Iowa City Today

In response to the death of George Floyd and ongoing protests for justice and equality, the City of Iowa City Human Rights Commission has issued a statement in support of Black Lives Matter.

The statement declares systemic racism and other forms of oppression human rights violations. Citing the deaths of too many other Black people at the hands of police, the Commission said living while Black should not be a crime or a death sentence. The Commission cites inequities in law enforcement, criminal justice, housing, employment, education, healthcare and childcare. Though solutions to these issues will be complex, the Commission pledges to advocate for change at the individual and policy-making levels through several initiatives.

Resources and community activities can be found in the Social Justice and Racial Equity Quarterly Report. The Commission will listen to and amplify community voices in matters of human rights. The group will also maintain open dialogue with local officials and City staff members, encouraging them to create equitable and just policies. 

The Commission said they want to bridge the gap between law enforcement and non-violent protesters, allowing for dialogue. The Commission also commits to strengthening its Human Rights Commission Strategic Plan.

"The goal of these commitments is to help us stay true to our duties and to more actively spur us to be a part of the solution in dismantling systems of oppression by starting with small acts of our own today," the statement reads. "We hope that the passion of the last few weeks is indicative of the will to truly find solutions to these issues, which will undoubtedly take a  sustained, long-term effort involving all community members. We must assure that this is not a fleeting moment, but a pivotal one that leads to lasting change."