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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 23 2021 HRC Packet (002)Human Rights Commission February 23, 2021 Electronic Formal Meeting- 5:30 PM Zoom Meeting Platform Electronic Meeting (Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8) An electronic meeting is being held because a meeting in person is impossible or impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of commission members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19. You can participate in the meeting and can comment on an agenda item by going to https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEpd-6gpjgjGdRVTQXYew7vBtUJs87Uw5D3 via the internet to visit the Zoom meeting’s registration page and submit the required information. Once approved, you will receive an email message with a link to join the meeting. If you are asked for a meeting ID or webinar ID, enter the ID number found in the email. A meeting password may also be included in the email. Enter the password when prompted. If you have no computer or smartphone, or a computer without a microphone, you may call in by telephone by dialing (312) 626-6799. When prompted, enter the meeting ID or webinar ID. The ID number for this meeting is: 954 0788 3930. Once connected, you may dial *9 to “raise your hand,” letting the meeting host know you would like to speak. Providing comments in person is not an option. Agenda: 1. Call Meeting to Order and Roll Call 2. Approval of the January 26, 2021 meeting minutes 3. Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda. (Commentators shall address the Commission for no more than 5 minutes. Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with the public concerning said items) 4. Introduction & Conversation with Dustin Liston, Iowa City Police Chief 5. Introduction & Conversation with Jamillah Witt, Access to Justice Coordinator, Iowa Accountability Program 6. Funding Request: Center for Families Services Global Network 7. Subcommittees: Housing, Anti-Racism, Health Equity 8. Commission Statement in Support of Black Lives Matter 9. United Nations Convention Rights of the Child PhotoVoice 10. Social Justice Racial Equity Grants Submissions and Selections for FY21 11. Correspondence 12. Staff/Commission Announcements. (Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with one another concerning said announcements). 13. Adjournment. If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate in this meeting please contact the Equity Director, Stefanie Bowers, at 319-356-5022 or at stefanie-bowers@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION FEBRUARY 23, 2021 MEETING PACKET CONTENTS AGENDA ITEM #2 •DRAFT MINUTES FROM JANUARY 26, 2021 AGENDA ITEM #6 •FUNDING REQUEST: CENTER FOR FAMILIES SERVICES GLOBAL NETWORK AGENDA ITEM #8 •COMMISSION STATEMENT ON BLACK LIVES MATTER AGENDA ITEM #10 •SOCIAL JUSTICE AND RACIAL EQUITY GRANT RANKINGS AND AVERAGESFY21 CORRESPONDENCE •SOCIAL JUSTICE & RACIAL EQUITY 4TH QUARTER UPDATE •LETTER FROM LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS JOHNSON 1 Preliminary Minutes Human Rights Commission January 26, 2021 Electronic Formal Regular Meeting Zoom Meeting Platform Members Present: Ashley Lindley, Roger Lusala, Jessica Andino, Mark Pries, Jason Glass, Bijou Maliabo, Adil Adams. Members Not Present: Noemi Ford, Maria Bruno. Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers. Others Present: Sara Barron. (Electronic Meeting Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8) An electronic meeting was held because a meeting in person was impossible or impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of commission members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:34 PM. Approval of the November 24, 2020 meeting minutes: Motion by Lusala with minor edits, seconded by Pries. Motion passed 7-0. 2021 Election of Officers: Lindley moved, and Lusala seconded to elect Andino Chair of the Commission for 2021. Motion passed 7-0. Pries moved, and Lusala seconded to elect Glass as Vice Chair of the Commission. Motion passed 7-0. PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA: Sara Barron reminded Commissioners of the opportunity to discuss housing programs and funding opportunities in the area with the Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition with two programs they are sponsoring. FUNDING REQUEST: CENTER FOR FAMILIES SERVICES GLOBAL NETWORK: Because the requested amount exceeds the budget amount allocated for this fund, staff will reach out to the organization and ask them to resubmit for the meeting date of February 23, 2021. The request was for Zoom programs and events to educate the public on racial equity and injustice. FUNDING REQUEST: JOHNSON COUNTY UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION: This was a request for $500.00 to offset the cost of Night of 1000 Dinners in celebration of International Women’s Day. The event will be held on Wednesday, March 10, 2021. Motion by Pries, seconded by Lusala. Motion passed 7-0. BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROCLAMATION: Lusala will accept the proclamation at the City Council February 2, 2021 meeting date. COMMISSION STATEMENT ON BLACK LIVES MATTER: Staff will plan on including the statement in the February 23, 2021 for Commissioners to further discuss implementation. 