U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

APPENDIX A: FORUM AGENDA

Iowa Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

Best Western Inn
214 Washington Street
Waterloo, Iowa

December 20 21, 1999

RACE RELATIONS IN WATERLOO

MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1999

INTRODUCTIONS AND OPENING STATEMENTS

6:30 p.m.                     

FEDERAL AGENCIES

6:40 p.m.         

COMMUNITY

8:20 p.m.         

OPEN SESSION

10:20 p.m.

RECESS

10:40 p.m.       

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1999

INTRODUCTIONS AND OPENING STATEMENTS

8:30 a.m.                     

OPEN SESSION

11:00 a.m.

ADJOURNMENT   

11:20 a.m.

APPENDIX B: IOWA "Where to Turn Guide"

FEDERAL AGENCIES

U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
Central Regional Office
Melvin L. Jenkins, Director
400 State Avenue, Suite 908
Kansas City, KS 66101
Tel: (913) 551-1400
Fax: (913) 551-1413
TDD: (913) 551-1414

The Commission is an independent, bipartisan agency first established by Congress in 1957 and reestablished in 1983. It is directed to: investigate complaints alleging that citizens are being deprived of their right to vote by reason of their race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin, or by reason of fraudulent practices; study and collect information relating to discrimination or a denial of equal protection of the laws under the Constitution because of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin, or in the administration of justice; appraise federal laws and policies with respect to discrimination or denial of equal protection of the laws because of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin or in the administration of justice; serve as a national clearinghouse for information in respect to discrimination or denial of equal protection of the laws because of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin; submit reports, findings, and recommendations to the President and Congress; and issue public service announcements to discourage discrimination or denial of equal protection of the laws.

Geographic area(s) served: Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma

Type(s) of publications: Newsletter, quarterly magazine, reports, and other informational material

Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights, Kansas City Enforcement Center
10220 N. Executive Hill Blvd., 8th Floor, 07-6010
Kansas City, MO 64153-1367
Tel: (816) 880-4200   

OCR enforces four federal statutes that prohibit discrimination in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance from the Department. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin is prohibited by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; sex discrimination is prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; discrimination on the basis of disability is prohibited by section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and age discrimination is prohibited by the Age Discrimination Act of 1975. OCR investigates complaints filed by individuals, or their representatives, who believe that they have been discriminated against because of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. OCR maintains a headquarters office in Washington, D.C., and 10 regional offices.

Geographic area(s) served: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Office for Civil Rights, Region VII
601 East 12th Street, Room 248
Kansas City, MO 64106
Tel: (816) 426-7277    Fax: (816) 426-3535
TDD: (816) 426-7065

OCR is responsible for ensuring equal opportunity and compliance with laws prohibiting discrimination in the provision of health and social services. It conducts compliance reviews and receives and investigates complaints alleging discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability. In addition, it conducts studies and surveys, conciliates, publicizes findings, and provides training.

Geographic area(s) served: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO)
Region VII
Gateway Tower II, 400 State Avenue
Kansas City, MO 66101-2506
Tel: (913) 551-6958    Fax: (913) 551-6856|
TDD: (913) 551-6972

FHEO is responsible for the Department's Title VI enforcement activities. HUD administers a number of federally assisted programs aimed at both increasing the availability of housing and promoting community economic development. In addition to the civil rights statutes pertaining to HUD s federally assisted and federally conducted programs, FHEO is responsible for enforcing the fair housing laws and the Americans with Disabilities Act. FHEO is concerned with discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. It seeks conciliation, holds hearings, conducts studies, provides testimony for litigation, and offers public education programs and training and technical assistance.

Geographic area(s) served: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska

Type(s) of publications: None

Department of Justice
Community Relations Service
Region VII - Central
1100 Main, Room 1320
Kansas City, MO 64106
Tel: (816) 426-7434   

The Service assists and aids communities in resolving civil rights disputes, conflicts, or difficulties related to race, color, or national origin. Areas of concern include employment, education, housing, and the administration of justice. In addition to receiving and investigating complaints, the Service seeks conciliation, conducts public education programs, publicizes its findings, and offers training and technical assistance.

