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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-25-2022 Human Rights Commission - RevisedHuman Rights Commission October 25, 2022 Formal Meeting —5:30 PM Emma J. Harvat Hall, City Hall Agenda: 1. Call the meeting to order and roll call 2. Reading of Native American Land Acknowledgment 3. Correspondence: a. Seeking Applicants for Three Vacancies on the Human Rights Commission 4. Approval of September 27, 2022, meeting minutes 5. Public comment of items not on the agenda. (Commentators shall address the Commission for no more than 5 minutes. Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with the public concerning said items) 6. Introduction of newly hired Police Officer Jordan Schunk 7. Meet and Greet with Fire Chief Scott Lyon 8. Racial Equity & Social Justice Grant (RESJ) a. Reminder RESJ Grant Informational Sessions Via Zoom on November 9 at 6 PM [Felker, Glass, Maliabo] Via Zoom on November 16 at Noon [Pries, Lindley] 9. Human Rights Awards (October 26 at 7 AM) a. Program Presentation 10. Commission Committees a. Building Bridges b. Reciprocal Relationships c. Breaking Bread 11. Statement in Support of the October 15 Iowa City Library's Storytime 12. Consider Changing the November 22, 2022, Meeting Date 13. Staff/Commission Announcements (Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with one another concerning said announcements) 14. Adjournment MEETING PACKET CONTENTS: 1. AGENDA: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2022 2. NEWS RELEASE: MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY APPLY TO SERVE 3. NATIVE AMERICAN LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT 4. DRAFT MINUTES: SEPTEMBER 27, 2022 If you will need disability -related accommodations to participate in this meeting please contact Human Rights Coordinator, Stefanie Bowers, at 319-356-5022 or at stefanie-bowersCa)iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. 10/17/22, 3:56 PM Make a Difference in the Community— Apply to Serve We only use cookies that are necessary for this site to function to provide you with the best experience. The controller of this site may choose to place supplementary cookies to support additional functionality such as support analylics, and has an obligation to disclose these cookies. Learn more in our Cookie Statemen6Subsefibe to updates from City of Iowa City o Email AddfB55� a.g. nameQezar Make a Difference in the Community —Apply to Serve subscribe City of Iowa City sent this bulletin at 10/04/2022 08.00 AM CDT Share Bulletin to SHRRE Having trouble viewing this email? V ew'I as a Web cane. Mee City of 10WACITY J FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dale: 10/04/2022 Contact: Stefanie Bowers, Human Rights Coordinator and Equity Director Phone: 319-356-5022 Make a Difference in the Community — Apply to Serve iowa-city.org/forms/bcapp o ° CITY of IOWA CITY rMiMCDCani LIIFRATLAF @ichumanrightr The City of Iowa City is seeking applicants to fill three vacancies on the Human Rights Commission. Each vacancy is a full term that starts on Jan. 1, 2023, and runs through Dec. 31, 2025. Service is on a volunteer basis. The Human Rights Commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall, 410 E. Washington St. The duties afthe Commission involve: Disseminating information to educate the public on illegal discrimination and civil rights Planning programs and activities designed to eliminate racial, religious, cultural and other intergroup tensions including but not limited to sex. color, creed, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age.. and national origin Making recommendations to the City Council for further legislation concerning discrimination, and on what organizations should be allocated funding from the Racial Equity and Social Justice Grant. More information on the Commission can be found here. