Minutes_Human Rights Commission 4 18 16 DUBUQUE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES OF
April 18, 2016
Commissioner Allen called the special meeting of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission to
order at 4:40 p.m. on Monday, April 18, 2016, at the City Hall Annex, 1300 Main Street,
Conference Room II, in Dubuque, Iowa.
Roll Call:
Present: Anthony Allen, Chair Adrienne Scott
Fred Davis Shirley Templeton Vaughn
Miquel Jackson, Vice-Chair
Absent: Sarah Fisher Angela Jones
Staff: Kelly Larson Carol Spinoso
Mark Dalsing
The meeting was called to discuss the recent cross burning, and to issue a commission response
to that hate incident. Commissioner Allen stated that one of the duties of the Commission is to
make recommendations to the City Council regarding discrimination and cooperate with other
organizations to plan and conduct programs to eliminate discrimination and cultural group
tensions. Inclusive Dubuque was mentioned as a group to collaborate with. Commissioners
shared their reactions.
Commissioners felt better education and broader outreach were ways to improve the city's race
relations. It was suggested that more education in the schools about the history of race relations
using equitable curriculum could be helpful. Also possibly using schools as a forum where racial
issues can openly be discussed between students. Commissioners discussed the importance of
getting community input and therefore discussed the possibility of having a community forum -
perhaps partnering with Inclusive Dubuque - where community members can express concerns
and ideas and have open dialogue on racial issues. It was suggested to utilize social media as a
way to counter the negativity often shared on various local sites.
At 5:35 p.m. Commissioner Jackson moved to proceed to a closed session to issue a statement in
response to the cross burning. Commissioner Davis seconded. All in favor.
Commissioner Jackson moved to return to open session, Commissioner Scott seconded. All in
favor to return to open session at 5:45 p.m.
On behalf of the Dubuque Human Rights Commission, Commissioner Allen stated, "In light of the
recent cross burning, the Dubuque Human Rights Commission recognizes that racism is still alive
in our community. In going forward, we will address the community regarding racial inequities in
housing, education and criminal justice by taking the lead by empowering community members to
provide input regarding these matters."
Adjournment:
Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Jackson, second by Commissioner Templeton Vaughn. The
meeting of the Human Rights Commission adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
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The next regular meeting is scheduled for U day, y 9, 2016 at 4:30 p.m.
Minutes approved as submitted:
Minutes approved as corrected:
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