Human Rights Commission_Recent EndeavorsHonorable Mayor and City Council
The Human Rights Commission is writing the Council at the this time to advise
you of our recent and upcoming endeavors. The Dubuque Human Rights Commission
(DHRC) has been facilitating Forums in regards to the protected classes. Our first such
forum was the Fair Housing Forum, April 12, 2010, held at The Multicultural Family
Center. Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, our
second forum was a Roundtable Discussion with community members, providers, and
local and state legislators held at Hills and Dales Community Center on July 8, 2010. We
will continue to have these Community Relations Forums, as outlined in our goals and
due to the valuable input we have received in helping to identify and alleviate issues
concerning our community.
Throughout the past few years the City of Dubuque Human Rights Commission
and the Dubuque Community have been actively discussing issues concerning housing.
The DHRC considers Housing an issue that affects all of us globally and locally.
Landlords and tenants must have mutual respect in regards to the condition of Housing.
We have all heard, read, or said great praise and harsh criticisms when it comes to
Housing. Criticism is a workable tool when received openly and respectfully. It allows for
the opportunity for growth and change. It is the hidden critics with the ability and
resources to affect individual rights where we our concerned. Community wide education
can lead to building a stronger community. We have set a goal of Education.
The Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) has been conducting Housing Testing
throughout the State. We, as a Commission, has decided to utilize the testing services the
ICRC is providing. This testing will be at no cost to the City of Dubuque. We believe the
Dubuque community can benefit from this testing. We have asked the Iowa Commission
on Civil Rights to initiate testing focusing on the protected classes of disability and race.
They have agreed to the testing and if violations are found, the Iowa Civil Rights
Commission will pursue with filing charges. As formentioned, we will be using this data
to not only facilitate educational resources, but to engage community dialogue with
landlords and tenants. This process will help us identify problem areas and compliment
our areas of success while promoting community wide relationship building and fostering
mutual respect amongst its neighbors, which houses both landlords and tenants. We
thank you for your time and your service.
Dubuque Human Rights Commission