Questions and Answers

 

 

Educational Services

of the

Iowa Civil Rights Commission

 

 

Do you have questions?

 

· How can I be sure I'm not discriminating against anyone in my hiring process?

· What is the legal definition of sexual harassment?

· What is reasonable accommodation of disabilities?

· Our community and our workplace are becoming morediverse. How can I get every one to work together?

· How can I be sure my business welcomes diverse customers,including persons with disabilities?

· In my school, how can students learn to appreciate and understand children who are different in some way?

· As a landlord, how can I be sure I'm renting my units without discriminating?

· Must I rent my apartment to a family with kids?

 

The Civil Rights Commission can help you with the answers!

 

 

What educational services are available from the Commission?

 

Workshops

The Commission has trained, experienced staff who can provide speakers or trainers on civil rights- related topics, including:

· Overview of State and Federal Civil Rights Laws

· Equal Employment Opportunity

· Preventing Sexual Harassment

· The Americans with Disabilities Act

· Celebrating Diversity for School Children

· Diversity in the Workplace

· Fair Housing Law

 

We can work with you to tailor a presentation for your businessor organization. The program can vary in time or depth according to your needs, and can be supplemented with videos or other training aids.

There is no charge for our staff time for a presentation, but we do request reimbursement of travel costs outside the Des Moines area.

 

Video Lending Library

 

The Commission has a library of videos on civil rights topics that are available for loan. Most of these specialized videos are not available for loan through public libraries or other resources.

There is a $10.00 processing charge plus the cost of return mail for each video loan.

 

Publications

 

The Commission provides a variety of free publications and posters on civil rights.

 

Information and Consultation

 

While we encourage you to seek legal advice on specific issues your business may be dealing with, we can answer many of your general questions about the civil rights laws, how they operate,and how they are enforced. We may also refer you to other contacts or sources of information.

 

 

How can I request any of these services?

 

For workshops, videos, or publications, call Dawn Peterson :

515-281-8086 or

1-800-457-4416,

ext. 1-8086

 

For questions about employment, housing, or civil rights in general, call Ralph Rosenberg:

515-281-8084 or

1-800-457-4416,

ext. 1-8084

 

We're here to help!

 

 

Iowa Civil Rights Commission

Grimes State Office Building

400 East 14th Street

Des Moines, IA

50319-1004

 

515-281-4121

1-800-457-4416

515-242-5840 FAX

 

 

The Mission of the Iowa

Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) is to eliminate

discrimination in Iowa.

 

The Commission fights discrimination four ways:

· Enforcing the law through complaint processing

· Educating the public about civil rights law and the value of diversity

· Testing to determine the nature and extent of discriminationin Iowa

· Assisting communities in forming Diversity AppreciationTeams.

 

 

Volunteers

 

The ICRC welcomes volunteers. Volunteer assignments are variedand can be done in our office or in your home or office.

If you would like to learn more about being an ICRC volunteer, call Ralph Rosenberg at 515-281-8084, or 800-457-4416, ext. 1-8084.