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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Human Relations Commission - AHRC Minutes 8-01-2016 M I N U T E S HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION August 1, 2016 The special meeting of the Ames Human Relations Commission was called to order by Chair John Klaus at 2:06 p.m. in Conference Room 135 of Ames City Hall. Members present were Amy Harris-Tehan and Heidi Thompson. Raghul Ethiraj was absent. Staff member Brian Phillips was also present. 2. INTRODUCTIONS: In addition to the Commissioners and staff present, Ann Taylor, Karin Chitty, Cindy Hicks, Julie Weeks, Andrea Gronau, Lynne Carey, Dan Culhane, Austin Harrington, and Gavin Aronsen were also in attendance. 3. RESPONSE TO CONFEDERATE FLAG DISPLAY ON MAIN STREET : John indicated that at a previous Commission meeting, he had provided an overview of what he understood to be the issue. The City Council referred the matter to the Commission. The Commission decided to have a meeting, inviting various organizations to be present, and to host a series of community conversations relating to freedom of speech, racism, etc. John clarified that this is not an investigation, hearing, or review of any kind of complaint or allegation. He reviewed the prohibited practices in the Human Relations chapter of the Ames City Code, and reiterated that there is no allegation that it has been violated. He stated that the Commission was working under the educational and discrimination prevention aspects of the City Code. Amy asked the attendees what their goals are for the meeting. She mentioned that the Main Street Cultural District had stated that a policy was being developed. One goal of the Commission’s was to understand what progress has been made toward that effort. Heidi mentioned that the City Council also hoped that the Commission could be a resource to MSCD. Dan indicated that in his ten years here, no instance like this has ever come up. Andrea stated that during the event, no one approached her about the display of the flag. She said the American Legion brought up a concern about the American flag being used as a piece of clothing, but the vendor refused to take it down. Amy reiterated that MSCD had indicated a policy was being developed. Cindy indicated there is a need to have a vendor policy because one does not exist. Andrea said that a group of volunteers has met once and is looking at developing a policy. Dan stated that he believed that if someone had complained at the event, MSCD staff would have exercised their discretion and asked it to be taken down. Amy suggested that often when symbols like that are shown, the people who are offended by it aren’t comfortable speaking up. Heidi offered that the Commission was willing to be a resource. Andrea indicated that the Commission would be welcome to discuss. Lynne indicated that in her experience, it would be difficult to develop a policy to address content that could address every situation. Heidi suggested that the police or other groups might have resources with regard to how to act in instances where there is disagreement. John mentioned that in the aftermath of the South Carolina church shooting, a number of bans on the Confederate flag at state fairs were adopted, but legal experts regard the bans to unconstitutional. The Iowa State Fair director was quoted as saying they don’t have problems with people bringing the Confederate Flag to the fair and they don’t expect it to happen. John further indicated that he wanted to encourage vendors and others to think about whether their products are welcoming or unwelcoming. He encouraged people to be mindful about their actions. At the inquiry of Amy, Cindy and Andrea indicated that once the policy is developed, there are no plans to present it to the City Council. 4. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: There were no Commissioner Comments. ADJOURN: Commissioner Harris-Tehan moved to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 2:33 p.m.