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and reside in Iowa City. Applications are available online. Applications must be received by 5 p.m., Tuesday.. Nov. 8, 2022. The Iowa City Council will make appointments on Tuesday, November 15, 2022. For questions, contact Equity Director Stefanie Bowers at 319-356-5022 or email stefame- 12 r tyyrg. Questions? Contact Us https://content.govdel ivery.com/accountsliAlOWA/bulletins/32f5ee4 1 /2 10/17/22, 3:56 PM Make a Difference in the Community— Apply to Serve i t CITY OI IOl\'A CITY u[ttOM W W ruiou STAY CONNECTED: M©m®Q SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: pgypage Preferen es I Unsnbsnrib I H€R Powered by CJOVDELIVERY10 Privacy Policy I Cookie Statement I Help https://content.govdelivery.com/accountsliAlOWA/bulletins/32f5ee4 2/2 Native American land Acknowledgement Prepared for the City of Iowa City's Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Human Rights Commission PURPOSE Iowa City owes its existence to the many Indigenous Peoples who were the original stewards of this land and who were subjected to manipulation and violence by non-native settlers, invaders, and governments in order to make this moment possible. Acknowledgement of this truth is central to our work toward reconciliation across all barriers of difference and injustice. Starting with a Native American Land Acknowledgement, this Commission will bear witness to the legacies of violent displacement, migration, and settlement that have marginalized those who were the first inhabitants of this land. We must also address the mistreatment and exclusion that Native Americans continue to face today. The Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Human Rights Commission encourage the community and City of Iowa City to join us in these efforts through the use of a Native American Land Acknowledgement. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT To be read at all public meetings and events: "We meet today in the community of Iowa City, which now occupies the homelands of Native American Nations to whom we owe our commitment and dedication. The area of Iowa City was within the homelands of the Iowa, Meskwaki, and Sauk, and because history is complex and time goes far back beyond memory, we also acknowledge the ancient connections of many other Indigenous Peoples here. The history of broken treaties and forced removal that dispossessed Indigenous Peoples of their homelands was and is an act of colonization and genocide that we can not erase. We implore the Iowa City community to commit to understanding and addressing these injustices as we work toward equity, restoration, and reparations." LEARN MORE Native Governance Center Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgement US Department of Arts and Culture: Honor Native Land Virtual Resources and Guide Meskwaki Nation - History Special thanks to the University of Iowa Native American Council for their work and guidance, as well as members of the public, for their input. Draft Minutes Human Rights Commission September 27, 2022 Emma J. Harvat Hall Commissioners present: Mark Pries, Jason Glass, Doug Kollasch, Ashley Lindley, Bijou Maliabo, Sin Felker, Sylvia Jons (via Zoom), Kelsey Paul Shantz (Via Zoom). Commissioners not present: Roger Lusala. Staff present: Stefanie Bowers, Joshua Dabusu Recommendation to City Council: No. Meeting called to order: 5:30 PM. Native American Land Acknowledgement: Lindley read the Land Acknowledgement. Public comment of items not on the agenda: Dabusu introduced newly hired Iowa City Police Officer Dale Dellimore to the Commission. Dellimore previously worked for the Cedar Rapids Police Department for 5 years and is from Naperville, Illinois. Approval of meeting minutes of August 23. 2022: Lindley moved, and Maliabo seconded. Motion passed 8-0. Racial Equity and Social Justice Grant: Commissioners went over the draft application. The updated version of the rubric was also reviewed. Shantz inquired whether the application would be translated into Spanish. Staff will check with Communications and ITS to explore the inquiry and report back at the next Commission meeting. Pries moved, and Lindley seconded to approve the application for the racial equity and social justice for 2023. 8-0. Felker, Glass, and Maliabo will facilitate the grant informational session on November 9, and Pries, Lindley, and tentatively Jons will facilitate on November 16. Strategic Plan: Breaking Bread — Glass & Lindley Reciprocal Relationships— Lusala, Felker, and Jons Building Bridges—Maliabo, Paul Shantz, Pries Glass and Lindley provided their updates in the Commission's packet for this month. One of their initiatives is to contact persons who previously served on the Commission to see if they are interested in tabling events in the community on behalf of the Commission. Possible events include Party in the Park, Farmer's Market, and Coffee with a Commissioner. Awards Breakfast: The annual event will be held on Wednesday, October 26. Felker and Priest selected the following honorees for 2022: Iowa City Bike Library, Mary Kenyon, Mary Issah, Joceyln M. Williams, Francine