City of Iowa City sent this bulletin at 05/05/2025 11:00 AM CDT
Above: "Impossible," by muralist Katylnne Hummell Underhill, featuring Muhmmad Ali. Located at 391 Highland Ave., Iowa City. View the full mural here. Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
May 2025 |
The Lens is the City’s bi-monthly newsletter to expand conversations on access, belonging, and engagement.
New Video: How to File a Discrimination Complaint
We are excited to share a new animated video that walks you through the process of filing a complaint with the Human Rights Office. Whether you've experienced or witnessed unlawful discrimination, this video offers a clear, step-by-step guide on how to take action.
The video, created in collaboration with the Communications Division, is part of our ongoing effort to make the complaint process more accessible and transparent for everyone in our community.
Watch the video on our website or social media channels and share it with anyone who might find it helpful.
2024 Office of Human Rights Annual Report Now Available
(L-R) Pictured Commissioner Kollasch and Human Rights Awardee Ellen McCabe of the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County.
The Office has published the 2024 Annual Report, highlighting the work done over the past year by commission members and staff.
The report includes community engagement efforts, key accomplishments from the year, and our ongoing commitment to ensuring that everyone in our community is treated fairly.
Have you ever heard phrases like “welcome the stranger,” “if not now, when,” or “justice, justice, you shall pursue”? Professor Heineman will explore the historical roots of these and other Jewish teachings and how they continue to shape Jewish and broader social justice movements today.
About the presenter
Lisa Heineman, Professor of History and Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Iowa. A faculty member since 1999, Professor Heineman is also the co-founder and co-director of the University’s new Jewish Studies Program, now completing its inaugural year.
How to register
The event will be held via Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025. Register here to attend the virtual event.
In his article, "Shining the Spotlight on Invisible Disabilities," Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President & CEO of Society for Human Resource Management, writes that when we think of accessibility at work, we often picture ramps or ergonomic desks. But what about the millions of people living with invisible disabilities—like ADHD, chronic illness, anxiety, or dyslexia?
Because these conditions aren’t always visible, they’re often misunderstood, stigmatized, or overlooked. Many employees choose not to disclose their disabilities out of fear of judgment or discrimination.
Creating a truly inclusive workplace means supporting all employees—not just those whose needs are visible. That starts with education, empathy, and actions noted below.
Train teams to understand and support invisible disabilities.
Foster a culture where people feel safe to share their needs.
Update policies to be more flexible and inclusive.
Provide tools and accommodations that help people succeed.
Lead with empathy, always.
Burns H. Weston Essay Contest
The University of Iowa Center for Human Rights (UICHR) sponsors the annual Burns H. Weston International Human Rights Essay Prize, offering two awards: one for an undergraduate and one for a graduate or professional student. The prizes honor students across Iowa and the legacy of the late Burns H. Weston, Professor of Law and a founder of the UI Center for Human Rights.
Awardees receive $750 (undergraduate) or $1,000 (graduate/professional). Note that all financial aid, including prizes, is included in total attendance cost calculations and may result in adjustments.
Spring 2025 Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday, May 23, 2025
Eligibility & Requirements:
Open to students at any Iowa college or university. Undergraduate essays: 10-15 pages; Graduate: 20-40 pages. Double-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman.
Essays can cover current events, history, law, policy, or the arts & humanities, and must address a human rights issue. Previous papers (within 12 months) are eligible.
Co-authored essays are accepted if by students; faculty co-authors are not eligible.
Submit the essay and application cover page as one document to uichr@uiowa.edu. Faculty recommendation is required.
Commissioners Viana Qadoura (left) and Emily Harkin (right) at the United Nations of Johnson County Night of 1000 Dinners, March 6, 2025.
City staff members (L-R) Madison Tarbox, Keeley Hertle, Megan Vollenweider, Trina Surratt, Megan Hill, and Kristin Watson preparing to launch the City’s Sustainable Food Guide, March 7, 2025.
Commissioners Mark Pries (left) and Viana Qadoura (right) at the second annual Iowa City Community School District's Iftar on March 24, 2025.
Commissioners (L-R) Roger Lusala, Liz Mendez-Shannon, and Viana Qadoura at the Neighborhood Centers’ Spring Gala held on April 12, 2025.
Questions or accommodations
If you have questions or need disability-related accommodations to participate in any of our programs, contact the office at 319-356-5022 or humanrights@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
