City of Lawrence

Lawrence Human Relations Commission

February 18, 2010

Minutes

Members Present:  Jason Barnhill, Scott Criqui, James Dunn, Kevin Johnson, Kirsten Krug, Laura Diaz Moore, and Lori Tapahonso

Staff Present:  Toni Wheeler and Scott Wagner

Public Present:  Approximately 100 attendees

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Commission Meeting Called to Order

The Lawrence Human Relations Commission Meeting was called to order by Chair, Lori Tapahonso, at 11:03 a.m. in the City Commission Room at City Hall, located at 6 East 6^th Street, Lawrence, Kansas.

Approval of Minutes

Chair Lori Tapahonso asked for commission comments on the commission minutes from the November 19, 2009 meeting.  Commissioner Dunn asked if there was any mention of the subcommittee designated to work on the commission report on gender identity.  The Chair recommended that the subcommittee participants be added to the minutes and adopted as amended. 

It was moved by Commissioner Krug and seconded by Commissioner Criqui to approve the November 19, 2009 minutes of the Lawrence Human Relations Commission as amended to note the subcommittee formed to prepare the commission’s report on the gender identity issue.  The motion was unanimously approved.

Approval of Staff Report

Toni Wheeler, Director of the Legal Department, reviewed the staff report with the commission.  It was moved by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Krug to approve the staff report for the period of November 1, 2009 to January 31, 2010.  The motion was unanimously approved.

Update on the Transition of the Human Relations Office to Municipal Court

Director Wheeler provided a status report to the commission on the move of the Human Relations Division to Municipal Court and the City Prosecutor’s office.  Director Wheeler noted that new signage had been installed to direct walk-up traffic to the new office location at 1006 New Hampshire.  Information had also been updated on the City’s website.  Director Wheeler noted that a new prosecutor has been hired to assist with Human Relations complaints and investigations.  Outreach efforts to the community were being developed for 2010 and the division had already displayed materials at the Fair Housing Seminar on January 20, 2010 sponsored by the Development Services Division of the City.  Human Relations materials were also made available at the Lawrence Homebuilder’s Homeshow, January 29-31, 2010.

Commission Vacancies

Director Wheeler also informed the commission that two commissioners had resigned, Ernesto Hodison and Sue Leonard.  She said that the mayor would make appointments to the commission and reviewed the process for those interested in being appointed to the Human Relations Commission.

Commission Elections

Director Wheeler informed the commission that at their next meeting in May, elections for a chair and vice-chair would need to occur.  Commissioner Tapahanso has indicated she does not want to serve as chair for another term.  Commissioners with an interest in serving as chair or vice-chair can let Director Wheeler know.

Gender Identity Report

Chair, Lori Tapahonso, explained the process the Lawrence Human Relations Commission followed in drafting the report on the gender identity issue.  She said the commission has been studying this issue for nearly a year.  The Lawrence City Commission received a request to add gender identity to the protected categories in Chapter X of the City Code in 2009.  The request was forwarded on March 10^th to the Lawrence Human Relations Commission for a recommendation.  Chair Tapahonso stated there were discussions at the LHRC meetings on May 21^st and August 20^th.  A documentary was shown on June 18, 2009 and a public forum was held on August 29, 2009.  On November 19, 2009, the Human Relations Commission voted against adding protections regarding gender identity to the human relations code.  Chair Tapahonso stated the gender identity issue will be addressed here today for a vote on the commission’s report.  Chair Tapahonso allowed the public to comment before bringing the item to the commission for discussion.

Over forty (40) members of the public spoke on the gender identity issue over approximately two hours.

Chair Tapahonso then brought the item back for commission discussion.  Chair Tapahonso said she appreciated all of the public comments.  She then asked the Lawrence Human Relations Commissioners to consider their positions for further discussion and voting.  Additional discussion occurred by the Lawrence Human Relations Commissioners. 

Commissioner Scott Criqui offered a motion which was seconded by Commissioner Laura Diaz Moore, for the commission to reconsider the vote taken at the November 19, 2009 meeting to not recommend addition of gender identity to Chapter 10 of the Code of the City of Lawrence.  The motion was defeated 4-3.  Commissioners Barnhill, Dunn, Johnson and Krug voted against the motion, Commissioners Criqui, Moore and Tapahonso voted in favor of the motion to reconsider.

A motion was offered by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Krug for the commission to consider the report prepared by the subcommittee on the Gender Identity Issue.  The report recommends against adding gender identity as a protected class to Chapter X of the City Code.  The motion was approved 4-3.  Commissioners Barnhill, Dunn, Johnson and Krug voted in favor, Commissioners Criqui, Moore and Tapahonso voted against approval of the report.

There were no additional public comments.

The Human Relations Commission meeting was adjourned at 1:24 p.m.