HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-18-2012 Human Rights Commissiont.
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49 Years of Advancing Equality 1963 -2012
AGENDA
CITY OF IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
HELLING CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
September 18, 2012
6:00 P.M.
1. Call Meeting to Order/ Roll Call
2. Approval of Minutes from the following meeting: August 21, 2012
3. Public Comment of Items Not on the Agenda
4. New Business:
a. Presentation University of Iowa Center for Human Rights
b. Iowa Latino Conference (Packet Item)
5. Old Business:
a. Human Rights Breakfast (October 30, 2012)
b. Draft Letter in Support of University of Iowa Center for Human Rights
c. Draft World Human Rights Day Proclamation (December 10) (Packet Item)
d. Draft Youth Awards Letter Advertisement
6. Updates /Reports:
a. Immigration Subcommittee
b. Ad Hoc Diversity Committee
c. Commission
d. Staff
7. Set Next Regular Meeting for October 16, 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
August 21, 2012 — 6 P.M.
Helling Conference Room
Members Present:
Members Excused:
Staff Present:
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PRELIMINARY
Harry Olmstead, Orville Townsend Sr., Connie Goeb, Diane Finnerty,
Howard Cowen, Dan Tallon, Shams Ghoneim, Jessie Harper.
Kim Hanrahan.
Stefanie Bowers
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Human Rights Commission meeting of
August 21, 2012.
Recommendations to Council: None.
Call to Order:
Chair Olmstead called the meeting to order at 18:00.
Consideration of the Minutes of the July 17, 2012 Meeting:
Townsend moved to approve minutes, seconded by Goeb.
Motion passed. 7 -0. (Cowen not present)
New Business:
a. Annual Report
09 -18 -12
Item 2
SB: That is in the packet right after the minutes. The annual report is something that has to be
submitted to the City Council each year. The year runs from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.
If anybody notices anything you can email me those things, but if there's any content that
actually. I didn't know as a Commission if you wanted certain things added for plans for this
year or anything to do with the content of the report.
HO: I think under _ you should number those so they can see how many we've actually done.
DF: Some of them are things you've participated in, and others are things we've actually sponsored.
CG: When it says participant in a lot of these, are they Commission members participation or were
some of them yours Stefanie?
SB: Some of them are staff and some of them are Commission.
DF: It might be interesting for the future to group them all together because there is so much great
stuff. It might be useful for us in orientation because as a new Commissioner sometimes it's
challenging. You know what did we sponsor in the past, the activities, etc.
SB: Sure that makes sense. I think that's an easy correction.
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SG: Regarding the complaints that _ actually is kind of nice to know because I was asked about
how many last year, and I did not have an answer. Would we include how many were justly or
just cause I guess?
SB: That is in there. I hesitate to use the word just cause because, because there is mediation, there is
right to sue. There are a few options that a complaint may take that particular complaint may
have had merit, and may have been what we call a probable cause. So just depending on the path
it takes, it may not be reflected in the number of probable causes that you see in the report.
SG: So number result is that, can one?
SB: Well the pages aren't labeled because these all go in a packet for City Council, but it would be on
the fourth page.
SG: Okay great thank you.
CG: This may be kind of a random question, but under Overview of the Complaint Process there's a
line here that says public assistance source of income. Does that mean, it means only public
assistance as a source, it isn't like public assistance or source of income? It's public assistance
source of income.
SB: Correct.
CG: That's only for housing.
SB: Correct.
CG: So if someone, have you ever had a situation where somebody maybe thought they were
discriminated against because they were receiving public assistance in the job, you know for
employment purposes? Has anybody ever brought that up?
SB: I mean the way the complaint form is people check why they feel they've been discriminated
against. If somebody checks an area that's not covered then we would notify them that that's not
covered under that particular area.
CG: So would it be covered under, could that be covered?
SB: I mean it could be covered but currently it's not.
CG: It's never been brought up.
SB: So it's not, so it would be considered not jurisdictional at this time.
SG: It may be here and maybe I missed it, but do we write say a five year statistical analysis or just
the year before?
SB: Every annual report just kind of looks at the year before.
SG: Is that something you think would be helpful or no?
SB: It might be useful.
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SG: Just because we're changing so much, the Iowa City Community and its citizenship. Its many
different groups coming in and out, it just would be good to know if there is any trends, and
where are the majority of complaints. Have they changed? Are they staying constant, that kind
of thing.
SB: What might be able to be done is instead of actually pulling the numbers, going back and pulling
like the top two from the past five years.
CG: Or just do a narrative of what the trends are or something. Then I also had a question on the
summary part where it says it took an average of 220 days to resolve complaints in 2012 and 113
days to resolve a complaint in fiscal year 2011. Do you have thoughts as to why, that lack of staff
or?
SB: Sure, more complaints and less staff.
CG: I added them up and there were fewer, but it wasn't as drastic as I thought it was. Lack of staff
too?
SB: Lack of staff, more complaints and then also you know if somebody has worked at an employer
for 28 years, that complaint is going to take longer for us to look at than somebody who maybe
worked at a place for two weeks, or someone who is a failure to hire. So it matters on the
particulars of the particular complaint, but less staff definitely.
CG: So is that a concern? I mean should it be a reason to ask for more staff if it takes 222 days or is
that acceptable or?
SB: I think that's a great average actually, yes comparative wise.
CG: It differed so much from 2011.
SB: And with the city budget 1 know at this time there's not going to be additional staff so. If you
actually look at the code I think it does mention it in here that once we get a complaint we have
20 days to serve it. The respondent has 30 days to respond once they get it. So you're already
looking at a month and half before we get information. So that's another thing to think about
when you're looking at those numbers.
CG: Because 1 said it was just the difference between the two years that I picked up.
SB: Sure it does make a difference when I have more help.
HO: Does this require a motion for approval?
Ghoneim moved to approve report, seconded by. Motion passed 7 -0. (Cowen not present)
b. University of Iowa Center for Human Rights Update
HO: I don't have the update because we haven't met yet.
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SB: I spoke with Amy Wiseman, and she said that the Center for Human Rights is slated to close in
June of 2013. The staff is being reduced throughout the time period through June of 2013. Amy
will be in her post I believe through June, but some people's employment will end in December,
and some I believe sooner. My understanding is that they are trying to rearrange people in
different positions. My understanding is that the operational part of the Center for Human Rights
will be gone in June of 2013. The certificate that they started or implemented maybe two years
ago will be through the education department. They'll administer that, and she said that basically
that this will proceed as planned in lieu of some type of support that they would receive, generous
donations so to speak. She did say that she or somebody else on staff there if the Commission
had more questions would be able to attend a Commission meeting to discuss things in further
detail. The program that the Commission just co- sponsored the One Community, One Book, that
will be the last time that that's held assuming things don't change this fall.
SG: I think it might be a good idea to have her come over and maybe we can ask her questions about
what this means, I mean what does the reduction mean to the University population, as well as
general.
DF: So this is the first I've heard of this official kind of notice. I wonder if people here on the
Commission are interested in sending a letter to University administration expressing our
disappointment. The importance of what that center has been in town and on campus and we
regret that this is occurring. I don't know if anyone else is interested.
SG: Iam.
HO: Do you want it in the form of a motion?
CG: Do we want to do it as a group or do we want to do it individually given last month's discussion
about sometimes individual letters are more powerful than one letter.
SG: Oh you mean each one of us on their own? Would we identify ourselves as a Commissioner?
Unless there is a disagreement around the table. It also would have a different impact if the entire
Commission sends and have all our names underneath, but that's up to all of you. I think one of
the reasons that I brought this up the last time was that again from the background information,
many other centers are also on that cut table. So I'm kind of concerned because if the Center for
Human Rights, which has been really high profile and very valuable center is obviously gonna be
sort of diluted. What is the future of other center and how to get that information is a question
mark.
CG: It's said strictly to be a fiscal situation just that it's too expensive to maintain. It's a fiscal cut
that's why they're doing it?
SB: I would reserve that question for her. But definitely I mean finance is obviously most of it, but
whether there's anything else that I don't know.
CG: No you said support and I was assuming you meant financial support.
SB: Correct.
HC: Possibly another approach to consider you know when you get into budget cuts a lot of times
that's something people don't have any control over. We really don't have information that we
know the true predicament. Would it be maybe another approach is that we can send a letter just
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indicating that, expressing how important we feel that is, and just indicating that we understand
that budget cuts are sometimes necessary, and we are hoping that you could share with us what
plans you have to address this particular area.