2 UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION RIGHTS OF THE CHILD: Staff will reach out to the Johnson County United Nations Association to see if there is a possibility to collaborate on an upcoming program or event on this topic. SOCIAL JUSTICE & RACIAL EQUITY GRANT UPDATES FY2021: There were 29 submissions. The Commission decided to review submissions for the FY21 SJRE grants at their February meeting date. Staff will deliver the grants and rubrics to Commissioners and alert organizations that the review of submissions will occur on the February 23, 2021 date. Commissioners will send their completed rankings to staff by Tuesday, February 16. HOUSING SUBCOMMITTEE: No update but members will plan to listen to the Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition program on housing in this area. ANTI-RACISM SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATE: No update but will meet to discuss Black History Month programs. They also noted the success of their White Privilege film screening held in December. HEALTH EQUITY SUBCOMMITTEE: Maliabo joined this subcommittee. This subcommittee plans on working to increase educational efforts on the COVID -19 vaccine. Basically, advocating for getting vaccinated. REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS: Lindley spoke on her participation in the Humanize My Hoodie Alley event and possibly holding an event on their work for Commissioners or for the public. She also did an interview with KCRG on the Social Justice and Racial Equity grants for FY21, she plans to be active in the MLK Day Celebrations for 2021. Pries participated in the MLK car parade. He is also involved with the Iowa Interfaith Coalition Racism Task Force based out of Des Moines and the Southeastern Senate where they talk and discuss the Lutheran response to the death of George Floyd. He is also participating with the Good Lutheran Church of Texas and they are studying a book on “Be the Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation” by Latasha Morrison. He also encouraged other Commissioners to take the Harvard Implicit Bias test. Glass was invited to attend the Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation meeting of February 4 and encourages other Commissioners to join as well. Andino mentioned a working group she is a part of that wrote a letter to the Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission to assist in any way possible in helping them fulfill their goals. She was also recently appointed by City Manager Geoff Fruin to serve on the Iowa City Affordable Housing Steering Committee. Lusala was part of a COVID-19 study. He recently found out he received the placebo but was given his first vaccine shot last Tuesday. Adam was able to participate in the Sudanese Community Center Annual Meeting. Maliabo is currently taking a course on 10 Skills to Agile Leadership. STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS: Staff mentioned two upcoming trainings with Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr. Staff also went over the schedule for Black History Month for City programs and events. MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 6:31 PM. Human Rights Commission ATTENDANCE RECORD YEAR 2021 (Meeting Date) NAME TERM EXP. 1/26 2/23 3/23 4/27 5/25 6/22 6/27 8/24 9/28 10/26 11/23 12/28 Adil Adams 2021 X Jessica Andino 2021 X Noemi Ford 2021 E Jason Glass 2022 X Ashley Lindley 2021 X Roger Lusala 2023 X Bijou Maliabo 2023 X Mark Pries 2022 X KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused NM = No meeting --- = Not a Member Human Rights Funding Request Cover Letter (required reading) Thank you for your interest in seeking sponsorship from the Iowa City Human Rights Commission. The Commission provides funding to organizations and agencies to offset the costs of organizing, planning, and facilitating educational public forums or programs and activities that are 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. To process your request for sponsorship, we need you to take a few minutes to fill out this application form. Please note sponsorship requests are due by 5 p.m. on the second Monday of each month. The Iowa City Human Rights Commission will review the request at their monthly meeting and staff will contact you to let you know whether the request has been approved. If you are awarded funding, you will be required to submit a full (one page) summary of funding impact, including but not limited to, number of persons involved in your project, anecdotal stories to share with the team about the event, frequency of the event, and other essential information. If you have any questions about the application process, please do not hesitate to contact Equity Director Stefanie Bowers at 319-356-5022 or Stefanie-bowers@iowa-city.org. Please sign here to verify you have read the cover letter to this form.