to discrete event simulation. 14 ][5][61 Jones's
PhD thesis was in the area of capability -based addressing, and he has occasionally published on
other aspects of computer architecture U He has published work on computer architecture on an
occasional basis, such as his proposal for a one instruction set computer. s
Jones' involvement with electronic voting research began in 1994, when he was appointed to the
Iowa Board of Examiners for Voting Machines and Electronic Voting Systems. He chaired the
board from 1999 to 2003, and has testified before the United States Commission on Civil
Rights,u the United States House Committee on Sciencel10l and the Federal Election
Corain on"" on voting issues. In 2005 he participated as an election observer for the
presidential election in Kazakhstan. Jones was the technical advisor for HBO's documentary on
electronic voting machine issues, "Hacking Democracy ", that was released in 2006. LZ He was a
member of the ACCURATE electronic voting project from 2005 to 2011. On Dec. 11, 2004, the
Election Assistance Commission appointed Douglas Jones to the Technical Guidelines
Development Committee.
Jones received a B.S. . in physics from Carnegie Mellon University in 1973, and a M.S. . and Ph.D.
in computer science from the University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign in 1976 and 1980
respectively.
$*GWEN SAUOTS
University of Iowa Professor of Computer Science, Douglas Jones, will read from his new book, Broken
Ballots: Will Your Vote Count? For many of us, the presidential election of 2000 was a wake -up call. The
controversy following the vote count led to demands for election reform. But the new voting systems that were
subsequently introduced to the market have serious security flaws, and many are confusing and difficult to use.
Moreover, legislation has not kept up with the constantly evolving voting technology, leaving little to no legal
recourse when votes are improperly counted. Broken Ballots is a thorough and incisive analysis of the current
voting climate that approaches American elections from technological, legal, and historical perspectives. It is
also a vital tool for any voting American.
Amy Weismann, is an alumna of Bryn Mawr College (1993, A.B.) and the University of Iowa College
of Law (2000 J.D. with Distinction). Amy has served as an attorney in the Iowa City based general
practice firm, the Larew Law Office, as a Law Clerk for the judges of the Seventh Judicial District of
Iowa, and as a Legal Intern in the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for the
Former Yugoslavia in The Hague. Amy also assisted the Women's Caucus for Gender Justice with the
editing of the final judgment produced by the Women's International War Crimes Tribunal 2000 for the
trial of Japanese military sexual slavery. Prior to law school, Amy was a humanitarian aid worker in
refugee camps in the former Yugoslavia, and a resettlement caseworker for the Lutheran Immigration
and Refugee Services affiliate offices in Eastern Iowa. She is currently the Deputy Director of the
UICHR. For more information about the course content Amy Weismann may be contacted at amy-
weismann(kuiowa edu or 319 - 335 -0483.
r
�'_. -- -4 CITY OF IOWA CITY ►Ps
h MEMORANDUM
Date: May 30, 2012
To: City Council
From: Thomas M. Markus, City Man
Eleanor Dilkes, City Attomey Manager
Marian Karr, City Clerk *Wwp d
Re: Council discussion re: Resolution establishing an ad hoc committee to study city
operations as they relate to minority populations with a view toward promoting just
and harmonious interaction between local government and minority segments of the
community.
Introduction:
in an effort to facilitate council discussion regarding the subject of an ad hoc committee, staff
has identified a number of items for council deliberation.
History/Background:
The council adopted a resolution entitled Resolution Regarding Diversity Issues adopted on
May 15, 2012, which called for the creation of an ad hoc committee as described above.
Discussion of Solutions:
In order to create the ad hoc committee, the following issues need to be addressed:
1. Number of members: We recommend a committee of five or seven members. A
committee of this size will be able to meet and make progress on the council determined
scope of work. The City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk, or their designees, will
staff the committee, serving as a resource to the committee as it crafts its
recommendations to the Council.