SG: Stefanie already was told my understanding now by Amy that they will be sort of through the
education department.
SB: No, just the administration of the certificate.
SG: Okay. I don't know if even we should say about budget cuts, I think we leave it open ended.
We're really concerned because of the importance of that center, and we would like to know if
the University has any plans for any _, some sort of either via grant. In other words can the
University shoulder a center that has obviously performed exemplary over the years. I mean it's
a priority, but what are the priorities we don't know. Can one set some sort of understanding if
an important center is obviously cannot come up according to expectation of the University
administration. What does that mean? Can the University help in maybe writing grants or
whatever because I've talked to Amy separately, unofficially if you like. There is a concern from
within the center, individuals that have been with it for a long time, that there could be other ways
of dealing with any budgetary concerns. I just feel that we need to maybe step one is to ask Amy
to come and ask her questions. I don't know if that would put her on the spot or not, that's
something we can ask if it would be comfortable for her to come. Secondly is to really write the
letter of concern not even this point, we'lljust say we're concerned by cause this is an important
center.
HC: We vote and write the letter of concern and extend an invitation for her to come and share with us
what future plans they have to address this area.
SG: Yes, what do you all think?
CG: Do you know who Amy or this center reports to?
SG: The provost office.
CG: Okay directly to the provost office?
SG: Yes.
DP: I would and I should probably to some degree recuse myself because I work for the provost
office, but in a different area. We have multiple arms. I will say that just for conditions of
transparency. I think the letter that this Commission for me that I would be supportive of is to
really acknowledge the role that center has played in our community as well as on campus, and
regret for this decision. I think it does get tough when you get behind the scenes or ask for
accountability about why the decision got made. That's a fuller conversation and we're
community conditioned, but I think just honoring the center's work and that it's noticed and that
kind of stuff of what I'd be supportive of. How the University deals with its budgetary issues, I
think we can say we notice and we're concerned and how else will this mantle be taken up as a
community Commission is what I would propose.
SG: I look at it as we're partners. Harry used to also sit on the board. So you have a feeling on what is
going on and what they do.
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HO: Well it comes as a surprise to me.
SG: So it's important then to say that we've been partners with the Center for Human Rights and the
University, and we've always appreciated and valued that relationship. So we are really
concerned about where does that gap or void, how can that void be filled in the future.
DF: I think we just put it down in a letter and see what response we get. So it would go to whom the
Provost?
SG: The Office of the Provost and copy to the director. I guess Amy is the next in command, yeah the
person on top yeah.
HO: Do we have a motion for this letter?
Ghoneim moved to send a letter to the University of Iowa Provost Office /Administration, Townsend
seconded. Motion passed. 8 -0.
DF: I will assist in drafting.
SG: I will too.
SB: You can send it to me and I can send it to everyone, and if everybody just replies to me then I can
take all of the information and send it to the two of you. Once it's completed then we can put it
on the letterhead.
HO: Before we move along I was remised in introducing Dan as the new Commissioner. Dan can you
tell us a little bit about yourself?
DT: I am a student here at the University of Iowa. I should have graduated last year, but I took a year
and a half off to go to Afghanistan. I was deployed with the local National Guard unit. I am now
just completing my degree.
c. Iowa Women's Music Festival
SB: That information is in the packet, 4c. Just the information that I highlighted that September 1" is
a Saturday and it's being held from 12 to 6 pm in upper city park. Vendors will provide their
own tables, displays and staff. Looks like the space for non - profit organizations is $15.
HO: Diane and I attended it last year and it was a well- attended event. We were able to give out quite
a bit of literature at the event.
CG: Is the question whether we are going to do it again?
SB: Correct.
CG: And then we need to staff the table?
SB: Correct and provide the table and the chairs it looks like.
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DF: Last year Harry had a lightweight foldout table and chairs. I brought a ten by ten tent awning so
we were out of the sun. People are just walking by and it's mostly women. The strong outreach
to particularly the lesbian community, hundreds would you say.
HO: I'd say at least 250 -300.
DF: Its men and women that attend, kids are running around the park taking part in activities. They
had a blowup house for kids to jump in and have a good time. There were different vendors,
particularly just a good weather day.
HO: Well we're going to need some volunteers to staff it.
CG: I could probably do a couple hours that day, but I'm not sure which so.
SB: That's Labor Day weekend just so you know.
SG: I can try from four to five, but that's about it.
HO: Anybody else want to volunteer that day?
DF: I will probably be there at least for part of it. So I suppose I should say yes I volunteer to be
there. Our first question is to even support it right?
SB: Yes.
CG: Do you guys feel like had, I mean you did have good communication with the crowd or? You
said about 250 people total were there?
HO: Yes during the day, it's an all -day deal.
DF: I mean when 1 think about how we do outreach on education materials, I think it's a great place.
It's a regional festival so people are coming in from all over. The large showing of Iowa City,
Coralville, North Liberty and the area.
HO: We needed new Commissioners at that time too, and we handed out a lot of little postcards that
gave information on how to become a Commissioner. Do I have a motion for us to support it
with a $15 non- profit booth?
CG: Whether we staff it or not I think we can probably afford $15. Maybe we just staff it for a few
hours too and not for the whole day. This is the only availability and maybe that's it.
SG: t think almost 80% I'll be there from four to five.
CG: I'll move to support the $15 donation and we will try to at least partially staff it.
Goeb moved to participate in the Festival, Ghoneim seconded. Motion passed. 8 -0.
CG: You handed out postcards talking about how to apply for a Commissioner. We need three more
in January again so can we get something like that.
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SB: I'll probably send out an email. That's not a problem just making sure that we're actually going
to do a setup. I'll let them know because space wise it would just be one vendor if you opted not
to, but just to let them know it's still kind of up in the air, but that the donation is coming. I will
firm things up on Monday.
Old Business:
a. Youth Adult Ally Letter
CG: Could I ask what category of people is this going to?
SB: I think initially the Commission wanted it targeted to school counselors, guidance counselors. I
think at the last meeting it was brought in to include those who work with youth in the
community.
CG: So pretty broad.
SB: Pretty broad.
CG: I just had a thought on that in terms of trying to get people to commit to doing something and in
the last paragraph or whatever. It says we simply ask that you assist us in spreading the word
about this award to the youth of the community, and circulate. I was wondering if we wanted to
do, I've tried a few things and haven't been too successful in rewording that, but whether we
wanted to make that stronger.
SB: A better transition that kind of sells it, I agree.
CG: Yes that says you know please actively seek out people that maybe the youth leaders or the
influential youth that you know and spread the word or something like that.
SB: Sure that sounds great.
DF: I think the emphasis is this opportunity for the youth to nominate someone, and you've got the
sentence but that could even start at the next paragraph is this is an opportunity for youth to have
voice, effective adult leadership or something. You know please assist us. I think that's what is
important about this is not who we think is good with youth, it's who the youth think is good.
SB: I can make those revisions to put it back in the...
HO: Do we need a motion for approval?
SB: No, I'll do the corrections and suggestions, and put it in the September packet.
HO: Any other discussion on that?
JH: So this is going to go out in a September packet to us, but then when would it be sent out to this
group of people or are we going to start it early so people get an idea? Are
you thinking by email or by paper mail or by, I don't know which way is the most effective, but
you know maybe two times during the year, maybe early in the fall and then again after the first
of the year. Sometimes email is just deleted. It might be better in paper format and sent out by
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mail and then maybe they can hand it to some leaders within the school or within their
organization and post it somewhere.
SB: I think that's great and September is early enough that it can still get sent out this. I go by
semesters but can still get sent out.
CG: I was wondering if both the written and the email because if we ask them to distribute
information it's always easier to forward an email, and if they get it from somebody they know.
You know like if it's from your guidance counselor or from a teacher or something, maybe a
student would notice it so. I was just wondering if you could send it out both ways or maybe start
with a letter, and then as you said maybe later do a second one by email or something. I know
it's a lot easier to pass it along.
HO: Any other discussion? We'll move along to Human Rights breakfast 5b. We need to talk about a
speaker and tickets.
b. Keynote Speaker Breakfast
SB: I have some additional handouts too because of information. I should say suggestions for
speakers didn't come in until after the packet had been sent.
CG: I'm assuming these first few though are suggestions for speakers?