* Application Date* Group/Organizaton Name * Contact person* Phone number* Email* Date of activity/event/program* If your event occurs on multiple dates, list here Event location and address* Is the event wheelchair accessible?* Is the event accessible to individuals with visual impairments?* Describe the activity/event/program and how it contributes to Human Rights.* Amount of funds requested. Attach an itemized budget (field below).* Attach itemized budget.* List other funders below: Has this organization applied for any other City of Iowa City funding for this activity/event/program? If yes, what department were the funds requested through? How much funding was requested? Was this request granted? 2/27/2021 CENTER FOR FAMILIES SERVICES Joseph Mungai 13193253225 jmungai7@gmail.com 2/27/2021 1958 S ridge drive on zoom Yes No Yes No Educating members of our community through material issues and impact of equity, implicit Bias, equal rights and access to resources and opportunities. 2,000.00$ CENTER FOR FAMILIES SERVICES.docx 11.91KB none Yes No $ Has the organization received any funding from the City of Iowa City in the last year?* If yes, what department were the funds requested through? How much funding was requested? How will this activity/event/program be marketed? Will sponsors be mentioned and/or logos be used in the marketing of the activity/event/program? Is the activity/event/program a fundraiser?* Yes No Yes No $ social media and electronic communication Yes No Yes No CENTER FOR FAMILIES SERVICES : equity educational event Organizing, Printing and distribution = $2000 City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission issues statement in support of Black Lives Matter June 22, 2020 Like so many across the nation, we were outraged by the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. We felt it was time to make an unprecedented statement addressing this human rights violation. The killing of George Floyd resonates within our community, illuminating the failure to address underlying economic and social forces perpetuating systemic racism throughout our nation. Because of these failures, many names have become headlines: Tamir Rice, Philando Castile, Botham Jean, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, among so many other BIPOC. Living While Black should not be a death sentence. Systemic racism and centuries of oppression of people of color, especially of African Americans, represent ongoing human rights crises. This is embedded into many areas of our community, including but not limited to law enforcement, criminal justice, housing, employment, education, healthcare and childcare. We recognize that these interrelated factors make solutions complex. Though the issues are systemic, solutions must be specific, focused on individual and policy-level changes, involving broad participation to be successful. As a commission, we pledge the following commitments to you • We state unequivocally Black Lives Matter. • We will increase our efforts to highlight the work being done by the City of Iowa City Office of Equity and Human Rights to educate and engage the community on human rights issues. • We will spread awareness of resources and activities in the community through the Social Justice and Racial Equity Quarterly Report found here. • We will continue to be active representatives of this community and in working with the Iowa City City Council, further dialogue and advocate for action for human rights issues, including addressing the Iowa City Freedom Riders’ demands. • We will listen to and help amplify community voices on matters of human rights. Community residents are always encouraged to contact a member of the Human Rights Commission or City staff if they have questions or concerns. • We will engage in active dialogues with local officials and City staff members, February 17, 2021 Page 2 including law enforcement, that allow them to make informed decisions regarding equitable and just policies and practices upholding human rights and holding human rights violators accountable. • We further offer our assistance in bridging the gap and fostering an open dialogue between law enforcement and those participating in non-violent protests. We want to aid in promoting trust between