Iowa Department of Human Rights Newsletter

iowa department of human rights

August 6 , 2021


The Iowa Department of Human Rights (DHR) brings strength to Iowa's rich heritage.  Our three divisions - Community Action Agencies, Community Advocacy and Services, and Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning - work to reduce cultural, social, and economic barriers to opportunities for Iowans to succeed.



Temporary Protection from Eviction

The CDC eviction mortarium expired on July 31, 2021, and was not expected to be extended.  However, given the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and emergence of the delta variant, on August 3, the CDC issued a new order temporarily halting evictions. This Order will expire on October 3, 2021.  The Order applies to counties experiencing substantial and high levels of community transmission.  If a county that is covered by the Order no longer experiences substantial or high levels of community transmission for 14 consecutive days, then the Order will no longer apply in that county, unless or until it again experiences substantial or high levels while the Order is in effect.  You can view this map to monitor your county's level of transmission:  https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view.  

The full Order detailing the applicability and repercussions, along with the Declaration Form, can be found here: link to CDC.  The eviction process can be complicated, and you may want to speak with an attorney.

Additional resources:


Free Tenant Rights Webinar

Iowa Legal Aid and the Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition are hosting a free tenant rights webinar.  Participants may join by Zoom or in person at the Coralville Public Library or the Center for Worker Justice.  The webinar will be held August 19, 2021, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm.  

       No photo description available.


Sales Tax Holiday August 6 & 7

Iowa's annual sales tax holiday is August 6 and August 7.  During this time, you can avoid paying sales taxes on select clothing and shoes, or advanced shopping for the holiday season. 

Internet sales are included if they are ordered and paid for during the exemption period. Visit the Sales Tax Holiday page for full details and restrictions.   


Special Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment Period for the COVID-19- Deadline August 15

There is still time to enroll in or change Health Insurance Marketplace coverage at Healthcare.gov during the Special Enrollment Period due to the COVID-19 emergency. The deadline is August 15, 2021.  If you’re currently enrolled in Marketplace coverage, you may qualify for more tax credits. Learn more at healthcare.gov


2021-2022 State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council (SIYAC) Members

The Iowa Department of Human Rights is proud to announce the members of the State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council (SIYAC) for 2021-2022.  SIYAC members serve two-year staggered terms.  These young people have made a commitment to lead by example and work closely as a group with community members and organizations to ensure Iowa’s youth voice is represented, and to serve as a liaison for Iowa’s youth with state leaders.

  • Volta Adovor, Ankeny 
  • Paras Bassuk, Iowa City 
  • Koro Castillo, Cedar Falls
  • Hannah Dillehay, Council Bluffs
  • Tate Giesemann, Bellevue
  • Lily Glenn, Ottumwa
  • Klaertje Hesselink, Cedar Falls
  • Gabriella Huffstutler, Des Moines
  • Achinteya Jayaram, Bettendorf
  • Eric Johnson, Rock Valley
  • Kendall Jones, Ottumwa
  • Abby King, Dubuque
  • Soomin Koh, Iowa City
  • Brenda Koumondji, Cedar Falls
  • Monica Malek, Ames
  • Folasade Olawoye, North Liberty
  • James Piazza, Des Moines
  • Sophia Polking, Carroll
  • Reyna Roach, Iowa City
  • Lulu Roarick, Iowa City
  • Trey Voeller, Prairie City

Thank you for your leadership and service!


 "Long Covid" and the Americans with Disabilities Act

Some people who have had COVID-19 may experience ongoing symptoms that can last for months. This condition is known as “long COVID", which may affect the way you work and your daily activities. 

Given the persistence of the effects of "long COVID",  the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice have jointly provided this guidance

The guidance explains that long COVID can be a disability under Titles II (state and local government) and III (public accommodations) of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), and Section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Section 1557).  Each of these federal laws protects people with disabilities from discrimination.  This guidance also provides resources for additional information and best practices.  Read more...



COVID-19 Language Resources

American Sign Language Videos-CDC

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-Resources for Limited English Proficient Populations

Congolese Health Partnership Videos

Coronavirus, State Website

Crescent Community Health Center-Marshallese Language

EMBARC Ethnic Minorities of Burma and Advocacy and Resource Center

Hawaii Office of Language Access-Youtube

Iowa Department of Human Rights-Language Access

Iowa Department of Public Health

Iowa Spanish Helpline 515-344-3936 

Multi-Lingual Hotline  1-877-558-2609

Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa  

Test Iowa-Free COVID-19 Testing (Spanish available)


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Iowa Department of Human Rights
Lucas State Office Building
321 E 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-242-5640 or 1-800-351-4659
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