Spencer — Thompson, Na Li, and State Senator Joe Bolkcom. Lindley will welcome and closing remarks, and Glass will present the awards. Announcements of staff and commissioners: Maliabo and Pries participated in a program on the possibilities of equity and also delivered remarks at the International Day of Peace event. Jons is nearly done with her first quarter of the Executive MBA program. Lindley mentioned the growth of Coralville Pride from last year to this year and a toolkit she is working on in her practicum with the Rape Advocacy program. Kollasch spoke on an upcoming election forum being sponsored by Hawkeye Pride on October 18 and led by Keenan Crow, Policy and Advocacy Director of One Iowa. Paul Shantz mentioned an upcoming event called "Refocus" that is sponsored by Film Scene. Glass mentioned the fun day had at Coralville Pride and that he and his family will be serving a meal at the Iowa City Catholic Worker House over the weekend. Adjourned: 6:51 PM. The meeting can be viewed at https://citVchannel4.com/video.htrnl?series=Local%20Government. N N N N �i ti N N O ti r 0. 0. a. C M 0. a. W m 0. C 0. N �C R N C C C C C 0. 0. N a a a a- a. m N C C C a a Q Q N N N N N N N N N N N C C VT.1 N N N W cOtl 3 v Gz CO C i— Cvfi O h � i O The following documents were handed out during the meeting. Human Rights Commission Subcommittee Meeting Reports Subcommittee Title: Reciprocal Relationships Subcommittee Members: Siri Felker, Sylvia Jons, Roger Lusala Meeting Minutes Log: Instructions: Please make a new row (below the column titles) in the meeting minutes table each time you meet, with the newest entry at the top. Date: Members Business Discussed: Action Items: Next Meeting: Present: (member reports of work completed, notes on (~1 fir work, to be completed prior to next (time & location) upcoming items in need of address) subcommittee meeting) 10/20/22 Siri, Sylvia, a Develop engagement expectations ❑ Each RRR member come back with 11/17/22 @4pm on 6pm Roger for HRC members with RESJ specific parameters for grant zoom grantees experience (invite Jennifer) • Point of Discussion: What ❑ Siri , Draft short mid -point survey Note: include parameters can we establish to guide for current grantees to both (a) Jennifer what actions can be taken by a support the 2nd half of their cycle subcommittee with and without whole and (b) provide info about what commission approval supports we could offer in the next cycle 9/20/22 Siri • Note: Subcommittee meeting Date: 10/20/22 p ad is (I nk_a_ H_�__) 4pm canceled, but SF did final draft of Location Zoom RESJ Grant app. Finalize RESJ grant application questions and grading rubric for commission review 8113/22 Sylvia, Roger, Siri • Review RESJ grant application and S,.. Type up a__i;--•An I • hi, Date: 9/20/22 ad ts (I nked HERE) 3-5pm (@ Java House) propose edits for commission review Location: Zoom at August meeting 10/20 Notes Outline: First steps once grantees are decided: • Delegate which RRR member will be their liaison / point of wntact • During February , In -person meeting (with a zoom option) with each grantee to discuss: o Contact person (RRR member) , establish relationship o Framework of engagement / Timeline (to be elaborated in Nov-22 meeting) o Big Idea —. "This is not to impose a burden, but rather to builds partnership" • Idea: Plan / schedule ceremony to CELEBRATE / handout checks to grantees (in June?) o Coordinate with social media / City News • For Current Grantees o Check for status of quarterly reports (after December) o Siri , Draft short mid -point survey for current grantees to both (a) support the 2nd half of their cycle and (b) provide info about what supports we could offer in the next cycle o RRR can review this draft survey at next subcommittee meeting in Nov Question: What parameters can we establish as a whole commission to guide what actions can be taken by a subcommittee with and without whole commission approval o Eg. Could we send out a survey to current grantees w/o whole commission approval in a meeting On October 15, 2022, the Iowa City Public Library (ICPL) hosted a Drag Storytime and Costume Ball. Drag Storytime is a voluntary program that provides educational opportunities and fun, enriching experiences to families with children of all ages. The City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission believes this programming strongly aligns with ICPL's values of access, belonging, collaboration, and community. Though many drag storytime events have been hosted by