Geographic area (s) served: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska

Type(s) of publications: Annual reports

Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
10th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 5643
Washington, D.C. 20530
Tel: (202) 514-4609
Fax: (202) 307-1379
TDD: (202) 514-0716

CRD is the primary entity, among six agencies within the federal government, responsible for enforcing federal statutes prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, disability, religion, or national origin. CRD's jurisdiction extends to the enforcement of civil rights in education, housing, places of public accommodations, and voting. CRD also coordinates the enforcement activities of other federal agencies.

Geographic area(s) served: United States and territories

Type(s) of publications: Brochures

Regional office(s): None

U.S. Department of Justice, INS
Gerald Heinauer, District Director
3736 South 132nd Street
Omaha, NE 68144

Department of Labor
Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)
Kansas City Regional Office
Gumbel Building
801 Walnut Street, Room 200
Kansas City, MO 64106
Tel: (816) 374-6174 
Fax: (816) 374-6178

The OFCCP administers laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status. The programs require nondiscrimination and affirmative action in employment by federal contractors and subcontractors. The OFCCP's activities include conducting compliance reviews of federal contractors and subcontractors, receiving and investigating complaints, publicizing findings, litigating cases, and providing compliance assistance to federal contractors.

Geographic area(s) served: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska

Type(s) of publications: Manuals and reports

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Milwaukee District Office
Henry S. Reuss Federal Plaza
310 West Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 800
Milwaukee, WI 53203
Tel: (414) 297-1111
Fax: (414) 297-4133

EEOC enforces Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the Equal Pay Act; Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits employment discrimination against people with disabilities in the private sector and state and local governments; prohibitions against employment discrimination affecting individuals with disabilities in the federal government; and sections of the Civil Rights Act of 1991.

Geographic area(s) served: Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin

Type(s) of publications: News releases

STATE & LOCAL AGENCIES

AMES

Breaking Down the Barriers Task Force
Murray Blackweldie, Vice President
209 Beardshear Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011

BURLINGTON

Burlington Human Rights Commission
Jeff M. Heland, Mayor
Jane Wood, City Manager
400 Washington Street
Burlington, IA 52601
Tel: (319) 753-8120   
Fax: (319) 753-8101

The City of Burlington enforces a comprehensive human rights ordinance adopted by the City Council in 1986. The city's role as advocate, intervener, and enforcer includes cooperative efforts with the state EEO office in establishing compliance.

Geographic area(s) served: City of Burlington

Type(s) of publications: None

CEDAR FALLS

Cedar Falls Human Rights Commission
Joyce E. Rewerts
220 Clay Street
Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Tel: (319) 268-5113
Fax: (319) 268-5126
TDD: (319) 268-6720

The commission was established in 1974 as a neutral (non-advocate) agency with responsibilities for enforcing the laws regarding discrimination; cooperating with state and federal agencies in law enforcement activities; developing and presenting civil rights educational programs. By City Ordinance [Municipal Code 1992: sec. 15.1-15.172] the commission may receive, investigate, conciliate, or remedy complaints of discrimination in the areas of employment, public accommodations and services, education and credit within city limits.

CEDAR RAPIDS

Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission
Louise Lorenz, Executive Director
Second Floor, City Hall
50 Second Avenue Bridge
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-1256
Tel: (319) 286-5036
Fax: (319) 286-5136

Investigates complaints in employment, housing, public accommodations, education and credit alleging discrimination on the basis of race, age, religion, color, sex, national origin, creed, mental or physical disability within city limits of Cedar Rapids, IA, only.

NAACP & Community Resource Center
Dedric Doolin
P.O. Box 1595
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406
Tel: (319) 365-9482

Citizens Committee for People with Disabilities
P.O. Box 8511
Cedar Rapids, IA 52408-8511

Inter-Religious Council of Linn County
 1035 3rd Avenue SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
Tel: (319) 399-1330

Women's Resource Center (YWCA)
318 5th Street SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Tel: (319) 365-1458

NOW
P.O. Box 45
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406

League of Women Voters
YWCA Building
318 5th Street SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
Tel: (319) 366-0674

Metro Area Housing Program
50 Second Avenue Bridge
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Tel: (319) 365-3501

CLINTON

Clinton Human Rights Commission
611 South 3rd Street
P.O. Box 2958
Clinton, IA 52732-2958
Tel: (319) 242-3207

The mission of the Human Rights Commission is to educate the community on civil rights and investigate and mediate local civil rights disputes.