SB: Those were folks suggested at the June meeting. At the July meeting the Commission had voted
to ask Zach Wahls and he was unavailable. I think he said he books like eight months out or
something. So everyone should have a bio, should be two different handouts. One should have
the executive director of diversity Chad Simmons, and the other one should be a stapled packet
that begins with caregiver to the community. In addition to the, I'll use the word bios that are
contained in your packet there is also Christine Sheets and that's what this first article is on in the
stapled packet. Then Dr. Bums Weston is in this packet and then unfortunately I couldn't find a
lot of information on Sandy Pickup, but she is the past executive director of the Free Medical
Clinic, and she also won an award I want to say like two or three years ago maybe, recently but
not last year.
SG: It's interesting because Burns Weston is also was sort of Director, the University Iowa Center for
Human Rights.
SB: So the names as I have them would be Christine Sheets, Chad Simmons, Sandy Pickup, Burns
Weston, Douglas Jones, Amy Wiseman, or Pastor Juarez.
DF: When I think about a speaker I think about what work this Commission has been doing and how
can we add that voice to the . These are all amazing human beings. I think my
support would lean towards Father Rudy. immigration issues and being able to
give voice to a lot of that. I can't say amazing people. I don't know Douglas Jones at all.
CG: I was thinking along the same line as Diane in terms of the consistency of our message or what
fits in best with what we're trying to accomplish. So that was, I'd love to hear any of these
people speak.
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SG: It's timely too since immigration seems to be front and center anymore in this wonderful election
year as well.
CG: Is it going to be before or after the election, did we pick a date?
SB: Currently it's tentatively scheduled for October 18'h, but depending on how this process goes with
the speaker you know and availability.
JH: Should we pick someone as a first choice and second choice?
SG: Even third choice for that matter because you never know people are so busy.
DF: Have we ever had the sitting executive director of Diversity Focus Speak?
SB: When considering a keynote for the breakfast some of the things to think about is whether or not
that person is a good public speaker and they can they engage the audience. Also whether they're
connected to human rights, and their ability to attract members of the public to buy tickets to
attend the breakfast.
DF: I think that last item _ I do think you've just got some frequent flyers though that come to that
breakfast no matter what. I'd be interested in what percentage come for speak. I'm sure there are
some and I'm sure we could make some that would even increase that number, and I think folks
are just like okay it's a breakfast and I'll buy the ticket.
DF: I think Christine Sheets would pick up some ticket sales.
SB: One very important thing I forgot to mention is that they're limited to ten minutes, but that allows
us to keep the breakfast right at an hour because once you go over that hour people start fleeing.
DF: So may I officially propose Father Rudy Juarez as a first choice. We need discussion and vote on
that _ I think it's a really smart move.
Finnerty moved to ask Father Rudy to speak at Breakfast, Goeb seconded. Motion passed. 8 -0.
HO: Okay so Father Rudy is our first choice.
SG: I propose for second choice either Chad Simmons or Burns Weston.
HO: Which one?
SG: It depends on who thinks what because I can have second and third. So I had second choice
Burns and then third is Chad.
CG: What is his niche?
SG: Human Rights.
CG: Well that might be interesting to hear his perspective on the closing down. I'll make a motion
that Dr. Weston be the second on the list.
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Goeb moved to ask Burns Weston as speaker should Father Rudy be unavailable, Ghoneim seconded.
Motion passed. 7 -0. (Finnerty abstaining).
SG: How about a third choice?
HO: Do we want to go with a third choice okay?
SG: Chad Simmons.
HO: I have _ with Chad only because that most of the work of seems to be over in Cedar
Rapids and not here in Iowa City. I'm not saying he's not a go—od speaker but.
DF: If that's the reason to not go for him they're really working on corridor, so remember he came to
our Commission meeting. They are trying to do a connection in corridor work. They're really
making it work and several of the local University of Iowa, ACT, who else, are member of the
University Focus Board.
HC: He's an excellent speaker.
SG: I nominate Chad Simmons to be our third choice, which could very well be first if depending on
the other two.
Ghoneim moved to ask Chad Simmons to be speaker should Burns Weston be unavailable, Goeb
seconded. Motion passed. 8 -0.
SB: I will probably have tickets available at the next meeting for you to sell.
DF: Where is it being held?
SB: At the Sheraton if it's on the 18".
HO: And Commissioners will get a ticket?
SB: Correct. The city does give a complimentary ticket.
HC: So the date for the breakfast is?
SB: The 18th but that's after I've confirmed it works for the speaker.
CG: What day of the week is that?
SB: It's a Thursday. Next year I believe will be the 30`x' anniversary of the breakfast so that's just
something to keep in mind.
HO: Okay the Ad Hoc Diversity Committee.
c. Ad Hoc Diversity Committee
SB: That was just the Commission had been interested in this Ad Hoc Committee past handouts had
appeared in other packets. I think your June and July and then I also included a new one dated
August 10'" that names the new counsel appointments, of which Mr. Townsend is one.
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SG: Who else is there?
SB: Looks like It's in the, did it not copy in color.
HO: Orville can you give us any update on what the Ad Hoc Committee is doing?
HC: The first meetings is the 20' of this month.
DF: Is it true that city council members are on it or it's really advisement to the council?
SB: My understanding is its advisory.
DF: And the goals were housing, policing...
SB: I can tell you exactly here. The city's transit system including, but not limited to the downtown
interchange, city law enforcement including, but not limited to the police citizen's review board
as it relates to minority populations with the view toward promoting justice and harmonious
interaction between the city government and minority segments of the community.
SG: Is that included in our packets?
SB: Correct, it's on the memorandum right before the appointments, and then it says that it looks like
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.
SG: Also do you have anything specific you're going to take to that first meeting?
OT: Well you know one thing that I, I guess my greatest concern about law enforcement is that its
police . Like that it's a safeguard, like if something happens within the community and
things are just going crazy. If you've got this committee it can step in and kinda buffer and get
some things going. But the way it's set up now that's not a possibility because there is no trust in
the community for the police force or basically for their committee. So I think we really need to
revisit that and you know revamp it in a way that we're gonna regain community trust.
CG: When you say committee you mean the police citizen review board?
HC: Yes.
d. Immigration Subcommittee
HO: Kim is not here tonight and I haven't heard if they have met or not.
SB: I can follow up with her when she's available. Something I'm hearing I had discussed before
since there are nine Commissioners, whether it would be possible to have an alternate to help
Kim out so that Kim is not the only that is kind of charged with the responsibility of being a part
of the Immigration Subcommittee. Even if you alternate like you know she went to the
September meeting and somebody else went to the October. Just kind of shared responsibilities
so that all of that is not falling on one person because she is new to the Commission, she's
definitely been very helpful and just really jumped into it with little to no guidance really. So she
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may feel overwhelmed, my thoughts, not anything that's been communicated to me, but it may be
nice to have somebody that can call her or send her an email and say I can attend the meetings or
I can do this.
SG: How often and who does she usually met with?
SB: That's not information, it used to be the Sanctuary City Committee, but I don't think they call
themselves that anymore.
HO: ?
SG: I think it's the committee under the CRC.
DF: No it's separate.
SG: But it started with the CRC and then it's kind of grown is that right Diane?
DF: It was what came so when we made our immigration recommendations to the city council back in
I don't remember anymore. We have nine points and there were certain ones that they supported
and other ones they did not, and the subcommittee . One of the points was the
recommendation to start this immigration advisory committee, and so it was started up and there
is some crossover so there are some people who are on both Sanctuary City and this, but there is
some city opposed structure on this right, in terms of representation, length of service. It was co-
chaired I believe by Gloria V_, who is _ and she _ involved with past Sanctuary City
SG: So Gloria is the chair is that it?
DF: I think it's a co- chair. Doesn't Kim and she co- chair?
SB: I'll need to follow -up on.
SG: Please let us know.
DF: If you talk to Kim, but I think part of our support was that it would be immigrant lead at least in
members of the majority of the committee and things like that.
SB: It's at least one Commissioner , but I don't think it's limited
DF: I think what's been challenging about it and why I'm not as eager to be a part of it is there is
multiple projects that have sprung up in town that are kind of similar. Like the Immigrant Voices
Project I think has done some very exciting things that is more outside the system, and I have a
lot of support for, a lot of hope that's important for the work that they're doing. Those contacts
differently than kind of like another committee.
SG: Maybe it would be helpful if we're gonna, to us, Kim to sort of give us a little bit of information
about who does she meet with, how often do they meet and where and when to make sure that
whoever of the Commissioners that are able to help, especially the lovely idea of alternating. We
know how we can work throughout schedule because I'm sure everybody has some little holes in
their schedules and others do not. So just to make sure that we definitely can help.