2. Committee membership: There are a number of ways to determine membership. We
suggest that the Council accept applications in accordance with its normal procedure for
filling vacancies on boards and commissions. The resolution creating the committee can
be provided as part of the application process to inform applicants of the tasks of the
committee.
3. Committee chairperson: Council members should name both a chair and a vice chair to
serve in the absence of the chair.
4. Scope of committee work: This may be the most difficult and critical task of the City
Council in the establishing the committee. In order for the work of the committee to be
meaningful and for the work to be accomplished within the expected time frame
established by council, we would encourage the council to be very specific about the
charge to the committee, identifying no more items than can be effectively addressed in
the time allotted. Assuming the committee is successful with the first items, a second
version of the committee could later be established for other items to be studied.
5. Duration of work: 6 months is a typical length of time for an ad hoc committee to meet.
The 6 months would begin as soon as the committee members are appointed and the
resolution would state the date on which recommendations must be submitted to
Council. Based on the length of the application process we expect that a reasonable
5c
May 30, 2012
Page 2
start date would be late August or early September. The resolution will specify the
beginning date and the date by which recommendations must be submitted to Council.
Should the need arise the committee could request an extension of time from the
Council.
6. Frequency of Meetings: We suggest that the committee set their own meeting schedule
in a way that will best facilitate the work of the committee. We do note, however, that
most committees meet, on a regular basis, once a month and that if the expectation is
that the committee will meet more often, this should be communicated in the call for
applicants.
Financial Impact:
The committee is advisory to the City Council, and therefore, any financial impact would be
assessed at the time Council considers the recommendations. The work of the committee
should not impact budget as most of the staff time will be by salaried employees or employees
working during normal working hours. It is possible that the City could have an employee
working overtime or secure an outside service for minute taking but the cost should be minor.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council review this memo and determine what direction the
Council believes is appropriate for inclusion in a resolution establishing the Diversity Ad Hoc
committee.
Zs
Prepared by: Susan Dulek, Asst. City Atty., 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 (319) 356 -5030
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AN AD HOC DIVERSITYCOMMITTEE TO STUDY CITY
OPERATIONS AS THEY RELATE TO MINORITY POPULATIONS
WHEREAS, the population of Iowa City is becoming increasingly racially diverse; and
WHEREAS, on May 15, 2012, City Council passed a resolution of intent to establish an ad hoc
committee to study City operations as they relate to minority populations with a view toward
promoting just and harmonious interaction between local government and minority segments of
the community (Resolution No. 12 -260).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA
CITY, IOWA, THAT:
1. The Ad Hoc Diversity Committee is established.
2. The Diversity Committee shall consist of seven (7) members to be appointed by the City
Council. Members of other City boards and commissions may serve on the Diversity Committee.
Members must be residents of Iowa City.
3. Applications for membership on the Diversity Committee shall be announced, advertised,
and available in the same manner as those for all City boards and commissions.
4. City Council shall select the Chair, who when present will preside over all meetings, and
the Vice - Chair, who will serve as chair in absence of the Chair.
5. The City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk, or their designees, shall staff the Diversity
Committee.
6. The Diversity Committee shall determine the frequency and conduct of its meetings. The
meetings will be open to the public in accordance with Chapter 21 of the Iowa Code.
7. The Diversity Committee shall have an organizational meeting no later than September
10, 2012.
8. The charges of the Diversity Committee are as follows:
A. To study the operation of the City's transit system, including but not limited to the
downtown interchange, as it relates to minority populations with a view toward
promoting just and harmonious interaction between City government and minority
segments of the community.
B. To study the operations of City law enforcement, including but not limited to the
Police Citizen Review Board (PCRB), as it relates to minority populations with a
view toward promoting just and harmonious interaction between City government
and minority segments of the community.
Resolution No.
Page 2
9. The Diversity Committee shall submit a written report to the City Council by March 10,
2013, that responds to each of the charges listed above and that contains recommendations, if
any, with respect to each of the charges.
10. Absent further action by the City Council, the Diversity Committee will dissolve on March
10, 2013.
Passed and approved this day of 12012.