these groups to assure safety for all and protection of the Constitutional Rights of free speech and freedom of assembly. • We commit to building a more robust Human Rights Commission Strategic Plan starting in July to assure that our priorities align with the goals above and in light of the heightened awareness in our community to issues of race within systems and policies. The goal of these commitments is to help us stay true to our duties and to more actively spur us to be a part of the solution in dismantling systems of oppression by starting with small acts of our own today. This commission looks forward to building on our strengths and addressing critical areas that must be improved in our community. We hope that the passion of the last few weeks is indicative of the will to truly find solutions to these issues, which will undoubtedly take a sustained, long-term effort involving all community members. We must assure that this is not a fleeting moment, but a pivotal one that leads to lasting change. To learn more about the City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission visit this link. In solidarity, City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission Organization Amount Year Average Rank Free Lunch Program $8,000.00 No 62.5 22 Divine Media Group $15,000.00 No 40.66667 29 Sylvan Learning Center $16,000.00 No 69.83333 15 Open Heartland $14,749.00 No 87 1 Sudanese Community Center $25,000.00 FY20 70.16667 14 National Alliance on Mental Illness Johnson County $25,000.00 No 66.33333 20 Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition $25,000.00 FY17 74.16667 12 4Cs Community Coordinated Child Care $16,850.00 No 75.66667 10 Domestic Violence Intervention Program $2,430.00 No 77.66667 8 Food Pantry at Iowa $6,075.00 No 76.33333 9 Little Creations Academy $10,089.00 FY20 70.66667 13 Interdance $7,500.00 No 57 25 Multicultural Development Center of Iowa $6,000.00 No 80.16667 4 Johnson County Interfaith Coalition $24,990.00 No 67.66667 17 IC Compassion $25,000.00 No 78.16667 6 Rotary Club of Iowa City (Noon)$10,000.00 No 56 26 Corridor Community Action Network $24,692.38 No 67.16667 18 Iowa City Coralville Boxing Club $25,000.00 No 58.5 24 Antelope Lending Library $15,405.00 FY20 74.83333 11 Refugee and Immigrant Association $8,000.00 FY19 69.66667 16 Shelter House $13,388.44 FY18 62.16667 23 FY19 0 30 Willowwind School $25,000.00 No 52.5 28 University of Iowa Labor Center $20,000.00 FY19 81.33333 3 FY20 0 30 Bike Library $4,000.00 FY17 79.16667 5 Physicians for Social Responsibility (Iowa)$8,000.00 No 55.66667 27 University of Iowa Liberal Arts Beyond Bars $6,575.00 No 83.5 2 Successful Living $25,000.00 FY20 66.5 19 Sankofa Outreach Connection $15,000.00 FY17 77.83333 7 PromptPress $3,400.00 No 64.16667 21 Amount Available $75,000.00 Total Amount Requested from all Organizations $431,143.82 Organization Amount Average Rank Adil Free Lunch Program $8,000.00 62.5 22 77 Divine Media Group $15,000.00 40.66667 29 76 Sylvan Learning Center $16,000.00 69.83333 15 79 Open Heartland $14,749.00 87 1 92 Sudanese Community Center $25,000.00 70.16667 14 93 National Alliance on Mental Illness Johnson County $25,000.00 66.33333 20 87 Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition $25,000.00 74.16667 12 86 4Cs Community Coordinated Child Care $16,850.00 75.66667 10 85 Domestic Violence Intervention Program $2,430.00 77.66667 8 78 Food Pantry at Iowa $6,075.00 76.33333 9 79 Little Creations Academy $10,089.00 70.66667 13 71 Interdance $7,500.00 57 25 72 Multicultural Development Center of Iowa $6,000.00 80.16667 4 77 Johnson County Interfaith Coalition $24,990.00 67.66667 17 59 IC Compassion $25,000.00 78.16667 6 75 Rotary Club of Iowa City (Noon)$10,000.00 56 26 81 Corridor Community Action Network $24,692.38 67.16667 18 65 Iowa City Coralville Boxing Club $25,000.00 58.5 24 90 Antelope Lending Library $15,405.00 74.83333 11 91 Refugee and Immigrant Association $8,000.00 69.66667 16 89 Shelter House $13,388.44 62.16667 23 83 0 30 Willowwind School $25,000.00 52.5 28 84 University of Iowa Labor Center $20,000.00 81.33333 3 88 0 30 Bike Library $4,000.00 79.16667 5 80 Physicians for Social Responsibility (Iowa)$8,000.00 55.66667 27 87 University of Iowa Liberal Arts Beyond Bars $6,575.00 83.5 2 91 Successful Living $25,000.00 66.5 19 90 Sankofa Outreach Connection $15,000.00 77.83333 7 82 PromptPress $3,400.00 64.16667 21 58 Amount Available $75,000.00 Total Amount Requested from all Organizations $431,143.82 Ashley Bijou Jason Jessica Roger 61 90 12 41 94 39 70 3 30 26 70 83 45 86 56 87 86 68 89 100 60 91 21 56 100 70 93 20 76 52 79 96 15 91 78 68 68 91 77 65 65 98 49 88 88 76 99 25 84 95 71 73 86 58 65 56 88 10 70 46 84 89 58 85 88 67 94 17 73 96 71 92 63 72 96 47 75 8 71 54 78 76 18 83 83 61 82 5 74 39 72 84 40 66 96 76 67 22 75 89 51 72 14 54 