COUNCIL BLUFFS

Council Bluffs Human Relations Commission
Steven C. Palmer, Director
209 Pearl Street
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Tel: (712) 328-4618
Fax: (712) 322-9255

The mission of the Council Bluffs Human Relations Commission is to promote respect, cooperation and appreciation of diversity; to eliminate discrimination; to assist in the investigation and evaluation of discrimination complaints; to raise awareness of human rights through education and advocacy; and to ensure that no citizen, due to illegal discrimination, will be hindered from reaching their full potential. The commission enforces laws in the area of discrimination, public accommodations, housing, credit and education (sex only) based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, disability, age or family status (housing only).

DAVENPORT

Davenport Civil Rights Commission
Judith J. Morrell, Council & Executive Director
226 West 4th Street
Davenport, IA 52801-1306
Tel: (319) 326-7888
Fax: (319) 326-7956
TDD: (319) 326-7959

The commission enforces the Davenport civil rights ordinance, which prohibits unfair treatment in the areas of housing, employment, public accommodations, and credit based upon an individual's race, color, religion, creed, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, marital status, familial status (housing only), age, or mental or physical disability. Also conducts seminars and workshops and organizes citizens to address civil rights issues through its Public Relations and Community Education Division.

Geographic area(s) served: City of Davenport

Type(s) of publications: None

DES MOINES

Des Moines Human Rights Commission
Floyd A. Jones, Executive Director
First and Des Moines
Des Moines, IA 50307
Tel: (515) 283-4284
Fax: (515) 283-4270
TDD: None

The commission is responsible for enforcing the city s ordinance prohibiting discrimination.

Geographic area(s) served: City of Des Moines

Type(s) of publications: None

Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC)
Corlis Moody, Executive Director
211 East Maple
Des Moines, IA 50309
Tel: (515) 281-4121; (800) 457-4416
Fax: (515) 242-5840

ICRC is an administrative agency created to enforce the Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965 which prohibits discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, credit, and education. Composed of seven members appointed by the Governor, ICRC's mission is to eliminate discrimination and to establish equality and justice for all persons within the state of Iowa through civil rights enforcement, advocacy, and education. Local commissions exist in 22 municipalities in the state, in accordance with a 1990 decision of the Iowa General Assembly mandating civil rights commissions in cities with a population over 20,000.

Geographic area(s) served: State of Iowa

Type(s) of publications: None

Iowa Commission on the Status of Women
Charlotte Nelson, Director
Lucas State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
Tel: (515) 281-4461; (800) 558-4427
Fax: (515) 242-6119

ICSW is a state agency that seeks to assure equality for Iowa women. The commission advocates for Iowa women, working to equalize women s opportunities and to promote full participation by women in the economic, political, and social life of the state.

Iowa Protection Advocacy Service
3015 Merle Hay Road #6
Des Moines, IA 50310
Tel: (515) 278-2502; (800) 779-2502
Fax: (515) 278-0539

Defends and promotes the rights of persons with developmental disabilities. Also serves those with mental illness.

Iowa Commission of Persons with Disabilities
Marilyn Turner, Director
Lucas State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
Tel: (515) 281-5969; (800) 219-0471
Fax: (515) 242-6119
E-mail: Disabilities@dhr.state.ia.us

Promotes employment of citizens with disabilities and the only governmentally based agency to provide services to all citizens with disabilities in Iowa. Affiliated with the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.

Iowa Client Assistance Program
Lucas State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
Tel: (515) 281-3957; (800) 652-4298
Fax: (515) 242-6119
E-mail: Disabilities@dhr.state.ia.us

Federally mandated and funded program under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide information and referral to any Iowan with a disability. Other services are available only to those individuals who are seeking or receiving services from an agency funded under the Rehabilitation Act.