MAYOR
ttc)-,�ATTEST: 6 13 -/ �L'
CITY CLERK City Attorney's Office
� Z CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: August 10, 2012
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Re: Council Work Session, July 31, 2012, 5:07 PM in Emma J. Harvat Hall
Council: Champion, Dickens, Dobyns, Hayek, Mims, Payne, Throgmorton
UISG Rep: None
Staff: Markus, Bentley, Dilkes, Karr, Davidson, Moran, O'Brien, Boothroy, Fosse,
Rummel, Dulek
(A complete transcription is available in the City Clerk's Office and the City website)
COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS [Agenda #17]
Diversity Committee — Bakhit Bakhit
Kingsley Bothchway, Chair
Joe Dan Coulter
Donna Henry
Cindy Roberts, Vice -chair
Orville Townsend, Sr.
Joan Vanden Berg
Airport — Christine Ogren
HCDC — reappoint Jarrod Gatlin
Human Rights — Dan Tallon
PCRB — reappoint Royceann Porter
QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL RE PLANNING & ZONING ITEMS
4f. AMENDING CERTAIN PARAGRAPHS WITHIN TITLE 14, ZONING CODE, ARTICLES
2A AND 28, TO EXEMPT BLOCKS WITH THREE OR FEWER HOME LOTS FROM
FRONT SETBACK AVERAGING. (SECOND CONSIDERATION)
PCD Dir. present for discussion.
QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL RE AGENDA ITEMS
1. (Consent Calendar # 2d(7) - ... resolution authorizing ... agreement between City of Iowa
City and National Development Council regarding Community and Economic Development
Advisement.) In response to Council Member Throgmorton, Council agreed to pull the item
from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration and allow time for PCD Dir. Davidson
to provide information to the public prior to passage.
2. (Consent Calendar # 2d(1) — ... setting a public hearing ... Normandy Drive Restoration
Project.) City Clerk Karr stated staff has requested that this item be deleted from the
Consent Calendar, not acted upon at this time, and will be placed on another agenda.
Council Work Session
July 31, 2012
Page 2
3. (Agenda Item # 8— ordinance amending Title 10 ... to regulate sidewalk cafes primarily by
policy and administrative rules.) In response to Council Member Payne, Mayor Hayek
stated separate consideration of this item is scheduled later in the work session agenda.
4. (Consent Calendar # 2f (8) — M. K. Parnell re Greyhound Bus Service) In response to
Council Member Throgmorton, a majority agreed to direct staff to provide options that might
be implemented to recoup costs of Megabus operating in the City.
POTENTIAL URBAN / BACKYARD CHICKEN ORDINANCE [IP #31
City Manager Markus and HIS Dir. Boothroy presented information. Majority directed staff to
contact (Cluck for input and refer the matter to Planning & Zoning for review and a
recommendation.
STAFF ACTION: Proceed as outlines. (Boothroy)
PROPOSED CHANGES IN EAST SIDE LOOP BUS ROUTE
Transportation Services Dir. O'Brien presented a power point (archived with City Clerk).
Majority agreed to proceed.
STAFF ACTION: Proceed as outlined, and develop pamphlet information for distribution.
PARKING SPACES [AGENDA #8 ]
Public Works Dir. Fosse presented a power point. Transportation Services Dir. O'Brien present
for discussion. Council agreed to:
• changing the approval process from ordinance to administrative regulations approved by
resolution
• approved expanding the regulations to include governing cafes in the street
• approved expanding the regulations to include cafes in planters outside of City Plaza
• approved fees of $5 per square foot standard; $10 per square foot on a platform; and $12
per day if using a parking area
STAFF ACTION: Recommend waiving second consideration of the ordinance passage of
the ordinance on sidewalk cafes and prepare resolution for August 21 agenda approving
administrative regulations as outlined. (Fosse)
INFORMATION PACKET DISCUSSION [July 12, 19, 26]
➢ July 12
No discussion
➢ July 19
No discussion
➢ July 26
(IP7- Riverfront Crossings Multiuse Parking Facility) In response to Council Member
Throgmorton, PCD Dir. Davidson stated the new RFP for the facility would be presented
to Council for discussion regarding: energy efficiency, some student housing, and city
financial incentives. Transportation Services Dir. O'Brien present for discussion.
