Des Moines Human Rights Commission

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Des Moines Human Rights Commission

• Mission
• To advance justice and equality for all people in
  Des Moines
• Vision
• We attempt to foster equality for all people who
  live or visit Des Moines by creating an
  atmosphere of opportunity regardless of race,
  color, creed, religion, sex, disability, sexual
  orientation, national origin, ancestry, or age

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Des Moines Human Rights Commission

• Established in chapter 62 of municipal code
• Protect citizens from discrimination in
• Housing
• Purchase, rent, loans
• Employment
• Hiring, firing, discipline differences
• Public Accommodation
• Entering establishment, selling goods or services
• City Programs
• City programs or services

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Des Moines Human Rights Commission

• 7 Commissioners
• Recommended, appointed, and approved by City
  Council
• 3 members chosen for leadership positions
• President, vice-president, and secretary
• Term of three years
• Cant serve more than two consecutive terms
• No compensation

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Des Moines Human Rights Commission

• Handle filed complaints from citizens
• First try resolving problem through negotiation
• If negotiation doesnt work, an investigation is
  performed
• If the Commission feels discrimination has taken
  place, they will work to make sure proper action
  is taken
• Responsible for providing proper training
• Sponsors local human rights events

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Des Moines Human Rights Commission

• Fall, 2005
• Received criticism for not providing adequate
  help
• Nearly 100 complaints still not investigated
• Many of which were 4 years or older
• Commission criticized for discrimination
• Fall, 2006
• Significant progress being made
• Recent news articles have praised the Commission
• Nearly all backlogged complaints now investigated
• All complaints must be investigated within 1 year
  of filed complaint