City of Lawrence
Lawrence Human Relations Commission
August 20, 2015 – 5:30 PM
Minutes
Members Present: Bill Welch, James Dunn, Carl Edwards, Sarah Bloxsom, Martha Taylor, Nicole Humphrey, Scott Criqui
Members Excused: Jacqueline Becks
Members Absent: Katrina McClure
Staff Present: Toni Wheeler, Scott Wagner
Public Present: Dr. Nate Thomas, University of Kansas
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Introduction of New Commissioners
Nicole Humphrey was introduced as a new member of the Human Relations Commission. She gave a brief background on herself and stated she was happy to begin work on the commission. She is currently a senior in public administration at the University of Kansas and is working part-time at the Douglas County District Court offices.
Commission Meeting Called to Order
The Lawrence Human Relations Commission (LHRC) Meeting was called to order by Chairman William Welch, at 5:35 p.m. in the Carnegie Building, located at 200 West 9th Street, East Gallery Room, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
Chairman Welch welcomed everyone to the meeting and discussed the role of the Lawrence Human Relations Commission as an advisory body to the Lawrence City Commission.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Welch asked the commissioners if there were any additions or changes on the minutes from the May 21, 2015 meeting, there were none. Commissioner Taylor motioned that the minutes be approved, it was seconded by Commissioner Dunn, and all voted in favor.
Presentation by the Office of Diversity and Equity – University of Kansas
Dr. Nate Thomas, Vice Provost for Diversity and Equity at the University of Kansas made a special presentation to the commission. Dr. Thomas has been in this position for about a year, coming to KU in July of 2014. His position is somewhat new to the university. In his capacity, he oversees the Office of Diversity and Training, the Emily Taylor Women’s Resource Center and the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Dr. Thomas wanted to focus on the below three items with his presentation.
His organization and office at the university is currently engaging in a large climate study of diversity issues – gathering data on students, faculty and staff. Data is being gathered in Lawrence, and at the KU Edwards Campus and at the KU Med Center. Focus groups are also being conducted with students, faculty and staff. The information from the groups will help build a survey to be conducted in the spring semester. After the data is collected, there will be “town hall” type meetings to discuss the data and to create action steps. Each school in the system will have to take ownership of the issues identified in their respective departments.
In terms of community engagement, Dr. Thomas discussed his past experience at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL. At that institution, he worked with various community partners on diversity and integration issues – including the City and City Manager’s Office, the School District and the Chamber of Commerce. There was an annual Multicultural Day there and also a Memorandum of Understanding between the various community partners regarding diversity. Dr. Thomas has a background in community psychology and is very interested in how to promote systemic changes in a community. He has found in the past that community players and institutions are often “working in silos” on this issue and not interconnected and working off a shared set of goals or strategies. That is why he has started to work with other institutions in Lawrence, including Danica Moore of USD 497.
Dr. Thomas then answered questions from commissioners. Commissioner Taylor asked if he had any specific proposals related to community engagement? Dr. Thomas answered by discussing his department’s role in the annual Martin Luther King Day celebrations in Lawrence. He said when his office found out that the KU Men’s basketball team was playing a game in Lawrence on ESPN’s Big Monday – also MLK day, he wanted to use that as an opportunity. His office worked with the community committee planning the event. He also worked with KU athletics to bring back African American players from the time of the civil rights movement – like Homer Floyd who recorded a video to play during the basketball game. The ecumenical choir also provided the national anthem before the game. Commissioner Dunn asked about what were the housing issues facing the university? Dr. Thomas answered that diversity is of concern. The Office of Multicultural Affairs is involved with student housing leaders, they train RAs on how to confront these issues and address them. He stated that providing adequate training is important. Chairman Welch asked Dr. Thomas to address the issue of the student population and experience in Lawrence versus the permanent residents of the city. Dr. Thomas said that you have to think about shared experiences and intersections, partnerships and the social service agencies are also important. The university needs to try and expose students who come from all over Kansas, to the diversity of Lawrence and the Kansas City metro area. Chairman Welch also asked how he could involve the Human Relations Commission. Dr. Thomas said he would like to involve the commission in the work of his office and this evening’s meeting was just a start of that conversation.