Council Work Session
July 31, 2012
Page 3
COUNCIL TIME / PENDING WORK SESSION TOPICS [IP #6]
Council Member Throgmorton requested a status report of the City's efforts re mitigate
measures against climate changes. Staff will provide a memo.
MEETING SCHEDULE / UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS /COUNCIL INVITATIONS [IP#61
Council Members agreed to the following KXIC radio schedule:
August 1- Throgmorton
August 8 - Hayek
August 15 - Champion
August 22 - Dickens
August 29 - Mims
September 5 - Dobyns
September 12 - Payne
September 19 - Dickens
:d with Council Member Dobyns recommendation to dissolve the Youth Advisory
and engage youth when a particular charge or need arises.
(Recessed to formal meeting 6:50 PM; returned to work session 8:40 PM)
Council Member Throgmorton suggested certain Boards be authorized or instructed to have
joint meetings annually with certain others, such as: PCRB & Human Rights; Planning and
Zoning & HCDC; and Planning and Zoning & Parks & Recreation. Majority agreed to revisit the
suggestion at a later time.
Council Member Throgmorton suggested that Council consider opening applications to the
Board of Appeals to nonresidents of the City. No decision was made at this time.
STAFF ACTION: Prepare resolution dissolving the Youth Advisory Commission for
consideration on the August 21st agenda. (Karr)
Meeting adjourned 8:50 PM.
Proclamation
Whereas, recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all
members of Iowa City's various religious, racial, ethnic and cultural communities is
the foundation of freedom, justice and peace;
Whereas, those living in the City of Iowa City have reaffirmed their faith in fundamental
human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human being and in the equal rights of
men and women, and have determined to promote social progress, justice, and
better standards of life in larger freedom;
Now, Therefore, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa proclaim
this affirmation of rights as a common standard of achievement for all who live,
work, pray and strive to raise their children, to the end that every individual and
every organ of society, shall strive to promote respect for these rights and freedoms
and to secure their effective recognition and observance, among all of our
communities:
l.All people are equal before the law and are entitled without discrimination to equal
protection, irrespective of race, color, sex, language religion, political or other
opinion, national, ethnic, or social origin, property, disability, or birth or that of
their parent(s).
2.No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
3.No one should be subjected to arbitrary interference with one's privacy, family,
home or correspondence, or to attacks upon one's honor and reputation. Everyone
has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.
4.Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, color, nationality,
disability, gender, ethnicity, or religion, have the right to marry and to a family
that is entitled to recognition and protection by society and this City.
5.All persons have the right to freedom of thought, conscience, of peaceful
assembly & association in conformity with valid promulgations of the City, and
freedom of religion; this right includes freedom to change one's religion or belief,
and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to
manifest one's religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.
6.Ethnic, religious, or racial profiling is not allowed because it can send a
dehumanizing message that people are judged by the color of their skin, their
religion, or their ethnicity and harms the City's criminal justice system by
eviscerating the trust that is necessary if law enforcement is effectively to protect
our communities. Recognition of the diversity of the community is of paramount
importance in preventing the isolation and alienation of persons that may give rise
to gang membership or other illicit associations of concern to municipal law
enforcement.
7.The marginalization of any population pursuant to official policy, practice or
procedure is contrary to the interests of the citizens of the City of Iowa City. Iowa
City will not tolerate any deprivation of rights, privileges or immunities, nor life,
liberty or property, without due process of law nor the denial of the equal
protection of the laws solely on account of any person being an alien, or on
account of any person's color or race.
8.A11 (residents are entitled to the protection by the City's police, fire, housing, health,
5e
utilities, and building departments and to unfettered access to the Municipal Court
of the City of Iowa City.