99 61 79 2 45 44 80 97 79 52 92 74 85 51 90 95 45 71 1 49 81 71 77 95 82 85 70 87 4 57 91 70 95 35 87 98 64 69 30 92 72 Accountability 1 Human Rights staff attended “How Redlining Has Created the Racial Wealth Divide in Iowa,” a we- binar examining how the racial makeup of Iowa neighborhoods and communities have been influenced by federal housing policy and whether judicial remedies exist to redress the resulting hous- ing wealth gap between white and Black households. Human Rights staff renewed membership in the National Community Reinvestment Coalition. The Iowa City Police Department (ICPD) was assessed by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) accredita- tion. CALEA’s primary purpose is to improve law enforcement service by creating a national body of standards developed by law enforcement profession- als. CALEA recognizes professional achievements by administering an accreditation process through which a law enforcement agency can demonstrate that it meets those standards. CALEA examined aspects of the Iowa City Police Department's policy and procedures, management, operations, and ser- vices and determined ICPD did meet its standards. The City has entered into an agreement with the Iowa Economic Development Authority for additional Community Development Block Grant- CV funds for emergency housing and utility assis- tance for low-moderate income households who have been financially impacted by COVID. The City took applications for funding for nonprofit organizations providing assistance with homeless services, mental health services, child care services or food distribution.  The City offered grants of up to $15,000 to assist with operational costs for small businesses with no more than 25 employees and less than $1,000,000 in gross revenues.  Businesses affected by COVID were given priority, with consideration given to the extent of assistance received from other sources and whether the business is owned and managed by a person of color or a woman. The City’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Staff Group met in October, November, and December. Staff from a variety of departments attended. Human Rights staff attended the Race in the Heart- land Conference. This virtual forum considered four subjects: Education, Housing, Criminal Justice, and the Workplace. 1 2 City staff from a variety of departments including Communications, the City Clerk’s Office, ICPD, Human Rights, Public Works, the City Attorney’s Office, Parks & Recreation, Transportation, and others participated in the 21-Day Equity Challenge sponsored by United Way of Central Iowa. This challenge involved engaging with a variety of re- sources—books, podcasts, videos, webinars, Ted talks, etc, to expand staff knowledge related to a broad range equity and inclusion topics. Staff of Parks & Recreation viewed webinars for ‘Uncovering Bias in the Interview Process,’ ‘Skills for Having Courageous Conversations about Racism in the Workplace,’ and ‘Understanding Systemic Racism.’ The Resource Management Division is beginning to transition some curbside outreach to visual graphics in place of or in addition to English words. This will help customers who do not read English understand our programs better. Ellsworth Carman, Library Director, presented “(Trans)gender-Affirming Library Practices: From Patron Records to Restrooms, and Beyond” at the Iowa Library Association’s Virtual Conference. ICPD staff attended the virtual “Inclusion Summit: Rising to the Equity Challenge” and “Access to Jus- tice: Racial & Ethnic Disparities.” Local leaders, along with representatives from the City Manager’s Office and Iowa City Police Depart- ment, attended the 8th Annual Iowa Summit on Justice and Disparities. The conference addressed minority disproportionality in the criminal justice system. The City of Iowa City and Iowa City Police Department were sponsors. Human Rights staff attended “7 Things to Consider when Engaging Hard to Reach Populations on Race, Equity, and Inclusion.” presented by ELGL.org. Human Rights staff participated in the Inclusive ICR-Quarterly 2020 Coalition Meeting. For the seventh consecutive year, the City earned a score of 100 or more on the annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI), the only nationwide rating system of LGBTQ inclusion in municipal law, policy and services. This year’s score is 112 (scores above 100 are possible due to bonus points). The MEI is administered by the Human Rights Campaign, the educational arm of the nation’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization. Human Rights staff participated in The League of Human Rights Agencies Annual Meeting. Human Rights, City Clerk’s Office, and Commu- nications staff attended “Building Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives with Intention,” presented by OneIowa. The Public Works Department created a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee “door” featuring the Committee’s Mission Statement, an Inter- faith calendar, meeting minutes, information and upcoming events as a way to keep others informed about the Committee’s work. Transportation completed a preliminary ADA assessment and field review for all transit stops. The information gathered will assist in developing a plan to improve accessibility for all users, especially those with limited mobility. 