Page 14 of 21
SB: I can get that information and when she sends it to me as far as when the next meeting is I'll just
send it out to the whole Commission group and those of you can attend.
HO: Any other discussion?
e. World Human Rights Day Proclamation
HO: This is December the 1016.
CG: Can somebody tell me what the source of each one of these? Like this first one just says
proclamation, where did that come from.
SB: The first one was sent out via email also. The first one is not the original one. The first one is the
one with Shams edits. There is one before that one in the packet.
SG: So this is my edit?
SB: Correct. So the first one, well because they're all the same topic so that's why the
SG: This is then the original right, and this is the edited one that I worked on.
CG: So the first one is the original and the second one with the edits in the right hand corner.
SG: No the first one is the edited one, that's what I worked on. I tried to make it one page, but it kind
of got.
CG: And the second one is from where?
SB: It's close to the original. It has had some edits from Commission meetings, but it would be close
to the original that Harry submitted.
SG: So I just shortened it because there is some redundancy of information so I don't know, but I
hope I kept the spirit of it.
DF: I would say for me and I think I've shared in the past is I'm fully supportive of a kind of
statement being by the City Council that Human Rights are important in town. I saw the United
Nations Association has done that in the past, but they're not planning to this year, so that was
good information to know. Also I think part of the hope was that this could serve for that
immigration report where we really wanted them to do something that says we are not going to
undo the — documentation and the _ out of our municipal business and we don't need to. So
kind of a statement for we are going to support _ _ of the immigration custom enforcement,
and I still wish they could do that. I know Sanctuary City has brought a proclamation. As it kind
of currently reads I am leary of kind of proclamations that say something, but don't really compel
us to do anything. I'm a little concerned about some of the things that are in here, that the city
council is just going to say no way.
SG: Like what Diane? It's written like in number two for example and even one, all people are equal.
No one shall be subjected to
DF: So like number one and I've just kind of, the number one I would say what we should have in
there is the Iowa City Human Rights policy itself, which is different than these categories. You
Page 15 of 21
know so things like that that we're supplanting the policy that we already have on the books with
different categories. If 1 was on the city council I'd probably say are you asking us to go further
or restrictive or.
SG: So what is the Human Rights policy on the books?
SB: To the protected characteristics they would be listed in the annual report. Some of them like
political opinion is not protected, race, color, sex, language, religion. I can just go through here,
but political or other opinion wouldn't be covered.
DF: Then I think under number seven the kind of concept of an alien and then not having due process
of law, but undocumented immigrants do have different access to due process than... I think that
there are some things in here that for me are pretty challenging to get behind.
SB: I think the last sentence. 1 wasn't sure if that was trying to dispel stereotypes or create them. It
says recognition of diversity of the community is of fair amount of importance in preventing the
isolation and alienations of persons......
SG: Okay so we can stop there. We can cut down that _. So would you like to work with it and cut
it more or what would you like to do?
DF: In the past our _ one that we put before that's what I like.
HO: Well we know that's not going to happen so.
SG: Isn't that the one that we were just working on?
DF: No.
SG: Where is that one?
SB: It would be in the past minutes.
SG: How about if we just everybody put their two cents worth in it and send it to Stefanie again for
another try do you think? Do we have time before December?
SB: Yes we have time.
HO: Why don't we just read it over and any suggestions just pass on to Stefanie and we'll bring it
back next month.
CG: I'm still confused as to where this is coming from and what we're trying to do here? It is a
proclamation that is because the United Nations isn't doing one we're doing one?
SB: Well the United Nations, weren't planning on doing one, but once I asked they seemed interested
in even doing one together. I don't think they did one last year.
CG: So you're not talking about the New York United Nations.
Everyone talking...
Page 16 of 21
SB: But this proclamation did not come from the United Nations.
HO: It originally came out of Birmingham, Alabama.
SG: I think it's important for us as a Human Rights Commission to forward whatever you think is
missing in the old one.
CG: So we're talking about the old one being this one from 1948 or?
SB: No the one, I'll label these in the packet for next month.
JH: So the mayor reads this?
SB: It's discretionary, you could submit it and it may not.
JH: Did we have something submitted last year?
SB: Not for Human Rights Day, that I recall.
DG: And Human Rights Day is December V?
SB: Correct.
SG: I think it's time don't you think so?
SB: Excuse me its December 10'h. December 1" is World's Aid Day.
DF: So I have no problem putting a proclamation out and framing it. I would want to it tagged to the
issues here locally that have to do with the abridgement of human rights, as well as the
historically work done to make. I mean there's an excellent Human Rights Policy in this
community that this office is charged to enforce. Pd want to make sure they feel like us instead
of something from outside.
SG: I agree and it sounds good to me. So that Human Rights Policy that we have currently, could we
please have a copy of it?
SB: I don't think you want the whole ordinance, but the protected characteristics are in the annual
report. If somebody wants me to cut and paste I can certainly send it out via email if that makes it
easier if you would like me to do that.
SG: That would be nice for me, I'm sorry.
SB: Okay sure. Just one other thing that I noticed, some of the words that they use and I think you
might have gotten most of them, but I know they use words like foreigner and alien. I would be, I
guess I wouldn't recommend sending a proclamation that uses terms like that. If you look at the
proclamation afterwards with the comments in the red with the S13 and S132. I tried to go
through in that one and get out some of those words that I thought were extremely offensive.
Then the access to the municipal court of the City of Iowa City, I mean that's we'd kind of be
misplaced here because it would be through the county. I mean Iowa City doesn't have their own
court so to speak so, just little things like that that I tried to mark out.
Page 17 of 21
L Police Citizen's Review Board
SB: Diane I think I had placed that on there because at the June meeting I think you had indicated that
you maybe you had comments, and then we missed the July and so I put it back on this month for
that.
DF: What 1 remember that night 1 don't have issues to bring, like proposals to bring forth. I think
what had happened at that meeting is we started veering too far into a conversation right and it
wasn't for public, like the laws are.
SB: Right.
DF: And so because we were in a pretty rich discussion at that point I asked to put it on the agenda.
The question I think is so some of the things that have come up for new members about the Police
Citizen Review Board is there had been some concerns several months ago about its kind of
fairness and accessibility. The design of it if a citizen brings a complaint, it's about an individual
officer's behavior, and then is — achieve and investigate some complaints. There had been
press at that point that said that really the review board's role is to support kind of the chief s
finding versus being kind of an independent kind of an investigatory thing. There had been some
concerns and one of the members of the board who had had some concerns with law enforcement
. I — inappropriate media comments about that fact, so there were a variety of things. Is
the structure the right structure for the city, I mean several concerns. The Commission sent a
memo to the city council urging that they have, and I can't remember. Orville you might
remember what the wording is, but looking at kinda the strengths and the challenges of the
current design of the Police Citizen Review Board, and asking them to really relook at it and
move forward. So it must have been in June we started kinda talking about, but it wasn't an
agenda item. So the only thing I would bring here I guess is, but I think it's a little moot point
right now. I would bringjust an inquiry about what is the council's action on that, but I believe
what the answer will be is they delegated to this new advisory committee.
OT: I think basically the way it was presented to them with the concerns, and what they put down here
they are responding to it because you know we requested that they at least express our concerns,
and requested that they you know read this and take a look at it. So in a way this is what they are
doing.
DF: I think we're in a waiting pattern from my perspective. We put our voice out as the Commission,
made out recommendations and then So that is I guess my point on the agenda.
OT: One of the things over the years that has really concerned me is I've been on a lot of committees
and I'm aware of committees that are doing fantastic things, but we've got individuals in the
community that are kind of carrying the torch. My concern is that we don't have a lot of input
from the communities that are being impacted by the concerns that we have. I think we need to
do a better job of getting individuals in the community that are being impacted and involved in
terms of giving up this information. I got a call to be in a conference call coming up, and you
know when I got through the conversation it's sort of like it was because I was black, but they
didn't take time to see whether or not I had any expertise or knowledge or whether or not I was
_ person to do it. I think we really need to put the focus on the people, the right people, the
people that are involved and that are being impacted and their information is what needs to go in
these reports that we're putting together.
Page 18 of 21
SB: I was just gonna note some of you may not know, but Kingsley Botchway who was appointed to
Ad Hoc Committee along with Mr. Townsend. He is also on the PCRB so I know at least two of
the people who were appointed are on city boards or commissions.
DF: Kingsley is the chair of this Ad Hoc Committee?