Iowa Commission of Latino Affairs
Elizabeth Salinas Newby, Director
Lucas State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
Tel: (515) 281-4080
Fax: (515) 242-6119
E-mail: Elizabeth.Newby@dhr.state.ia.us

Coordinate, assist and cooperate with the efforts to serve the needs of Latino persons in Iowa. Stimulate public awareness of the problems of Latino persons and conduct training programs for Latino persons to enable them to assume leadership positions.

Iowa Commission on the Status of African-Americans
Traevena Potter-Hall, Director
Lucas State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
Tel: (515) 281-3855
Fax: (515) 242-6119
E-mail: Traevena.Hall@dhr.state.ia.us

Study the changing needs and problems of African-Americans in Iowa and recommend new programs, policies, and constructive action to the Governor and General Assembly.

Deaf Services Commission of Iowa
Kathryn Bauman-Reese, Director
Lucas State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319-0090
Tel: (515)281-3164
TDD: (515) 281-3164

Iowa Bureau of Refugee Services
Wayne Johnson, Bureau Chief
1200 University Avenue, Suite D
Des Moines, IA 50314-2330

Catholic Peace Ministry
Ann Naffier, Executive Director
4211 Grand
Des Moines, IA 50312

Iowa Department of Human Rights
Rose Vasquez, Director
Lucas State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
Tel: (515) 281-7300
Fax: (515) 242-6119

Hispanic Ministry
Reverend Kevin Cameron, Director
1271 East 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50316

WEST DES MOINES

West Des Moines Human Rights Commission
Susan Bacon, City Attorney
4000 G.M. Mills Parkway
P.O. Box 65320
West Des Moines, IA 50265
Tel: (515) 222-3600
Fax: (515) 222-3640

DUBUQUE

Dubuque Human Rights Commission
Kelly Larson, Director
1300 Main Street, City Hall Annex
Dubuque, IA 52001-4732
Tel: (319) 589-4190
Fax: (319) 589-4299

The commission is an administrative law agency which enforces Chapter 27, the human relations chapter, of the Dubuque Code of Ordinances. The commission staff accepts and processes complaints of civil rights violations, providing parties with the opportunity to mediate prior to any investigation. After investigation, if a probable cause finding is made by the commission s administrative law judge, and the parties fail to settle the dispute, the complaint is set for a public hearing.

NAACP
Ruby Sutton
P.O. Box 1012
Dubuque, IA 52004-1020

Dubuque Alliance
Odra Eberhardt
2160 Woodland Drive #D8
Dubuque, IA 52002
Tel: (319) 582-6786

Dubuque Shelter House

Mary Moody/Rich Mihm
1592 Locust Street
Dubuque, IA 52001

Active in peace/justice issues. Serves the poor.

FORT DODGE

Fort Dodge and Webster County Human Rights Commission
Ed O Leary, Director
819 First Avenue South
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Tel: (515) 572-2201   
Fax: (515) 573-5097
TDD: (515) 573-5751

The purpose of commission is to secure for all individuals with the City of Fort Dodge and Webster County, freedom from discrimination because of race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age or mental or physical disability in connection with employment, retaliation, aiding or abetting, education, public accommodations, credit or housing. The commission co-sponsors workshops on discrimination issues.

Geographic area(s) served: Fort Dodge & Webster County

Type(s) of publications: None

FORT MADISON

Fort Madison Human Rights Commission
811 Avenue East
Fort Madison, IA 52627
Tel: (319) 372-7700

GRINNELL

Grinnell Human Rights Commission
927 4th Avenue
Grinnell, IA 50112
Tel: (515) 236-3749

INDIANOLA

Indianola Human Rights Commission
Liz Nichols, Chairperson
110 North 1st Street, City Hall
Indianola, IA
Tel: (515) 961-9410

IOWA CITY

Iowa City Human Rights Commission
Heather Shank
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240-1826
Tel: (319) 356-5022
Fax: (319) 356-5009

The commission receives its authority from Iowa City Human Rights Ordinance, to investigate, conciliate and determine remedies for discrimination in the areas of credit, employment, housing, public accommodations and education.

Hate Acts Rapid Response Team (HARRT)
Faith Wilmot
c/o Human Rights Commission
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240-1826
Tel: (319) 358-7822

HARRT's mission is to provide a rapid coordinated community response to hateful acts targeting individuals of protected classes. Our vision is to eliminate inappropriate and criminal behaviors based on discrimination, thereby strengthening our community's diversity.