3 Communications staff attended “Engaging through an Anti-Racist Lens: a Discussion With Sophie Mc- Ginley.” This webinar focused on anti-racist public engagement. Mayor Bruce Teague, together with Human Rights staff and the Iowa City Police Department, partici- pated in a conversation with LGBTQ-rights leaders from Ukraine, in a program called "Advocacy for the LGBTI Community," hosted by the Council for International Visitors to Iowa City. The City Bookclub discussed the book Know My Name: a Memoir, by Chanel Miller. The book outlines failures in the justice system for sexual assault survivors, examined by author Miller, whose attacker received a criminally short sentence. Climate Action and Outreach is updating the con- tact names and information for Community Based Organizations (CBOs), identifying the level of susceptibility to climate change impacts for stake- holders, and identifying the level of connectedness with City resources and decision-making process- es for the stakeholders. The Division will use this information to develop an outreach plan. A group of City staff is also building a layered Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping tool to be used in planning and evaluating new climate initiatives, further integrating equity analysis into each climate action. Public Works partnered with Communications to translate the document used when carding a proper- ty into multiple languages. Parks & Recreation staff attended the “Access to Justice 2020 and Beyond Conference,” hosted by Mediation Services of Eastern Iowa. The Johnson County Auditor’s Office provided tips for voting safely in Johnson County for the Senior Center. The Senior Center participated in the Voter Virtual Education Event through AARP Iowa with support from TRAIL of Johnson County. TRAIL of Johnson County also co-presented The Electoral College and Other Issues Related to Informed Voting. The Senior Center participated in the program: When Iowans Voted No: The 1916 Referendum on Women's Suffrage, offered by Anna Tunnicliff of the Iowa Women's Archives. Conversations 10 members of the ICPD participated in 16 com- munity presentations, including the following topics: De-escalation & Crisis Intervention, Personal Safety and Crime Prevention, Neighborhood Crime Reports, Alcohol Safety, and Family Violence and Child Abuse. ICPD staff met virtually with the following commu- nity partners: NAACP, FBI, US Attorney’s Office, Johnson County Attorney’s Office, Johnson County Disproportionate Minority Contact Committee, NAMI, Johnson County Elder Abuse Team, Johnson County Drug Task Force, CommUnity, Foundation 2, Shelter House, and Prevent Child Abuse-Johnson County. The Senior Center participated in a National Coming Out Day Film Discussion: A Secret Love. The Senior Center participated in a Book Discussion: An African American & Latinx History of the United States. Accountability 3 Justice 4 Iowa City Transit offered free rides on Election Day with the goal of removing transportation as a barrier and helping people get to the polls and exercise their right to vote. Rides were free to everyone all day, with no proof of voter registration or destination required.  The City Council voted unanimously in favor of a new city ordinance that explicitly prohibits the Iowa City Police Department from engaging in biased policing and racial profiling. The Fire Department created and implemented a “Bias-free Delivery of Services” policy. Finance eliminated the utility billing carding fee. This fee was formerly added when customers’ water was shut off, increasing the financial hardship of a shut-off and leading to a domino effect. The City issued a preliminary plan to accelerate community policing, focusing on the manner in which crisis calls will be handled, a commitment to unbiased policing, and an effort to use innovative solutions for common problems. Parks and Recreation staff launched a pilot program entitled ‘Root for Trees’ that strives to grow and expand the tree canopy coverage and tree diversity throughout the Iowa City community. City funding for this project subsidizes the cost of trees for Iowa City residents by 50% and includes an option for a 90% cost reduction for those that are income eligi- ble. This program runs October 15, 2020 through May 15, 2021 while supplies last and is in partner- ship