SB: Correct yes, but he's on the PCRB.
DF: Oh he's the new addition to it?
SB: Correct. There was a vacancy and he filled that vacancy in May or June, not real sure, but hasn't
been on long.
SG: Wouldn't that be a conflict of interest?
SB: That's how the council wrote the resolution to allow for membership of people who are currently
serving.
CG: How did you guys determine who the chairperson was or whatever?
SB: The council decided that.
OT: I would say that that's not starting off on the right foot because I think objectivity is what we
really need. So how could someone who is on the board that there is some concern about
chairing this process. I won't be judgmental you know, but I'll just say that I would be concerned
about that.
SG: Actually it's not even a matter of judgment. It's a matter that an individual who is serving on a
board that's being reviewed okay, may not feel comfortable enough to actually be candid.
CG: Maybe he's on the board because he wants to have an investigation too.
SG: Yes but maybe he or she is unable to share really objective criticism if they have any. I don't
know it just seems a bit funny.
OT: I think it's important that we be fair and that we approach it with attitude and open mind,
and if somewhere along the way is felt that maybe the individual is not the right person for it the
committee can always ask him to resign. I wouldn't see a move like that as being a — I would
see it as basically you know do we as a committee really want to get positive untainted results.
At any point that we feel that that's not the case we should speak up because if we don't we' 11 go
to all this trouble and do it and then the community will step in and question it. I think we need
to be open and honest about what's going on.
DF: It sounds like one of the things that you will bring to the committee, which will be wonderful, is
getting the committee out into the community to hear the community voices. We talked about all
those voices _ right and all that is how to really get the community's voice into the concerns
will be a great strength you'll be able to bring to that committee.
SG: Who knows maybe it will be a good idea to have somebody from the current board, whether new
or not to hear what they have to say.
Page 19 of 21
SB: Just to add Cindy Roberts was selected as the vice chair.
SG: Who is Cindy Roberts?
SB: It's just in the memorandum, it just gives the chair and the vice chair in addition to
SG: It doesn't say anything about who they are or?
SB: No the applications would be available, but I didn't put them in this packet.
6. Updates/Reports:
a. Reports of Commissioners
SG: I just have something, which you may or not be interested in. The issue of immigration is really
important for a variety of reasons, not just for our own community. This last week I was asked
the state department every so often sponsors international visitors through the international visitor
program at the university. I was asked to be part of, actually there were just the two of us, to
meet with foreign visitors and there were like eight or nine members of actually mostly of the
media, but others are actually work in issues addressing immigration and refugees from Sri
Lanka. It was very interesting because the topic was how do new immigrants and refugees adapt
to a small town in Iowa or in the US because they all come either, some of them came from
Canada, but they are all you know transplanted if you like. There was one from Canada and the
rest came from Sri Lanka. So it was a very interesting information actually. We had the director
of Habitat for Humanity was the other speaker and they had many questions about what is the
challenges that immigrants face, whether documented or undocumented refugees. Then they also
had invited Immigrant Voices to come and so I thought that was something maybe you'd like to
know. the issue of immigration is not just local, it's also brings others from other parts to the
world to see how new people or existing new or middle immigrants so to speak coming from
other _ whether there, I hate the terminology but it is people of color. They wanted to know
how we are perceived
DF: I want to remind people that we're posting a webinar on Thursday and I think it's noon to 1:30
on how to conduct racial equity impact assessments. I think I've shared the poster with a group
in the past, but it's coming up this Thursday at the public library in meeting room A on the 23rd.
We will have slides afterwards and there might even be a video capture I don't know, but it's just
an ongoing the applied research center has these webinars that you can download and so we're
using that to do a community education.
HO: The ADA Celebration was well attended. I have to tell you I had nothing to do with the picture
going in the paper, nor that I was chairman of the Human Rights Commission.
Tallon: No report
Townsend: No report
Olmstead: No report
Cowen: No report
Harper: No report
Goeb: No report
b. Report of Staff
Page 20 of 21
SB: I have the status of complaints as of last week. There are 16 complaints and they are at the very
last page of the packet. Just to go back to an agenda item Diane, I know you had worked with the
consultation of religious communities when it comes to diversity and race. I know there was
some programming held in June that you facilitated or were heavily involved in. I didn't know
the exact title of that to add it to the annual report, and I meant to say something when we were
discussing it. If you want that included, just let me know.
DF: Oh that community forum?
SB: Correct. I mean as long as 1 have it by next Wednesday that's fine. If I don't hear from you it's
not a big deal.
HO: The next regular meeting is September 18'h at 6:00.
Adiournment:
Motion to adjourn at 19:27.
Page 21 of 21
Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2012
/Meetinn Date1
KEY:
X = Present O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting /No Quorum
R = Resigned - = Not a Member
TERM
10/1
11/2
12/1
NAME
EXP.
1117
2/21
3/20
4/17
5/15
6/19
7/17
8/21
9118
6
0
8
Dr. Howard
1/1113
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
Cowen
Constance
111/13
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
Goeb
Harry
1/1113
X
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
111114
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
Finnerty
Orville
1/1/14
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Townsend,
Sr.
Henri Harper
111/15
O/E
X
O/E
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
Kim
111115
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
Hanrahan
Shams
1/1/15
O/E
X
F-
X
X
X
X
X
Ghoneim
Jessie
1/1/15
O/E
X
X
Harper
(Appointed
6-5-12)
Dan Tallon
1/1/14
X
(Appointed
7- 31 -12)
KEY:
X = Present O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting /No Quorum
R = Resigned - = Not a Member
09 -18 -12
4b
Stefanie Bowers
From: Iowa Latino Conference <latino- conference @uiowa.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2012 11:42 AM
To: HumanRights
Subject: Sponsorship Invitation
Attachments: sponsorshipinvitation2012.doc
Dear Community Supporter:
We are writing to invite your organization to sponsor the 2012 Strengthening and Valuing Latino/ Communities in Iowa Events to
be held October 12 -13, 2012, at The University of Iowa and Iowa City Public Library, Iowa City, Iowa. The event draws
hundreds of participants from across Iowa and combines several extraordinary events, including:
• Friday, October 12, 2012: Latino Youth Leadership Development Summit in the Iowa Memorial Union, The University of
Iowa;
• Friday, October 12, 2012: Latino Institute for Professional Development in the Iowa Memorial Union, The University of
Iowa;
• Saturday, October 13, 2012: Free Family Event at the Iowa City Public Library, Iowa City;
The youth summit attracts 200 high school students from around the state and the Professional Development Institute provides
knowledge and skill building for professionals in education, human services, community development, advocacy, health care and
business. The events provide an opportunity for people to network, explore issues facing Latino communities in Iowa and to build
collective strength to address the challenges. These events are coordinated by a statewide volunteer planning committee and
administered by The University of Iowa School of Social Work. This year, the selected events are designed to complement The Latino
Midwest, offered through the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies http: / /obengann.uiowa.edu /opportunities /latino_midweit.
As described on the attached sheet, sponsors are all recognized. Sponsorship provides your organization with visibility to those who
participate and allows us to keep our registration fees for the Latino Institute for Professional Development at an affordable rate for
participants. There are no fees charged for the Youth Summit or the Family Events planned for Saturday. This is possible due to
community partners and sponsors.
If you have supported us in the past, we thank you once again. If you are new to us, we would like to introduce you to what a treasure
these events have become for the State of Iowa.
We certainly hope you will join us this year in providing generous support. To secure your sponsorship of this great event, please
complete the enclosed form or contact Kate Kemp, UI School of Social Work, to discuss your sponsorship opportunities via email at
kale -kem auiowa.edu, 319 - 335 -1254.
