The Iowa Civil Rights Commission has the legal mandate to eliminate and prevent discrimination within the state. It is important that one realize that emphasis within the law is placed on the eradication of discrimination and equality for all citizens. It is imperative that the Governor, the members of the General Assembly, the members of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, and the staff of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission work more closely together to strengthen the agency in accomplishing the goals and objectives which will increase the ability of the agency to Provide equal opportunity for Iowans.
First, the paramount goal which must be met is the continued reduction and elimination of the caseload of individual complaints. When complaints cannot be processed expeditiously on an impartial, factual, and professional basis, a lack of respect for the law results. To process more complaints, new methods will continue to be developed and implemented, but increased appropriations which would provide additional compliance staff is a necessity. Finally, additional assistance to local commissions must be provided to enhance the teamwork between the state and local civil rights law enforcement agencies.
Second, the goal of enhancing the capability of the agency to provide technical assistance and advisory services in the area of Affirmative Action congruent with public demand is essential. The active practice of well-developed and implemented comprehensive Affirmative Action plans by Iowa employers is essential to the assurance of equal opportunity for all Iowans and the elimination of possible complaints which allege discrimination.
Third, there is the need of increasing the educational services provided by the agency to all segments of the community through the expansion of its educational programs. The technical assistance and advisory services which are provided are an integral part of accomplishing the legislative mandate through voluntary compliance, which does eliminate some possible complaints alleging discrimination and providing better working conditions for all employees; through increased training in the art of civil rights enforcement techniques; and through increased awareness of Iowans of their rights as well as the means by which these rights can be exercised.
A fourth Commission goal involves the development of a better monitoring system to enforce the terms of conciliation agreements, Commission orders, and Court decisions