ICPL since 2018, the October 15th storytime was the first to be attended by a group of protesters. According to the Iowa City Press -Citizen, the group: • Carried signs accusing the library of "grooming" children • Verbally insulted the event, the performers, and attendees • Stood in the room during the event holding signs and not participating in the activity Members of this Commission believe in the right to protest and to express opposing viewpoints. While this protest was a lawful one, the group's purpose seems to have gone beyond the protest of a program with an opposing viewpoint. Tactics were deployed with the intent to insult, intimidate, and disrupt a children's story hour. Parents who attended the program stated that the presence and behavior of this group of adults prevented the children and their families from the full and equal enjoyment of the library's services. We believe the actions of the protesters and the manner in which they displayed their opinion was disruptive and disrespectful, as well as harmful to LGBTQ+ members of our community. One of the duties of the Human Rights Commission is to educate the public on human rights and discrimination. Drag queen storytime is a platform for sharing the beauty and importance of diversity, inclusivity, and belonging. Humans are not born to hate. We are taught to hate. One of the best ways to overcome hatred is by learning about and engaging with the diverse people who surround us in the world. Drag storytime does not teach children to challenge their identity. It simply teaches them to accept that some people do. The rate of suicide amoung LGBTQ+ youth is significantly higher than that of their straight and cisgender peers, with the rates even higher among LGBTQ+ youth of color. The main cause is bullying and a lack of acceptance from their peers. Events like drag queen storytime combat harmful norms by teaching kids to accept and embrace the differences in others. Lessons of compassion, empathy, understanding, and a love of reading are immensely valuable in our community and the world at large. The Iowa City Human Rights Commission affirms the following: • Members of this Commission wholeheartedly support the programming of the Iowa City Public Library and its efforts to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment, especially for events designed for our youngest residents. • All residents of Iowa City have the right to enjoy the services provided by the library without fear of intimidation, verbal insults, or enduring a hostile and disruptive environment. • We support the library's drag storytime events and any programs that promote learning and acceptance. • Members of our community have a right to feel safe and welcome at all public events. • The City of Iowa City is a diverse and inclusive community and this type of hate and intolerance is unwelcome. It is especially abhorrent that this protest took place at an event specifically designed to celebrate our diversity, promote learning, and foster acceptance. Members of this Commission encourage residents to show their support for ICPL's Drag Storytime events, as well as other events that promote diversity, inclusivity, and belonging in our community. Furthermore, as it is LGBTQ History Month, we encourage residents to continue learning about and celebrating the many accomplishments of LGBTQ people. If you are an LGBTQ youth struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, help is available 24/7 through The Trevor Project. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text 678-678. Adults seeking help can dial 988 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. IC HRC STRATEGIC ACTION SUBCOMMITTEE TEMPLATE GYhexc �s we �? 1.-lw Q w �WFII Y6 Er{'�err-: i Gk gyre hu-e Strategic Doing Institute 1 ©2020 Used and adapted with permission STRATEGIC AREA OF WORK: BUILDING BRIDGES OUTCOME/GOAL Where are we going within this area of work? SUCCESS METRICS How will we know when we've arrived at this outcome or goal? CURRENT PROJECT How will we get there? GUIDEPOSTS/ OBJECTIVES What intermediate results will help us know we're on the right path? ACTION PLAN What has each of us committed to do to move forward? Name Focus/Action/Deliverable PROCESS GUIDING PRINCIPLES Diverse perspectives create better solutions. Equity of voice increases a group's effectiveness. Doing the doable allows the work to continually progress, even when the going is tough. TEAM MEMBERS Identify who in the group will perform the following functions. Members can keep the same role each meeting or change from meeting to meeting. • Discussion Guide (keeps productive conversation going, ensures equity of voice, nudges members to action) Knowledge Keeper (records and makes available meeting notes) Operations Organizer (manages operational details such as meeting time, location, communication) AGENDA Meet at least every 30 days (or more frequently, but not less). Every meeting can use or adapt the following agenda. 