Human Rights for GLBT
Janelle Rettig
3013 Coralville Avenue
Iowa City, IA 52245
Tel: (319) 338-0999

Iowa Coalition for Human Rights
P.O. Box 1222
Iowa City, IA 52244-1222
Tel: (319) 339-1661

Johnson County Coalition for Persons with Disabilities
Keith Ruff
601 South Gilbert #611
Iowa City, IA 52240
Tel: (319) 354-3912

University of Iowa Center for Human Rights
Burns Weston
236 Intern Center - U of I
Iowa City, IA 52242

Human Rights Iowa City
Dorothy Paul
20 East Market Street
Iowa City, IA 52245
Tel: (319) 337-7290

KEOKUK

Keokuk Human Rights Commission
415 Blondeau Street
Keokuk, IA 52632
Tel: (319) 524-2050

MARSHALLTOWN

Marshalltown Human Rights Commission
Floyd Harthun, Mayor
24 North Center Street
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Tel: (515) 754-5712
Fax: (515) 754-5717

MASON CITY

Mason City Human Rights
Lionel Foster, Director
City Hall
10 1st Street N.W.
Mason City, IA 50401
Tel: (515) 421-2714

Mason City Taskforce on Accessibility
Marcia Stasch
10 1st Street, N.W.
Mason City, IA 50401
Tel: (515) 424-0180

Diversity Taskforce of Mason City
Bill Schickel, Mayor
City Hall
10 1st Street, N.W.
Mason City, IA 50401
Tel: (515) 424-3601

Mason City Youth Task Force
Mary Schissel
10 1st Street, N.W.
Mason City, IA 50401
Tel: (515) 421-2708

MUSCATINE

Muscatine Human Rights Commission
215 Sycamore
Muscatine, IA 52761
Tel: (319) 264-1550

OTTUMWA

Ottumwa Human Rights Commission
Gail Quim, M.D., President
City Hall
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Tel: (515) 683-8094   
Fax: (515) 686-8094

The mission of the Human Rights Commission is to educate the community on civil rights and provide mediation in local civil rights disputes.

Geographic area(s) served: City of Ottumwa

Type(s) of publications: None

SIOUX CITY

Sioux City Human Rights Commission
Richard E. Hayes, Executive Director
425 Orpheum Electric Building
Sioux City, IA 51101
Tel: (712) 279-6985   
Fax: (712) 279-6309
TDD: (712) 279-0177

The commission receives and investigates complaints of discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. The alleged discrimination must be on the basis of age, race, religion, creed, color, sex, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, or familial status.

Geographic area(s) served: City of Sioux City

Type(s) of publications: None

NAACP
Flora Lee
P.O. Box 82
Sioux City, IA 51102
Tel: (712) 274-6400 ext. 6363

Women Aware
Katie Colling, Executive Director
422 Davidson Building
Sioux City, IA 51101
Tel: (712) 258-4174

La Casa Latina
Kristie Nicolassen
917 Court Street
Sioux City, IA 51103
Tel: (712) 252-4259

Siouxland Committee for the Handicapped
Robert M. Irwin
46 Stewart Avenue
Sioux City, IA 51104
Tel: (712) 255-4646

Sioux City American Indian Center
Nate Parker
610 13th Street
Sioux City, IA 51105
(712) 255-8597

Council on Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence
Margaret Saunders
P.O. Box 1565
Sioux City, IA 51102
(712) 258-7233

WATERLOO

Waterloo Commission on Human Rights
Walter Reed, Jr., Executive Director
620 Mulberry Street, Suite 101
Waterloo, IA 50703
Tel: (319) 291-4441   
Fax: (319) 291-4295
TDD: None

The commission's mandate is to secure for all individuals within the City of Waterloo freedom from discrimination because of race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, or mental or physical disability in employment, public accommodations, housing, credit, and education; serve as a source of information to employers, business people, employees, tenants, and other citizens about various civil rights legislation and regulations; and provide active assistance to prevent and eliminate discriminatory practices.

Geographic area(s) served: City of Waterloo

Type(s) of publications: None