with Iowa City Landscaping and Garden Center as well as the Earl May Garden Center. Residents can find out more about the program and apply for a voucher at icgov.org/root4trees. This program is especially needed due to losses from the derecho. Parks & Recreation partnered with United Action for Youth to host Neighborhood NESTS (Nurturing Every Student Together Safely) at the Mercer Park Aquatic Center three afternoons each week while school was in session. Neighborhood NESTS serve as a safe space with trusted adults, where children and young adults can gather for academic success and emotional wellbeing during this school year. The City joined several local government amicus briefs in lawsuits challenging the Health and Hu- man Services Rule that removes the Affordable Care Act’s Section 1557 anti-discrimination protections based on gender identity, sexual orientation, and sex stereotyping. The Rule not only rolls back these discrimination prohibitions, but also allows for for Beginners with Tony Sanchez, and Use it, don't lose it! Spanish Conversation with Jessica Ortiz. The Senior Center took part in Transgender Aware- ness Week: Readings & Discussion. The Senior Center took part in the Native American Heritage program series. The Senior Center conducts several ongoing virtual Spanish language-learning and conversation oppor- tunities including Beginning Spanish Mini-Inten- sive, Spanish Conversation Practice Group, Spanish Conversations 5 Outreach Human Rights placed an ad in the GO Guide for the month of October, November, and December. Human Rights placed ads in the online student newspapers of West High, “West Side Story,” and City High, “The Little Hawk,” for the months of No- vember and December. The City Manager’s Office sponsored the BIPOC Strategic Doing workshops. The City sponsored the virtual event, “The Johnson County Americans with Dis- abilities Act (ADA) Celebration.” Iowa City Public Library Board Member Hanna Schultz presented “Fostering Public Health-Public Library Collaborations” at the Iowa Library Asso- ciation Conference. The presentation focused on building partnerships between libraries and public health organizations. City staff from various Departments attended the South District Neighborhood Mural Ribbon Cutting Event. The mural is located at the entrance of Faith Academy, 1030 Cross Park Avenue.  Human Rights hosted a virtual program presented by the African American Museum of Iowa celebrat- ing the Tuskegee Airmen, Black heroes of the sky during World War II who included some of the most decorated fliers of the war and 13 Iowans. These brave soldiers fought for freedom abroad and equality at home. Human Rights hosted two virtual sessions on how to apply for the Social Justice & Racial Equity Grant. Justice discrimination against women based on their preg- nancy status or pregnancy history, weakens access to translation/interpretation services for patients with limited English proficiency, and limits the scope of the rule so that health insurers could no longer be covered at all by Section 1557.     The City joined  an amicus brief drafted by the Pub- lic Rights Project and the City of Seattle to support the lawsuit challenging President Trump’s executive order (EO) "Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping," which strips federal contractors of federal fund- ing if the contractor holds diversity trainings that mention "divisive concepts," including unconscious bias, white privilege, etc. The vagueness of the EO also raises concerns as to whether federal funding to local governments that use such trainings may be threatened.   The City joined an amicus brief of 54 local gov- ernments and local government advocacy groups, including the US Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities, International City/County Man- agement Association, and the International Munici- pal Lawyers Association opposing a direct challenge to DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) by the State of Texas.    5 6 Outreach Grant funds are awarded to organizations pursuing projects intended to have lasting social justice and racial equity impact in the local area. Human Rights staff and the City Manager's Office attended the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council’s program, “The Truth About the South African Truth & Reconciliation Commission," presented by Mark Kende, Director of the Drake University Constitu- tional Law Center. The City celebrated Transgen- der Awareness Week with a proclamation read by Mayor Teague and by flying the trans- gender flag at City Hall. Transportation staff are de- veloping an outreach plan to educate the public on recommended route, transit stop, and service changes in early 2021. The plan will reach out to underserved populations and 1-page flyers translated into multiple languages will high- light transit system changes by route. 