1) Next meeting date/time/location: Saturday, November 5, 2022 10 a.m. at Press Coffee 2) What we have learned since our last meeting that may affect our future activity At previous meeting, the group decided to focus on relationships with city government leaders, as well as with others who might like to create bridges in the community (e.g., related to housing) Bijou connected with previous mayor Jim Throgmorton, who has done a great deal to connect with and serve the community • Interested in organizations like the Community Violence Intervention Program • Official city actions+ Community efforts Using the language of building bridges, rather than bridging the gap, to represent getting rid of silos. Idea: Fireside chat with police chief and other community leaders Could create a series of these Sessions would be informed by needs we hear from the community, and would be open to the community. Who else should be there? 3) Incomplete action items from last meeting and/or roadblocks, and what we will do about them N/A 4) Evaluation of current course of action and determination of whether it needs to be adjusted; if adjustment is needed, what adjustment will be made N/A (course of action was determined in this meeting; evaluate again at next meeting) p. 2 5) Action plan and individual action commitments to be fulfilled by our next meeting Basic Action Plan: 1) Ask Stefanie if there is a list of city priorities and/or community -based priorities related to human rights; if yes, the subcommittee could plan actions in support of these priorities 2) Develop a list of known city leaders, including elected and non -elected leaders; ask for input from other Commissioners 3) Use the list in #2 above to develop a short list of people to invite for fireside chats 4) Reach out to leaders (e.g., Jim Throgmorton, police chief) Name Action/Deliverable Due Date 1) Propose suggestion to Stefanie and the HRC 10/21 and Kelsey commissioners to set the IC HRC agenda with one ongoing representative from each subcommittee, to merge our strategy, practice, and discussion. 2) Discover more about the upcoming city council priorities, in particular those related to human rights. Understand if there has been a discovery effort to gain insight on human rights related issues of priority for community members. 3) Follow the agendas and priorities of the city council Bijou Connect with key city leaders 10/24, TBD Ask Jim Throgmorton if he could join an upcoming discussion 10/24 Mark of the subcommittee p. 3 Human Rights Commission Subcommittee Meeting Reports Subcommittee Title: Breaking Bread Subcommittee Members: Jason Glass, Doug Kollasch, Ashley Lindley Meeting Minutes Log: Instructions: Please make a new row (below the column titles) in the meeting minutes table each time you meet, with the newest entry at the top. Date: Members Business Discussed: Action Items: Next Present: Meeting: (member reports of work completed; notes on upcoming (-1 hr work, to be completed prior to next items in need of address) subcommittee meeting) (time & location) 10/25/22 Ashley Lindley • Task from last subcommittee meeting to get in • Spoke with Sergeant Andrew Date: TBD touch with ICPD to learn more about Coffee McKnight (ICPD Outreach Location: with a Cop events Department) TBD • Will share updates with the larger commission 9/23/22 Jason Glass, Doug • Introductions for Doug • Continue work on previously Date: TBD Kollasch, & Ashley • Familiarize Doug with the subcommittee's assigned tasks Location: Lindley purpose, goals, and plans TBD 9/9/22 Jason Glass & • Activities to achieve Goal #1 • Ashley will get in touch with Date: 9/23/22 Ashley Lindley c Tabling at IC Farmers Market, Party at someone from ICPD to learn more Location: the Park events, and Diversity Market about the Coffee with a Cop events Glass c Explore developing a Coffee with a • Jason will craft a letter to send to residence Commissioner event HRC alumni to invite them to c Explore potential for a human library participate event • Get assistance staffing events from HRC alumni