Ralph Rosenberg
Commission to Discuss Legislative Session, Boost to Iowa’s Civil Rights Law
The Iowa Legislature approved extending the deadline for Iowans to file discrimination complaints from 180 to 300 days. The law goes into effect on July 1.
“Folks don’t always know or realize within six months of an incidence of discriminatory behavior that they may have been discriminated against,” said Alicia Claypool, chairwoman of the Iowa Civil [...]
Steve King’s ‘Hate Comments’ Provoke Iowa Civil Rights Commission
“Our commissioners were following the story in the media about Congressman King’s comments regarding presidential candidate Senator Obama, and they were wondering what role the commission should have, if any, about that kind of speech,” said Ralph Rosenberg, the commission’s executive director.
More Data Needed About Hate Crimes in Iowa, Officials Say
Iowa officials want more information about hate crimes being committed in the state to increase awareness and help victims and communities fight the problem.
Officials from the Iowa Department of Human Rights said the number of hate crimes reported by law enforcement agencies is only a small fraction of the hate crimes being attempted in the [...]
Housing Study Finds Few Problems for People With Disabilities
Newer Des Moines area rental properties pose few accessibility problems for people with disabilities, according to a study released by the Iowa Civil Rights Commission.
Officials last fall studied seven randomly chosen apartment buildings, which serve low- to -high-income residents in Des Moines, Johnston, Urbandale, Clive and West Des Moines. An anonymous tester looked for problems [...]
Iowa Civil Rights Commission Weighs Plans for 2008
Raising awareness in Iowa about immigration reform and discrimination and improving how the Iowa Civil Rights Commission investigates complaints dominated commissioners’ discussion during their first meeting of the year.
The state agency has a long list of issues it wants to tackle, but a limited budget could continue to hamper plans to work through a backlog [...]
Subpoena Power, Help for Immigrants on Civil Rights Commission’s Wish List
The Iowa Civil Rights Commission lacks the power to subpoena people as it investigates discrimination complaints.
Officials from the commission hope to change that by informing Iowa legislators about the problem next year. Gaining the subpoena powers is just one of several legislative priorities commissioners will vote on next month.
Ralph Rosenberg, the commission’s executive director, said [...]
Backlogs, Slim Staff Slow Iowa’s Fight Against Discrimination
Hurry up and wait.
Iowans who file discrimination complaints with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission might want to get comfortable with that phrase. It takes four months for the commission to decide whether to investigate a complaint, and nearly 10 months to resolve it, according to state documents.
The commission has made some strides, but, everyone who [...]
As Joe Public Tours Rentals for People With Disabilities, Things Look ‘Good’ So Far
Des Moines area apartment buildings appear to be in compliance with laws requiring accessibility to people with disabilities, said a tester who is conducting a study for the Iowa Civil Rights Commission.
The tester asked to keep his name private for this story in Iowa Independent because he is using his personal identification as he requests [...]
Lawmakers To Be Honored at Matthew Shepard Dinner
Iowa lawmakers will be honored for helping to prevent discrimination against gays and lesbians as well as mandating that the state’s school districts establish anti-bullying policies.
The awards will be presented Friday during Iowa’s Matthew Shepard Scholarship Awards Dinner at the Hotel Fort Des Moines.
“I am extremely honored to have been a part of this legislation [...]