The mission of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission is to eliminate discrimination and to establish equalty and justice for all persons within the state through civil rights enforcement, advocacy, and education.

The powers and duties of the commission are to eiliminate discrimination by (1) processing civil rights complaints in the most efficient and effective manner possible for enforcement of the law; (2) educating the public through workshops, consultations, and publications; and (3) advocating tolerant and non-discriminatory attitutes and behavior.

The Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965, cited as Iowa Code Chapter 601A, prohibits discrimination in defined areas of life based on certain characteristics. Discrimination is prohibited in employment, public accommodations or services, housing, education, credit, aiding and abetting or retaliation. The protected personal characteristics are:

Age (in employment and credit)
Race
Creed
Color
Sex
Familial Status (in housing and credit only)
Religion
Marital Status (in credit only)
Physical and Mental Disability (mental disability not protected in credit)
National Origin

Protected also are persons who are coerced or compelled to particpate in discriminatory practices or persons who are discriminated against because they oppose acts forbidden by Chapter 601A, obey provisions of Chapter 601A, or participate in proceedings under Chapter 601A.

The Iowa Civil Rights Commission is a state administrative agency responsible for enforcing the state's anti-discrimination law. The seven-member commission is responsible for key policy-making and final contested case decision-making. The commissioners are appointed by the Governor subject to confirmation by the Senate. The commissioners who served during FY92 are listed on page 2 of this report.

Executive Director Inga Bumbary-Langston, who was on leave of absence for part of FY91, resumed leadership of the agency in September 1991. Acting Director lone Shadduck returned to her duties as director of compliance, and Acting Director of Compliance Dawn Peterson returned to her position as compliance manager. Ronald Pothast continued as director of administration.