DRAFT MINUTES Iowa Civil Rights Commission January 10, 2008 Meeting
I. Roll Call-Eychaner; Morain; Tutt; Claypool; Gronstal, Gitchell, and Witt (on the phone); Ralph and Crystal Schrader (VISTA);
II. Recognition of Public and Press --Dana Boone (media)
Ill. Iowa Civil Rights Commission ---Approval of October Minutes-as received
IV. Commissioners’ Reports and Subcommittee Reports
Commissioner Alicia Claypool-immigration coalition report; participation in workforce shortage conference, including the section on diversity; discussion on 'Dec.'s radio row event; Full copy of report was separately emailed.
Commissioner Debbie Gitchell-attended U of Iowa Center for Human Rights meeting on immigration history and current issues; attended meeting sponsored by the City of Ames regarding problems facing newcomers with schools law enforcement and other areas. The newcomers are from Chicago and are African/American. The city called the meeting to air all sides of the issues. The Mayor has appointed a Task Force and the Police Chief has also appointed a Task Force.
Commissioner Rich Eychaner - met with legislators on immigration issues; made presentations to Iowa Comprehensive Human Services Meeting and to Workforce Investment Act/Displaced Workers meeting on new civil rights law. Attended the presentation of the Black Youth Student Report presentation
Commissioner Connie Gronstal-noticed anti-Clinton comments based on sex
Commissioner Rick Morain - Jefferson-no report
Commissioner Timothy Tutt- Des Moines-no report
Commissioner Nancy Witt -Reinbeck-referral from person with mental health
V. Executive Director's Report
1. By the end of our first year-we had to reduce staff down to 1980 levels-22
i. Now we are up to 29 (less than in past years) but significant improvement
ii. Hiring new staff; reducing backlog; improving case work
iii. Hiring law students
iv. 4 VISTA and closer work with the locals,
v. Design and construction work/testing work
2. Appropriations-flat state; EEOC cuts
3. Statutory changes
4. Implementation issues-SO-GI; anti bullying
5. VISTA
6. Legal aid
7. FHIP and DED grants
8. Events-fair housing events; Edna Griffin events; IGOV events
VI. Next Meetings-- Dates and Location-there was some discussion about a regional hearing Sioux City- League of Iowa Human Rights Agencies legislative breakfast is Feb. 28, at the Capitol, from 7:30 to 9.
1. Thursday, March 27 at 3:30p.m.
2. Thursday, May 15--
3. July (around Edna Griffin celebration)
4. August 7 or 14
5. Oct. 16th
VII. Discussion of League meeting from last night
VIII. Adjournment