9.In order to facilitate the performance by all residents of their respective duties and
responsibilities, freedom from fear or reprisal is essential. All residents are
encouraged to participate in the civic and governmental affairs of the City of Iowa
City without fear of reprisal.
10. The undersigned recognize and understand that federal and state law may operate
to preempt or supersede one or more of the foregoing provisions and in such case
the City acknowledges and shall conduct itself in accordance therewith.
Proclamation
Whereas, the City of Iowa City 6eo � � — ^ comment [5x17: a�mo�cn :mM
promoting the belief that cultural diversity and individualism enhance our
environment, doing honor to the different nations, religions, races and ethnicities _- C mment[seu, msen reug en,reces
represented in our community;
Whereas, the City of Iowa City has been blessed with a vibrancy and beauty that Is
the envy of many municipalities throughout the nation;
Whereas, the City has attracted visitors from around the world, many of whom have
determined to remain and to become members of our community;
Whereas, recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights
of all members of the City's various religious, racial, 'ethnic and cultural Commeot[ss3[:msen re 1.1
communities is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace;
Whereas, disregard and contempt for human rights in the world have resulted in
acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in
which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech i, movement '„ belief and _ - cemmeM [seal: msen movemem
freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the
common people;
Whereas, it is essential, that human rights should be guaranteed and protected by
the rule of law;
Whereas, it is essential to promote the development of amiable relations among the
City's diverse communities;
Whereas, those living in the City of Iowa City have reaffirmed their faith in
fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human being and in the
equal rights of men and women, and have determined to promote social progress
and better standards of life in larger freedom;
Whereas, the City of Iowa City should strive to achieve, in cooperation with Johnson
County and with the State of Iowa, the promotion of universal respect for and
observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms;
Whereas, a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest
importance for the full realization of this pledge;
Now, Therefore, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa
proclaim this affirmation of rights as a common standard of achievement for all who
live, work, pray and strive to raise their children, to the end that every individual
1e
and every organ of society, shall strive to promote respect for these rights and
freedoms and to secure their effective recognition and observance, among all of
our communities:
1. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are
endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of
respect and brotherhood and sisterhood. Comment [sss]: msertend slsrernaod
2. All people are entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this
Proclamation, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language,
religion, 'disability, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, _ - CommenQSBS]:InsertatsebIky
birth or that of their parent(s).
I All people have the right to life, liberty and security of person and property.
(Foreigners, who are, or may hereafter become, bona fide residents of this City, shall _ - Comma st [sB7]: insert NCncituen
enjoy the same rights in respect to the possession, enjoyment, and inheritance of
property, as native born citizens.
4. All people have the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the
law.
5. All people are equal before the law and are entitled without discrimination to
equal protection of the law, irrespective of race, color, sex, language religion, political or
other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, or birth or that of their
parent(s).
6. No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
7. All people are entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an
independent and impartial tribunal as to any criminal charge against that person.
8. No one should be subjected to arbitrary interference with one's privacy,
family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon one's honor and reputation.
Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.
9. Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, color,
nationaliti disability , gender, �thnicity or religion, have the right to marry and to)eendl a comment [SBB]: insert disabl Ry, gender,
family. The family is the natural and fundamental unit of society and is entitled to commas t[sBS]: Remcve rcond
recognition and protection by that society and this City.
10. Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with
others. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of one's property.
11. All persons have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this
right includes freedom to change one's religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in
community with others and in public or private, to manifest one's religion or belief in
teaching, practice, worship and observance.
12. The marginalization of any population pursuant to official policy, practice or
procedure is contrary to the interests of the Oizens of the C_ it of Iowa City._ .
, Comment [selol: lnten retmex
not - °gnst ' aw asumentAd irruniar nr neither is it a Cit y that _
will tolerate any deprivation of rights, privileges or immunities, nor life, liberty or
Wmmfint[SB111: Remove This City is note
sanctuary for ummocumented lmmigrams ofany
property, without due process of law nor the denial of the equal protection of the laws
^ donaliry
solely on account of any person being an alien, br on account of any person's color or - _
Comment ISS111: turn. comma
race.