17 members of the ICPD attended 17 events in the fourth quarter of 2020. Events included commu- nity listening posts, Trunk or Treats, assembling STEM Kits, curbside car- oling, the South District ribbon cutting for their neighborhood mural, and delivering holiday gifts to families in lieu of the annual Holiday with Heroes shopping event that was cancelled due to the pan- demic. Kate Connell, Aquatics Program Supervisor, pre- sented “Equitable Aquatics: The 3 P’s on Inclusive Aquatics – Personnel, Programming and Policies” at the National Parks & Recreation Association’s fall virtual conference. Staff of Parks & Recreation participated in commit- tee meetings for Johnson County Community Part- nership for Protecting Children, Johnson County Disproportionate Minority Contact. Green Iowa AmeriCorps in the Iowa City Public Library held a book discussion: Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. Ongoing series of weekly articles written by Ju- lie Sands, a UI Master of Social Work practicum student working with The Center during the 2020 academic year, presented various topics to increase competency within various cultures, including in- vestigating the structural effects of the White-Amer- ican culture. Transportation began developing a 2021 Diversity, Equity, and inclusion quarterly training schedule for Transportation Services staff. Communications staff attended “A 2020 Vision - It's Time to SEE Us” and “COVID-19 Best Practices: A Panel Discussion,” both hosted by OneIowa. Police Department and Communications staff at- tended “Me Too” training.   Communications staff attended Neogov Diversity and Cultural Competency training, as well as a podcast on the Black Lives Matter movement, a podcast on Climate, and "13th", a documentary on mass incarceration.  ICPD staff received on-line training on Diverse Communities/Bias Prevention, De-Escalation, Implicit Bias, Procedural Justice, and Preventing Harassment and Discrimination. Two ICPD officers completed training to become Fair and Impartial Policing instructors. ICPD staff attended virtual training, “Disability Lan- guage and Etiquette.” Parks & Recreation staff viewed a “Social Justice, Anti-Bias, Inequity and Diversity” webinar that included a discussion of what these terms mean in Early Childhood Education and how they can and should have a place in the classroom. Training Human Rights staff hosted Implicit Bias training for City Board and Commission members. Communi- cations staff attended. Human Rights staff attended “Inclusive Resources for LGBTQ Older Iowans,” presented by OneIowa. Human Rights cre- ated and posted a Fair Housing train- ing video accessible on YouTube at any time. The training includes a quiz for those who wish to obtain a certificate. Human Rights present- ed “Implicit Bias 201” training for area orga- nizations and business- es. Communications and Public Works staff attended. Human Rights and Communications staff attended “LGBTQ 101 and Workplace Best Practices,” presented by One Iowa. City Clerk’s Office and Parks & Recreation staff viewed the “White Privilege 101: Getting In On the Conversation” webinar. 7 From:Brian and/or Anne Spencer To:Stefanie Bowers Subject:DEI Committee - LWVJC Date:Thursday, February 11, 2021 5:04:28 PM I am writing as the co-President of the League of Women Voters - Johnson County as well asthe chair of the DEI Committee. The League is a non-partisan group whose mission includeseducating the public about current issues related to the democratic process. We are justbeginning our DEI committee work and want to connect with others who focus on theseissues. Supporting local efforts would be a reasonable and worthwhile way our organizationcan become more knowledgeable and involved. We would like to know what we can doto support you in your efforts to address diversity, equity and inclusion. Currently, we are developing a virtual Privilege Walk and follow up discussion. We havepiloted this opportunity with a diverse group and are looking for groups that are interested inparticipating. We would be glad to talk more about what this looks like, what would fit yourneeds as well as answer any questions you might have. To follow up on the issues that traditionally arise as a result of Privilege Walks, we hope tosponsor a series of panel discussions to explore diversity, equity and inclusion issues in theICCSD; issues in housing, health care and law enforcement in Johnson County; andcommunity book groups. Please let us know how we can join efforts with your department to best support your work.You can reach me at this email address (spencerfarms@gmail.com) or by phone at 319-321-1218. Thanks and we look forward to working together. Anne Spencer - Co-President League of Women Voters Johnson CountyDEI Committee Chair