Sincerely,
Jade Silva
Kate Kemp
Jade Silva, Chair, Sponsorship Committee Kate Kemp, Committee Member
On behalf of the Iowa Latino Conference Statewide Planning Committee
Kate Kemp, MSW, LISW
Program Administrator and Admissions Director
The University of Iowa School of Social Work
308 North Hall
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
Phone: 319-335-1254
Fax: 319 -335 -1711
http: / /www.uiowa.edu /— socialwk
THE W11'
I.INiVERSIIY
OF IOWA
%/
August, 2012
Dear Community Supporter:
COLLEGE OF
LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES
School of Social Work
308 North Hall
Iowa City, Iowa 52242 -1223
319- 335 -1250 Fox 319- 335 -17U
We are writing to invite your organization to sponsor the 2012 Strengthening and Valuing Latino /a
Communities in Iowa Events to be held October 12 -13, 2012, at The University of Iowa and Iowa
City Public Library, Iowa City, Iowa. The event draws hundreds of participants from across Iowa and
combines several extraordinary events, including:
Friday, October 12, 2012: Latino Youth Leadership Development Summit in the Iowa Memorial
Union, The University of Iowa;
Friday, October 12, 2012: Latino Institute for Professional Development in the Iowa Memorial
Union, The University of Iowa;
Saturday, October 13, 2012: Free Family Event at the Iowa City Public Library, Iowa City;
The youth summit attracts 200 high school students from around the state and the Professional
Development Institute provides knowledge and skill building for professionals in education, human
services, community development, advocacy, health care and business. The events provide an
opportunity for people to network, explore issues facing Latino communities in Iowa and to build collective
strength to address the challenges. These events are coordinated by a statewide volunteer planning
committee and administered by The University of Iowa School of Social Work. This year, the selected
events are designed to complement The Latino Midwest, offered through the Obermann Center for
Advanced Studies http: / /obermann.uiowa.edu /opportunities /latino - midwest.
As described on the attached sheet, sponsors are all recognized. Sponsorship provides your
organization with visibility to those who participate and allows us to keep our registration fees for the
Latino Institute for Professional Development at an affordable rate for participants. There are no fees
charged for the Youth Summit or the Family Events planned for Saturday. This is possible due to
community partners and sponsors.
If you have supported us in the past, we thank you once again. If you are new to us, we would like to
introduce you to what a treasure these events have become for the State of Iowa.
We certainly hope you will join us this year in providing generous support. To secure your sponsorship of
this great event, please complete the enclosed form or contact Kate Kemp, UI School of Social Work, to
discuss your sponsorship opportunities via email at kate- kemp(d.)uiowa.edu, 319 - 335 -1254.
Sincerely,
Jade Silva, Chair, Sponsorship Committee Kate Kemp, Committee Member
On behalf of the Iowa Latino Conference Statewide Planning Committee
"Strengthening and Valuing Latino /a Communities in Iowa" Professional
Development Institute and Youth Summit
October 11 -12, 2012
at The University of Iowa and Public Library, Iowa City, Iowa
Sponsorship Levels
Platino /Platinum Level (sponsor /exhibitor $1000 or more)
Prominent logo display in event program, electronic conference banner and conference website
Verbal recognition of sponsorship during the Latino Institute for Professional Development
Opening.
Complimentary display table at the Conference
Four complimentary conference registrations to the Latino Institute for Professional Development
Oro /Gold Level (sponsor /exhibitor $500 to $999)
Prominent logo display in event program, electronic conference banner and conference website
Verbal recognition of sponsorship during the Latino Institute for Professional Development
Opening
• Complimentary display table at the Latino Institute for Professional Development
Two complimentary conference registrations to the Latino Institute for Professional Development
Plata /Silver Level (sponsor /exhibitor $200 to $499)
• Logo display in conference program, electronic conference banner and conference website
Verbal recognition of sponsorship during Latino Institute for Professional Development Opening
• One complimentary conference registration to the Latino Institute for Professional Development
Bronce /Bronze Level ($100 -$199)
Recognition in conference program and on website
One complimentary registration to the Latino Institute for Professional Development
Strengthening and Valuing Latino /a Communities in Iowa" Professional
Development Institute and Youth Summit
October 11 -12, 2012
at The University of Iowa and West High School, Iowa City, Iowa
Sponsor Information
First Name
MI Last Name
Title /Position
Company/Organization
Address
City
State
Zip Code
Email
Website
Daytime Phone
Fax
Confirmation: Yes, we want to sponsor the conference and we
❑ Will not be exhibiting at the conference.
❑ Would like to have an exhibit table.
Will your exhibit table need electricity _ Yes _ No
Please MARK Sponsorship Level:
❑ PLATINUM /PLATING ($1,000 +)
❑ GOLD /ORO: ($500 -$999)
❑ SILVER/PLATA: ($200 -$499)
❑ BRONZE / BRONCE: ($100 -$199)
My CHECK for $ (made payable to The University of Iowa School of Social
Work- Latino Conference) is enclosed.
Logo: So that we may include your organization's logo in the conference materials, please
email a camera ready logo to: latino- conference@uiowa.edu
Names of representatives attending the Latino Conference (please include
representatives operating exhibit tables and those redeeming complimentary conference
registrations):
1.
2.
3.
4.
Special Exhibit or Registration Instructions or Requests:
❑ Confirmation of receipt will be sent via e-mail or fax. If you would like to receive your
confirmation via U.S. mail, please indicate this by placing a checkmark in front of this statement.
Please send completed form to:
"Strengthening and Valuing Latino /a Communities in Iowa" Conference
c/o The University of Iowa School of Social Work
308 North Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242
For more information, please contact:
Kate Kemp, Program Administrator, UI School of Social Work
Email: kate- kemp(a)uiowa.edu or Phone: 319.335.1254.
09 -18 -12
Item 5b
t?
MIL,
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
September 10, 2012 Iowa City, Iowa 52240 -1826
(3 19) 3S6 -5000
(319) 356 -5009 FAX
WWW.icgov.org
President Sally Mason
University of Iowa
101 Jessup Hall
Iowa City, IA 52244
Dear President Mason,
It came to our attention that the much respected and longtime University of Iowa Center
for Human Rights will be phased out by June 30, 2013. The City of Iowa City Human
Rights Commission has had a healthy and effective partnership with the Center for
Human Rights for many years and we regret to learn of its future closure. The Center for
Human Rights has proven to be a vital resource not only for the faculty and students
associated with the University but also for the greater community. For obvious reasons
we would like to see this vital department at the University remain open. We would
appreciate an update on the feasibility of keeping this department open or any plans the
University has in filling the void that will be left both locally and globally due to the
closure. We look forward to gearing from you and to continued partnership with the
University on issues of Human Rights. Thank you.
Sincerely,
City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission
Harry Olmstead, Chair
Connie Goeb, Vice Chair
Dr. Howard Cowen
Diane Finnerty
Orville Townsend, Sr.
Jessie Harper
Shams Ghoneim
Kim Hanrahan
Dan Tallon
CC: Amy Weismann, Associate Director Center for Human Rights
og -18 -12
Updates to draft proclamation as submitted by Commissioner Shams Ghoneim on August 24, 2012. 5c
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:
1.A11 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, 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 ,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 & celebration of our diversity is of paramount
importance in preventing the isolation and alienation of any persons which can
adversely impact our community's unity.
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 undocumented, or on
the basis of any person's color or race.
8.All (residents are entitled to the protection by the City's police, fire, housing, health,
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.
09 -18 -12
Item 5d
� r
wAftwe _
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
September 12, 2012 Iowa city, Iowa 52240 -1826
(319) 356 -5000
(319) 356 -5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
Jane Doe
1111 ABS Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Ms. Doe,
The City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission would like to share information about our most
recent Award —Youth Ally with you. Unlike other awards, the Youth Ally Award is an Award
where youth in the community nominate an adult for special recognition. The requirements of
the nomination are for the nominee to be an adult who through hard work and trust has
inspired and empowered youth to become involved in human rights activities and initiatives
either locally or abroad. The adult selected to receive recognition will be honored at the annual
Youth Awards Program in May of 2033. This is an opportunity for youth,to nominate an adult
who they believe has really gone beyond the call of duty and we hope that you will help us in
spreading the word to the youth of this community. Please circulate this information to the
youth that you know. Nomination forms will be available in the spring of 2013 on our website
at wimmicgov.org /humonrights. Please call 319- 356 -5022 or email humanrights(@iowa- city.org
if you would like further information concerning the Youth Ally Award.
Sincerely,
City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission
(Harry Olmstead, Connie Goeb, Dr. Howard Cowen, Orville Townsend, Sr., Diane Finnerty, Jessie
Harper, Kim Hanrahan, Shams Ghoneim, Dan Tallon)
Correspondence
Submitted to Commission by Jeff Cox on August 23, 2012, it is an article he authored in The Prairie
Progressive.
The New Jim Crow Comes to Iowa City
When Michelle Alexander's
The New Jim Crow: Mass
Incarceration in the Age of
Colorblindness was published last year,
it was discussed widely in Iowa City.
Alexander's title pretty much says it all.
The Land of the Free is now the world's
largest prison, with an incarceration rate
that exceeds the most repressive regimes
in the world, including China and Russia.