13. All people have the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association in
conformity with valid promulgations of the City.
14. All people have the right to freely participate in the cultural life of the
community and to enjoy the arts and recreation available within the City.
15. Ethnic ,religious, or racial profiling. is not _allowed because it can send a ,-
Comment [5 UD]meatrelvlou:
dehumanizing message that people are judged by the color of their skin 'their
,
religion,tor their ethnicity and harms the City's criminal justice system by eviscerating the
Comment [sB1a1: mien theirreligmn
trust that is necessary if law enforcement is effectively to protect our communities.
Recognition of the diversity of the community is of paramount importance in preventing
the isolation and alienation of persons
- _
- comment [sois1: Remove that may glove rise to
gang membership or other illicit associations of
16. All residents shall enjoy the freedom of contract and association, which shall
concern to municipal law enforcement
not be abridged by the City, except as may be required�by law.
17. The City encourages volunteers and non- governmental organizations to
ameliorate or remove linguistic impediments to the full exercise of rights herein affirmed,
recognizing that such will improve the efficient functioning of government and society.
18. All residents have the duty and responsibility to comply with the laws of the
State of Iowa and the ordinances of the City of Iowa City. Other duties and
responsibilities attend the free exercise of the rights herein reaffirmed. In order to
facilitate the performance by all residents of their respective duties and responsibilities,
freedom from fear or reprisal is essential. All residents are encouraged to participate in
the civic and governmental affairs of the City of Iowa City without fear of reprisal.
19. All (residents are entitled to the protection by the C_ity's police, fire,_housing, CosnmentES0161: Intent by
health, utilities and building departments
Comment [58171: Ramose and to unfettered
access to the Municipal Court of the Gty of Iowa
20. The undersigned recognize and understand that federal and state law may City
operate to preempt or supersede one or more of the foregoing provisions and in such
case the City acknowledges and shall conduct itself in accordance therewith.
W. I W I , 1 71-111,
Whereas, on December 10, 1948, the General Assembly of the United
Nations proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
and
Whereag, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was modeled on
the Bill of Rights and was developed with strong United States
leadership; and
Whereas, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights sets forth
fundamental human rights and recognizes that "the inherent
dignity of the equal. and inalienable rights of all members of the
human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in
the world;" and
Wtreas, the celebration of Human Rights Day gives all Americans an
opportunity to salute human rights efforts in our community, to
rededicate ourselves to the principle of respect for all peoples and
to encourage the creation of community events leading up to the
Fiftieth Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
on December 10, 1998.
Aft, therefore, I, Naomi J. Novick, Mayor of the City of Iowa City,
Iowa, do hereby proclaim December 10, 1997 to be
in Iowa City and call upon all citizens to use this time to rededicate their
own lives to realizing the principles on which the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights was founded.
Signed in Iowa City, Iowa,
this 9th day of December 1997.
061
Correspondence
2A Iowa City Press- Citizen LOCAL
ADA celebration at Coral Ridge Mall
Students
Participating in the 22nd anniversary "Americans With Disabilities Act (AUA) ceieorauun
July 28 At Coral Ridge Mall are, front row from left, Alissa Voss, family services
coordinator, The Arc of Southeast Iowa; Keith Ruff, PATV 18 co -host, author and ADA
advocate; and Harry Olmstead, chairman Iowa City Human Rights Commission. In the back
row, from left, are Terry Cunningham, president Access2lndependence; Mary Mascher,
Iowa state representative; Jim Babka, Arc parent /advocate; Mike Hoenig, program
manager, Center for Disabilities and Development; Bill Reagan, president & CEO the Arc of
Southeast Iowa; and Bonnie Nathan, ADA advocate. SPECIAL To THE PRESS - CITIZEN
Final
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UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION
of the United States of America
A )'ROGR,AM 01 T1 E UNITEL) NArl0NS FoUNDAFION
UNA -USA and the Regional Representatives of the North Central Region:
Mr. Michael Eaton and Mr. Jay Sjerven inviteyou to attend:
The North Central Regional Conference
Saturday, September 8- Sunday, September 9, 2012
At
Drake University
Des Moines, IA
Featuring:
Mr. Mark Goldberg, UN Dispatch
Mr. Michael Wahid Hanna, The Century Foundation
Dr. Marc Lynch, The George Washington University
Mr. Peter Yeo, United Nations Foundation
Discussing the Arab Spring,
The UN, and other Geopolitical Issues
join UNA -USA members as they network, discuss geopolitical issues, and get trained in grassroots activism!