Receive Staff Report
Case Report Update – The housing case/disability issue – refusal to allow a reasonable accommodation reported on at the May meeting has been successfully conciliated.
There is currently one case open. It is a housing case/disability issue – refusal to allow a reasonable accommodation.
Training Opportunities
Elizabeth Hafoka attended the Region VII of HUD training session held June 2 – June 4 at the Kansas City, Kansas regional offices. She also attended the ADA celebration at the Lawrence Public Library held on July 25, 2015. Steven Lehwald will be attending a HUD week one investigations training the week of August 24th in Nashville, TN. Toni Wheeler plans to attend the 2015 National Fair Housing and Training Conference, September 1-3 in Washington, D.C.
HUD Final Rule On July 16, 2015 HUD published the final rule on Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing. Copies of the rule were passed out to the commission. Scott Wagner provided some highlights of the rule and expected to have more information at the November Human Relations Commission meeting.
Outreach Activities
Scott Wagner reported on outreach activities since the last meeting. It was noted that the commission was a sponsor of the ADA 25th anniversary celebration held July 25, 2015 at the Lawrence Public Library. Chairman Welch attended on behalf of the commission. He noted that the presentations and speakers were excellent and that the event was well attended. Scott Wagner provided a flyer on the Festival of Cultures to be held Sunday, September 27, 2015 in South Park from noon to 5 p.m. The commission in the past has had a table with outreach items and brochures about the commission at the event. Chairman Welch offered to email out a sign up for commission volunteers. Commissioner Dunn asked if the Human Relations Commission provided financial support for the festival this year. Director Wheeler noted that the City as a whole supported the festival this year through the budget allocation process.
Viewing of Draft Outreach Video
Staff presented the draft version of the Human Relations Outreach Video prepared by Through-A-Glass Productions. The video has three segments and is approximately six and a half minutes in length. The video is designed to be used in three stand-alone pieces or altogether. After viewing the video the commission provided comments. Commissioner Criqui asked what the plans were to make it available once the final version was complete. Director Wheeler stated that current plans included posting it to the City’s website, having it available to use for staff or commissioner trainings or meetings. She said it may also be possible to use it on the City’s public information cable channel 25. Commissioner Criqui asked if there were plans to use it as either paid advertising or as public service announcements. Director Wheeler said that staff has not budgeted for any paid advertising at this point, but it could be a possibility in the future and that public service announcements would also be a good use. Scott Wagner indicated that the next steps would be to go back to Through-A-Glass Productions and work on final editing and hopefully have the completed version ready by the November Human Relations Commission meeting.
Commission Items
Staff noted that current commissioners Dunn and Criqui will be leaving the commission at the end of September and are not eligible for re-appointment. Director Wheeler thanked the outgoing commissioners for their outstanding service to the citizens of Lawrence on behalf of the governing body.
Commissioner Criqui noted that his service on the commission has been a great experience. He stated that the work of the group is so very important, even if it is not seen or recognized on a regular basis. He noted that laws that were passed a long time ago, like the Fair Housing Ordinance, were still important today. He noted that he has just been appointed to the Lawrence Alliance and plans to keep active in this area of public policy.
Commissioner Dunn reflected back on his early years on the commission and his service under prior Human Relations Director Rehelio Samuel. He recalled how civil rights were Director Samuel’s passion and how important the civil rights code in Lawrence was to him. Commissioner Dunn said the current work of the commission needs to carry on and is important to understand it from a landlord and property owners’ perspective as well.
Director Wheeler noted that Mayor Amyx will be made aware of any existing vacancies and if anyone has a person to suggest that might want to serve on the commission to contact the City Manager’s office.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
Adjournment
Commissioner Criqui motioned and Commissioner Dunn seconded for adjournment, all voted in favor to adjourn at 6:30 P.M.