The increase in incarceration is driven
largely by our out of control war on
drugs, and the victims are overwhelm -
inglyblack. With 12% of the U.S.
population, African Americans constitute
45 %ofAmericanprisoners. Perhaps
worst of all are the long term effects of
the New Jim Crow: one in three adult
U.S. black males carries the life -long
stigma of a felony conviction.
For the last several months Johnson
County has been carrying on its own dis-
cussion about incarceration. Community
leaders of all stripes have united behind
a proposal to build a new "justice center"
which includes, among other things, a
newjail. Readers of the Iowa City Press
Citizen and The Gazette are bombarded
almost weekly with new articles, based
on press releases from the county super-
visors or the sheriff, promoting the new
jail as simple common sense.
Our colorblind community leaders,
and the journalists who cover them, have
conducted this conversation without men-
tioning race. On his private blog, County
Supervisor Rod Sullivan has raised the is-
sue of racial disparities in both detention
and arrests ofjuveniles, but has carefully
segregated those statistics from any dis-
cussion of the new jail, which he strongly
supports - -a classic example of cognitive
dissonance among liberals.
The newjustice center is a plan to
jail more people. That is what the New
Jim Crow is all about - -the growth of
incarceration. Perhaps before jumping
headlong into a large expansion ofjail
capacity in Johnson County, Iowa City
liberals should consider some facts that
have been conveniently omitted or down-
played in public discussion of the jail.
The current Johnson County jail has as
capacity of 96. The average number of
people in custody on any given night
is roughly 160, requiring the Sheriff to
send prisoners to neighboring counties
with excess capacity. The new "justice
center" will have a capacity of 243, i.e.
a 50% growth in the number of people
incarcerated.
"They should plan
to incarcerate
fewer people,
not more."
Although Johnson County is
roughly 5% African-American, in 2011
of the 160 incarcerated on an average
night, roughly 60 were African Ameri-
can. Over the last several years the
percentage of African-Americans has
consistently hovered around 40 %. With
a 50% growth in incarceration (160 to
243), the number of African - Americans
in custody will soar from 60 a night to
90. Welcome to apartheid, Johnson
County style. Defenders ofjail expan-
sion say that we must "plan for growth,"
but the growth that they are planning is
what drives the most harmful form of
racism in America.
Arrest rates and incarceration rates
are falling in many Iowa counties. Polk
County actually has room to house
400 additional prisoners in its jail. In
Johnson County, though, arrest rates
have grown as the African - American
community has grown. In Linn County
(Cedar Rapids), the juvenile arrest rate
fell last year, while in Johnson County
it grew from 467 to 533, an increase of
over 14 %. In 2010, black youth made
up 38.3% of thejuvenile arrests in
Johnson County, and blacks accounted
for 40.6% of juveniles placed in "secure
detention."
Alexander documented the primary
cause of the increasing arrest rates:
the war on drugs. In Iowa City, where
marijuana is the overwhelming drug of
choice, drug arrests by the Iowa City Po-
lice Department have soared from 332 in
2007 to 626 in 2011. Defenders of Iowa
City's arrest -happy police department
often claim that the high arrest rate is the
result of unusually high levels of crimi-
nal behavior in Iowa City compared to
comparable communities. Anyone who
knows anything about policing knows
that arrest rates are as much a result of
policing policy as the level of criminal
behavior. Iowa City Police Lt. Doug
Hart admitted as much in explaining the
soaring drug arrest levels: "It could be
increased drug problems, or it could be
as simple as the fact that we have more
officers working in the street."
In their high arrest policy the Iowa
City Police Department has been joined
by the University of Iowa Police. Now
fully armed with tasers and guns, their
budget has doubled over the last ten
years, paid for by student tuition and state
taxes. The University police now trawl
the downtown bars along with the Iowa
City police in order to arrest students.
The last time anyone counted, 17% of
UI students had an arrest record when
they graduated, one that they will be
required to disclose to graduate schools
and employers all of their lives. In 2009
the University of Iowa police arrest rates
were 13% higher than those at Iowa
State, a school with roughly the same
number of students.
The new "justice center" would
improve facilities for lawyers, jailers,
judges, and prosecutors. Defenders of
the new jail also claim they have the in-
terests of prisoners at heart. After all, the
additional people we incarcerate through
"growth" will have better facilities in a
new jail. Thanks! There is every reason
to believe that the Iowa City Police De-
partment will fill up every new jail bed,
and that 40% of the additional prisoners
will be African - American. Any good that
comes from a new jail will be more than
THE PRAIRIE PROGRESSIVE • SUMMER 2012 • PAGE 2
Jim Crow,
Continued on Page 5
CALENDAR
Aug. 2, 1937
FDR signed Marihuana Taxation Act
Aug. 9, 1932
Farmers went on strike in Iowa
Aug. 15, 1947
Non - violent campaign culminates
in independence for India
Sept. 15, 1982
USA Today debuts
Sept. 19, 1957
First underground nuclear test
conducted in Nevada
Sept. 25, 1957
Army troops sent by Eisenhower
escorted 9 children to high school
in Little Rock, Arkansas
Sept. 30, 1962
University of Mississippi students
rioted over admission of James
Meredith
Jim Crow,
Continued from Page 2
offset by the lifetime harm that will be
done to African - Americans by incarcerat-
ing many more in an expanded jail.
If the jail advocates are serious about
improving conditions for current inmates,
they should go back to the drawing
board and design ajustice center with
jail for 160 inmates, which is the current
demand. We should plan to incarcerate
fewer people, not more. By planning
for growth, they are planning to expand
the New Jim Crow in Johnson County,
making a mockery of our commitment to
"equal justice under the law." �B
-- Jeff Cox
P.S. As I finished writing this column, the
news came of the unexpected death of the best
political columnist in America, Alexander
Cockburn. His columns in The Nation, and
in his political newsletter Counterpunch, were
lifelines of sanity, beautifully written. Cock-
burn infuriated many liberals, including me,
because of his skepticism about the human
contribution to global waning, and his occa-
sional bouts of nostalgia for Communism. He
was at his very best when skewering the hy-
pocrisy of liberal Democrats for their support
of the neo- liberal corporatism and dangerous
militarism of Presidents Carter, Clinton, and
Obama. He will be missed.
THE PRAIRIE PROGRESSIVE is Iowa's oldest progressive newsletter. It is
funded entirely by subscriptions from our readers. Editor for this issue: Jeff Cox.
o $121 -year subscription
o $_2012 sustaining fund gift
o $10 1 -year gift subscription
Your Name
Your Address
City, State Zip
Gift Name
Gift Address
City, State Zip
Please return to: The Prairie Progressive, P.O. Box 1945, Iowa City, IA 52244
Lauren Reece Flaum
1960 -2012
Prairie Dog's 2012 HOnor Roll,
Continued from Page I
School District watchers believe that the
School Board of the early 2000s was
exceptionally effective, productive, and
transparent. Much of the credit goes to
Lauren Reece Flaum, who served two
terms from 1999 to 2005 and as board
president from 2001 to 2004. Her leader-
ship helped pass a $39 million bond
referendum that led to the expansion of
classrooms and built a new high school,
junior high, and elementary school across
the district. The Prairie Progressive will
miss Lauren's friendship, her extraordi-
nary ability to bring people together, and
her clear and thoughtful writing.
We offer a brief sample from her ar-
ticle Summertime Murmur in the August
2009 PP:
"I often wonder what it is that
gets hold offair, open - minded
people once they join a school
board How quickly it's forgotten
that the board's job is to lead the
superintendent and not the other
way around.' But I do remember
that courage is not revered in the
climate of the board committee;
conformity is. The complexities of
school finance formulas in conjunc-
tion with the steep learning curve of
other issues conspire to intimidate
rather than embolden. People fall
in line. I often did myself." )(
THE PRAIRIE PROGRESSIVE • SUMMER 2012 • PAGE 5
-- Prairie Dog
Annual Report for FY 12 as submitted September 4, 2012
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
History
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 in 1966 and Ames in 1974.
Commission
Nine residents of Iowa City are appointed by the City Council for three year staggered
terns. 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 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
• Host
Iowa: A State oflmmigration Display.
Student Legal Intern.
• Co- Sponsor
Faces of Iowa City.
The Struggle for LGBT Rights in Uganda: Reverend Mark Kiyimba.
League of Women Voters of Johnson County — Series on US Constitution.
Juneteenth Celebration.
Strengthening & Valuing Latino Communities in Iowa Conference.
Life Behind the Iron Curtain from A Czech & Slovak Perspective Program.
