Iowa City
Human Rights Commission
Civic Center
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
Meets the 4th Monday of every month at 7:00 in the
lobby conference room. Check the H.R. agenda every month
for possible changes in scheduling.
Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination
is the Law and Your Right
If you believe you have been discriminated against or you wish information on
types of prohibited
discrimination, please contact: Heather
L. Shank, Human Rights Coordinator for the City of Iowa City, at (319) 356-5022
Commission Members
Patricia A. Harvey, Chair
Pamela (Mel) Dautremont
Tom Dickerson
Dereck A. Hall
Joan Jehle
Diane Martin
Ann K. Shires
Mary C. Theisen
Jan Warren
Discrimination Complaint Process
A complaint is filed with the Iowa City Human Rights Commission. The
Human Rights Coordinator conducts a thorough and impartial investigation of
the allegations of discrimination. Following the investigation, the Human
Rights Coordinator makes a determination, based upon the results of the
investigation, as to whether there is probable cause to believe discrimination
took place. The case is then transferred to the Assistant City Attorney who
makes an independent determination as to whether there is probable cause to
believe discrimination occurred. Three members of the Human Rights Commission
also ascertain, after a review of the record, whether there is probable cause
to believe the allegations of discrimination.
| No Probable Cause | Probable Cause |
|---|
| Evidence shows no reason to believe a prohibited discriminatory act
took place. | Evidence shows there is reason to believe a discriminatory
act took place |
| The person who filed the Complaint may appeal the no probable cause
ruling to the Human Rights Team within 10 days of receiving notice of the
decision | The Human Rights Team shall endeavor to eliminate the
discriminatory practice by conciliation, conference and persuasion.
|
The Human Rights Team will hear evidence during the appeal. The team may
either uphold their previous decision, or reverse their previous decision and
find probable cause. If cause is found, the Team shall initiate conciliation
proceedings.
Conciliation:
During conciliation, an attempt is made to reach a
disposition that is agreeable to the Complainant and Respondent. If
conciliation fails, the Commission may:
- Close the case without taking further action.
- Close the case but cooperate with appropriate enforcement agencies.
- Proceed to a public hearing.
Public Hearing
If the case proceeds to a public hearing, witnesses and documents may be
subpoenaed to make a finding:
| No Probable Cause | Probable Cause |
|---|
| Upon this finding, the Commission closes the case. The Complainant
may pursue the charge with other appropriate agencies. |
A remedy is ordered. If Respondent does not comply with the remedy,
the Complainant can seek enforcement through the District Court. |
| If the Respondent does not agree with the result
reached in the public hearing, the party may appeal to the District Court.
|
Sixty Day Release from Complaint Process to proceed to
District Court
A person claiming to be aggrieved by an unfair or discriminatory practice
must initially seek administrative relief by filing a complaint with the
Commission within 180 days of the last alleged discriminatory act. The person
may subsequently commence an action for relief in the district court if both
of the following conditions are met:
- The Complainant timely filed a discrimination complaint with the Iowa
City Human Rights Commission.
- The Complainant has been on file with the Commission at least sixty (60)
days and the Commission has issued a release stating that the Complainant has
the right to commence an action in District Court.
A release shall be issued upon the request of the Complainant. A release will
not be issued is there has been a finding of no probable cause, a
conciliation agreement has been executed, the Commission has served notice
of hearing upon the Respondent, the Complaint is administratively closed and
two (2) years have elapsed since the issuance date of the closure.
Iowa City Human Rights Commission
Members:
Nine residents of Iowa City are appointed by the City
Council to serve a three year term. Commissioners, all committed to civil
rights, reflect a broad cross-section of the community, thus insuring
diversity of ideas and interests.
Activities:
Commissioners work to promote the goal of
non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all residents of Iowa City.
Responsibilities include receiving and conciliating complaints, sponsoring
public hearings and speaking to community groups to help the community
better understand the law. If the parties cannot mutually agree to resolve
complaints, the Commission is empowered to go to court to enforce the law.
Powers:
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 and public
accommodations and education.
It is unlawful to discriminate in credit, employment, housing and public
accommodations and education on the basis of race, color, creed, religion,
national origin, age, sex, marital status, disability, or sexual
orientation.
Discrimination in housing based on race, color, creed, religion, national
origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, family status, presence
or absence of dependents, disability or public assistance as a source of income
is prohibited.
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