Things to expect from this conference:
Free admission to all workshops and keynote presentations
Access to policy makers
An insider's view into decision - malting at the United Nations
i+ Complimentary meals
Free home stays on a first -come, first - served basis
Register today!
www.unausa .org /northcentralconference
For additional information, please contact, Mr. Yashar Vasef at yasharPunaiowa ore or Ms. Tanisha Dyall at tdyall0mmusa org.
Featured Conference Speakers:
Peter Yeo
Executive Director, Better World Campaign
Prior to arriving at the UN Foundation, Yeo served for ten years as the Deputy Staff Director at
the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He led the successful negotiations for the landmark
HIV /AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Act of 2003, commonly known as PEPFAR. Prior to his
work with the Committee, he served as a Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. State
Department during the second Clinton Administration, where he led the negotiations around
repayment of the U.S. arrears to the United Nations and was part of the U.S. delegation to the
climate negotiations in Kyoto. During the 2008 presidential campaigns, Yeo served as an
adviser to the foreign policy campaign teams of President Barack Obama and Secretary of
State Hillary Clinton.
Mark Leon Goldberg
United Nations Dispatch
Mark Leon Goldberg is a writer, blogger and consultant to several prominent national and
international non -profit organizations. He is the editor of the UN and global affairs blog UN
Dispatch and editor of the global health and international development website PSI Healthy
Lives. From 2004 -2006 Mark was a writing fellow at The American Prospect where he wrote
numerous articles on foreign policy. Mark is a senior fellow with Humanity in Action and a
proud former Dan Dutko Memorial Foundation Public Policy Fellow. Mark's work has been
featured in the New York Times, The Guardian, Foreign Policy, The Los Angeles Times,
Newsweek, The New Republic, and The Daily Beast. He has appeared as an an on -air guest on
CNBC, Al Jazeera English and National Public Radio.
Mark Lynch
George Washington University
Marc Lynch is associate professor of political science at George Washington University,
where he is the director of the Institute for Middle East Studies and the Project on Middle East
Political Science. He is also a nonresident senior fellow at the Center for a New American
Security and edits the Middle East Channel for ForeignPolicy.com. His most recent book,
Voices of the New Arab Public, was selected as a Choice Outstanding Academic Book. Lynch
began writing his influential Middle East politics blog Abu Aardvark under a pseudonym in
2002, and began blogging under his own name in the spring of 2005. Abu Aardvark gained a
wide following among Middle East policy professionals, journalists, and academics.
Michael Wahid Hanna
The Century Foundation
Michael Wahid Hanna is a fellow at The Century Foundation. He works on issues of
international security, human rights, post- conflict justice, and U.S. foreign policy in the
broader Middle East and South Asia. He recently served as a co- director of The Century
Foundation's International Task Force on Afghanistan. He has published widely on U.S.
foreign policy and international law in newspapers and journals, including articles in the New
York Times, Los Angeles Times, the Boston Globe, the Christian Science Monitor, the New
Republic, World Policy Journa, among other publications. He is a frequent contributor
to Foreign Policy and the Atlantic, and appears regularly on NPR, BBC, and AI- Jazeera.
He served as a consultant for Human Rights Watch in Baghdad in 2008.
