Loading...
The purpose of this chapter is to establish a nonjudicial Human Rights Commission consistent with the Iowa Civil Rights Act; to recognize the authority of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission and foster use of its procedures and programs; and to proclaim a public policy of nondiscrimination by securing freedom from discriminatory practices, protecting individual dignity, ensuring their full productive capacities, preserving the public safety, health, and general welfare, and promoting the interests, rights, and privileges of individual citizens within the City. (Ord. 1344, 12-14-1998)
When used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
COMMISSION: The West Des Moines Human Rights Commission created by this chapter.
COMMISSIONER: A member of the commission.
COMMUNITY DIVERSITY APPRECIATION TEAM: A community-wide coalition organized for the purpose of developing and implementing a community plan to appreciate diversity and to discourage or eliminate discriminatory practices.
DISABILITY: The physical or mental condition of a person which constitutes a substantial handicap, and the condition of a person with a positive human immunodeficiency virus test result, a diagnosis of acquired immune deficiency syndrome, a diagnosis of acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related complex, or any other condition related to acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
EMPLOYEE: Any person employed by an employer.
EMPLOYER: The State of Iowa or any political subdivision, board, commission, department, institution, or school district thereof, and every other person employing employees within the State.
PERSON: One or more individuals, partnerships, associations, corporations, legal representatives, trustees, receivers, and the State of Iowa and all political subdivisions and agencies thereof.
STUDY CIRCLE: A small group of community members which meets regularly with a trained facilitator to address critical public issues in an open, participatory deliberation of personal experiences and perspectives.
YOUTH EX OFFICIO MEMBER: A non-voting member of the commission that resides in West Des Moines and is a current student enrolled in 9th through 12th grade. (Ord. 1344, 12-14-1998; amd. Ord. 2573, 7-17-2023)
A. The City Human Rights Commission shall consist of seven (7) members and one (1) non-voting youth ex officio member appointed by the Mayor with approval of the City Council. Appointments shall take into consideration the various racial, religious, cultural, and social groups and geographical areas within the City insofar as may be practicable.
B. The term of appointment for members shall be three (3) years from January 1 of the year in which the appointment is made, except that for the purpose of maintaining an appropriate staggering of terms, the Mayor may prescribe a shorter term for any appointment or reappointment. The term of appointment for the non-voting youth ex officio member shall be one (1) year from July 1 of the year in which the appointment is made. In the event that a vacancy occurs in the membership of the commission by death, resignation or otherwise prior to the normal expiration of the appointee's term, the Mayor, with the approval of the City Council, shall appoint a person to serve out the remainder of the unexpired term.
C. Any member or all members of the commission may be removed from office at any time by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council. The commission shall annually elect one (1) of its voting members to be Chairperson.
D. The members of the commission shall serve without salary, wages or other compensation provided that they may receive reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred as allowed by the City Council pursuant to such procedures and policies for the reimbursement of expenses as shall be established by the City from time to time. (Ord. 2261, 11-13-2017; amd. Ord. 2573, 7-17-2023)
The commission shall have the following responsibilities: (Ord. 1344, 12-14-1998)
A. Study the existence, character, causes, and extent of discrimination within the City because of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, ancestry or disability, and to attempt the elimination of such discrimination by education and understanding. (Ord. 2213, 4-17-2017)
B. Issue such publications and reports of research as in the judgment of the commission shall tend to promote good will among the various racial, religious, and ethnic groups within the City and which shall tend to minimize or eliminate discriminatory practices. The commission shall prepare and distribute a brochure explaining its mission and purpose for dissemination within the City.
C. Formulate and carry out a comprehensive educational program designed to prevent and eliminate discriminatory practices, including the provision of training and educational services to business, professional groups, and educational agencies requesting workshops, seminars, or speakers to address specific issues and concerns, as well as maintaining as a part of the commission's formal educational program a series of public forums addressing various matters about which there is the need to increase public awareness and response.
D. Encourage participation of citizens in study circles and small-group deliberations to address discriminatory practices in a democratic and collaborative way; and to advocate participation in community diversity appreciation teams comprised of representatives from business, schools, law enforcement, realtors, local government and other community representatives to facilitate public forums and activities, to foster acceptance, to create opportunity for all community members, to lessen tensions, or to improve understanding within the community.
E. Provide intake assistance for complaints from individuals who may be victims of discriminatory practices and refer such complaints to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission for investigation and adjudication.
F. Recommend responsibilities of designated staff consistent with this chapter. The staff shall be a person or persons designated by the City Manager.
G. With approval of the City Council, to receive, administer, dispense and account for any City funds that may be allocated, any donations that may be voluntarily contributed to the commission, or any grants that may be awarded to the commission for furthering the purposes of this chapter.
H. Utilize volunteers to aid in the conduct of the commission's activities and functions. (Ord. 1344, 12-14-1998)
I. Make recommendations to the City Council for such further legislation concerning discrimination because of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, ancestry or disability as it may deem necessary and desirable. (Ord. 2213, 4-17-2017)
J. Prepare and transmit to the Mayor and City Council from time to time, but not less often than once each year, reports describing its activities and functions. (Ord. 1344, 12-14-1998)