Sponsor
28`h Annual Iowa City Human Rights Commission Awards Breakfast.
Building Blocks to Employment Job Fair.
A Panel of Parents & Youth of Color.
Youth Awards.
Participant/Attendee
Diversity Focus Shift Series: Sir Ken Robinson.
Dealing with Difficult Employees Webinar.
Protect Your Computer, Protect Yourself. Data Risks Facing Municipalities Today Program.
University of Iowa National Coalition Building Institute Affiliate Training.
Laying Claim to Our Spirit: History Makers Gala.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration of Human Rights Planning Committee.
Save Our Spaceship — Environmental Responsibility Action & Awareness.
My Beautiful Self.- Johnson County Young Women's Seminar.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity March.
Wealth Inequality as a Civil Rights Issue: Notes from Legal History.
Off Campus Housing Fair.
Iowa Women's Music Festival.
Police Citizens Review Board Community Forum.
Celebrate International Women's Day: Iowa United Nations Night of 1,000 Dinners.
Understanding & Managing High Conflict Personalities in Legal Disputes.
University of Iowa College of Law — Diversity Panel.
Return to Mayberry — Play.
Million Hoodie March for Trayvon Martin.
University of Iowa's Celebrating Cultural Diversity Day.
Open Records & Meeting Laws Board Training.
University of Iowa College of Law Professionalism & Diversity in Practice.
National Americans with Disabilities Symposium.
Employment Law Webinar.
Understanding the Adolescent Mind & the Development Impact of Trauma.
All about the Benjamin Series.
Bystander Intervention Skills for Difficult Situations Workshop.
Lighting the Way for Justice & Peace.
• Presenter
Black American Gothic.
Iowa City Noon Lions Club.
Iowa City Sertoma Club.
Iowa City in Focus.
University of Iowa Human Rights Class.
Iowa N.E.W. Leadership.
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 serve 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 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 days of the file date along with a questionnaire and
document request.
4. Answer: The respondent is required to answer the allegation of discrimination and
submit any requested records or relevant documents within thirty days of receipt.
5. Right to sue: After the complaint has been on file for sixty days, the complainant
has the option of pursing the matter in a state district court. If this option is taken,
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
concerning the allegations in the complaint 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.
b. If probable cause is not found, staff informs both the complainant and
respondent of the basis for the decision.
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
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.
Complaint Activity
COMPLAINTS FILED BY PROTECTED CHARACTERISTIC
FY 2011 FY2012
Age 10 15
Color 16 13
Creed
I
I
Disability
16
22
Familial Status
3
8
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
7
I
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 the second most cited reason (18). It took, on average, 113 days
to resolve a complaint in fiscal year 201 12 . Employment is still the largest area in which
t `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 conduct/activity 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.
' Resolution time in Fiscal year 2011 versus 2012 is influenced by a few factors including additional staff,
higher number of mediated complaints and the number of right to sues issued.
complaints were filed, followed by housing and public accommodation. In Fiscal Year
2010, there were 28 complaints filed in the area of employment. Housing had 13 and
public accommodation had 9. Disability which includes mental and physical is the most
common characteristic cited for the alleged discriminatory conduct. However if you
merge mental and physical disability, race is the most common characteristic with 19,
with mental and physical disability each having 14 separately. Illegal retaliation and sex
follow with 18 and 9 respectfully. 212 days was the average number of days to resolve
complaints in Fiscal Year 2010.
Plans for Fiscal Year 2013
♦ 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 Hanrahan
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
Approved August 21, 2012
The Register editorial: Calling cops on studenk 01-111,t he rare I The Des Moines Register ... Pagel of 2
Editorial by The Register dated September 6, 2012 submitted by staff.
The Register editorial: Calling cops on students should be rare
Sep. 06 desmoinesregister.com
Schools are safe places
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a report, "While shocking and senseless
shootings give the impression of dramatic increases in school - related violence, national surveys
consistently find that school- associated homicides have stayed essentially stable or even decreased
slightly over time. Less than I percent of all homicides among school -age children happen on school
grounds or on the way to and from school."
The Des Moines Register editorial board is exploring juvenile justice in Iowa. To share ideas and
stories, contact editorial writer Andie Dominick at aominick@dmreg.com.
It doesn't matter when you went to school. Students
got into trouble. Principals punished them. But
nowadays some school officials also call police. That guarantees consequences beyond the
schoolhouse doors, including arrests and referrals to juvenile court. It nudges kids into a so- called
"school to court pipeline" where a classroom offense lands them in the criminal justice system.
The American Civil Liberties Union characterizes this pipeline as part of a disturbing national trend in
which schools focus on incarceration rather than education. Young people end up arrested for
throwing an eraser at a teacher, according to the ACLU.
In August, the U.S. Department of Justice accused officials in Mississippi of violating the
constitutional rights of juveniles by locking them up for alleged school infractions, including
defiance. Federal officials say local police automatically arrested every student referred by public
school officials.
On Sunday, the Des Moines Register editorial board explored the implications of police officers being
permanent fixtures in some Iowa high schools. They arrest hundreds of Iowa students on school
grounds each year. The education money used for their salaries is money not used for school staff,
including guidance counselors.
Do school officials really think involving police helps kids?
An Iowa City mother who contacted the editorial board said doing so causes more harm than good.
Her 14- year -old son ended up with a black eye while defending himself against another student at
South East Junior High in May. Both boys were suspended and the school called the police.
"They were there when my husband arrived and neither he nor my son were told they had the right to
remain silent," according to the mother. "In fact, when my husband asked my son what happened, the
police took that as permission to question him."
Ultimately, the boy was charged by the officer and had to meet with a juvenile court officer, who
gave him 90 days of probation. The mother was told he will have a police record until he is 18 when
http:// www. desmoincsregister .comlarticlel20l209077OPINlONO3 /309070020 /The - Register -... 9/7/2012
The Register editorial: Calling cops on students should be rare I The Des Moines Register ... Page 2 of 2
she will need to ask a judge to seal it. The boy was so troubled by the ordeal that he did not return to
class for the final three weeks of the school year.
The mother said Principal Deb Wretman "expressed no concern whatsoever for the impact on a
child's future a police record could cause, nor the emotional impact of being charged and put on
probation. Surely a three -day suspension would have been sufficient."
Wretman said she could not talk about the cases of specific students. Police were called to her middle
school on seven students last year. Districtwide, police were called on 78 students for a range of
offenses including physical aggression, insubordination and tobacco possession. Iowa City schools
are "working to develop a protocol" for when law officers should be called, district spokeswoman
Kate Moreland said.
That's good. School officials should think hard before calling the police. They should understand the
process they set in motion for a family and the impact it can have on students now and in the future.
And they should question whether it's really necessary to involve law enforcement if a kid smokes
cigarettes.
http:// www .desmoinesregister.comlarticlel 20120907 'oPINION031309070020IThe - Register -... 9/7/2012
Submitted by staff on September 12, 2012.
Status of Complaints
(As of September 12, 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 he was fired due to race.
Investigation ongoing.
Complainant believes she was terminated based on sex and disability —
pregnancy.
In mediation.
Complainant believes he was discriminated against based on race and color.
In mediation.
Complainant believes she was discriminated against based on race and color.
In mediation.
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.
HOUSING
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 alleges management company did not renew his lease because of
race and national origin.
Investigation ongoing.
3
t
SEPT 23, 2012
5:
C20 POMERANTZ CENTER
the hook describes the history of the I imong
people and follows the author's extended
family as they made a dangerous escape from
Thailand until they were eventually resettled
in St. [Taus. She describes beautifully the
cultural assimilation process as the Yang
family members become new Americans.
This event is free and open to the =ii 9f
5
+w
Kao Kalia Yang is the author of one of
the first books about the Hmong people
written by a I mong. Site was born in
19130 in a refugee campjji 4- hailand but
Minnesota was her fu'sttrite home.
See uichr.org for additionahi f& oration
and a complete list of sponsors.
y, o
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Iowa City Senior Center
28 S. Linn Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
319- 356 -5220
Presentations planned include a local eye care professional
and a representative from the National Library Service, the
national program that provides reading materials to those who
have difficulty reading print.
Information and items on display will include:
Free newspaper reading programs
How to obtain audio books and magazines delivered to
your mailbox
Devices to help with everyday activities
Tips on how to complete tasks when vision loss makes
them difficult
Free and open to the public `��o A
ENT
1-800-362-2587 1 O THE
BLIND
www.idbonline.org