�L
THE 1LLiL
UNIVERSITY
OF IOWA
Executive Board
Honovry M.-k-
U.S.Senator Thomas R. Harkin
U.S. Representative David W. Loebsack
Former Governor Chester J. Culver
FormerGovernor Thomas J. viilsock
Former U.S. Senator Richard C. Clark
Ui President Emeritus Willard L. Boyd
Voting Memde"
Loyce L. Arthur
Jeremy J. Brigham
Dlana F. Cates`
Mary L. Cohen
Carolyn Colvin
Eugenia T. Crosheck
Judith H. W. CrOSsett
Paul Deaton
Hugh G. Ferrer
Kasfi M. Fitzpatrick
Lois J. Gray
Gregory E. Hamot, Director'
Elizabeth D. Heineman
Maureen F. McCue
Monica B. Moen
Harry Olmstead
David Osterberg
Jimmy A. Reyes
Jennifer K. Sherer
Mark Sidel
Thomas S. SIOCketi
Shelton Stromquet, Associate Director*
Burns H. Weston, Senior Scholar'
Brian A. White
Andrew R. Willard'
Adden K. Wing
Executive Committee
t Student Member
U{ CENTER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
U20 University Capital Centre
Iowa City, Iowa 52242 -5500
319. 335 -3900 Fax319-335.1340
August 8, 2012
Stefanie Bowers
Iowa City Human Rights Commission
410 E. Washington
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Stefanie,
We greatly appreciate the Human Rights Commission's donation check of $350
which just arrived today. Your support for the community reading project has always
been very important to us. This may be the year we have needed the donations
more than any other since the One Community, One Book reading project began in
2001.
We are happy to report that we will have an author visit this year. Kao Kalia Yang
will speak on Sunday, September 23 at 5pm in C20 Pomerantz Center and posters
will go up soon. We will bring copies to your building and hope that you might be
able to help spread the word about this event.
Your donation to the project helps us in our effort to bring together community
members
for your support olf One community, One Book hover theeyears,
much you so
Sincerely,
Joan and Pat
Joan Nashelsky Pat Schnack
Program Assistant Community Volunteer
University of Iowa
Center for Human Rights
1120 University Capitol Centre
Iowa City, IA 52242
Status of Complaints
(As of August 14, 2012)
EMPLOYMENT
Complainant believes past employer treats him differently due to race, national
origin, disability, creed, sex, color, religion and unlawful retaliation.
Investigative summary in progress.
Complainant alleges that employer terminated him unfairly based on disability
and sex.
Administrative Closure - probable cause determination not likely. Complainant
requested further review. Administrative Closure upheld.
Complainant alleges that he was fired due to race.
Investigation ongoing.
Complainant believes she was fired due to disability.
Administrative Closure — probable cause determination not likely.
Complainant believes she was terminated based on sex and disability —
pregnancy.
In mediation.
Complainant feels she was forced to quit her job due to the fact that she has a
child.
Administrative closure — probable cause determination not likely.
Complainant states that store manager told her she would not be hired for
position because she was pregnant.
Successful mediation.
Complainant believes he was discriminated against based on race and color.
Investigation ongoing.
Complainant believes she was discriminated against based on race and color.
Investigation ongoing.
PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION
Complainant alleges he was discriminated against based on disability when he
was issued a no trespass at a store. Complainant believes the ban was in
retaliation for conduct he reported earlier.
Administrative Closure. Complainant requested further review.
Complainant believes that store owner and store employees discriminated
against him due to age, race, disability and color.
Administrative closure — probable cause determination not likely.
HOUSING
Complainants (3) believe that property owner as well as property management
company discriminated against them due to age, marital status, familial status
and absence or presence of dependents.
No probable cause.
Complainant feels that property owner mislead her on availability of condominium
unit based on race, age, color and marital status.
Investigative summary in progress.
Complainant believes current landlord is discriminating against her based on
disability and sexual orientation.
Successful mediation.
Complainant alleges landlord refused to rent to her because she has a child.
Successful mediation.
Complainant alleges management company did not renew his lease because of
race and national origin.
Investigation ongoing.