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Burlington Commission on Human Rights, 1964-1965

1964-08-06 Mayor's Commission On Civic Unity Page 2

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     A careful reading of this section of the Ordinance together with the definition section should give an understandable picture of its purpose and effect. Generally, it applies to all employers except certain religious organizations; and it is not intended to cover domestic and family employment. Discrimination through labor union membership is prohibited. Private employment agencies are also prevented from discriminating. Finally, a person may not be discriminated against in his employment because of his opposition to the practices forbidden by this ordinance. In addition, persons contracting with the city cannot indulge in discriminatory employment practices. Punishment is the same as provided by State law.

     While existing federal law applies to discrimination in federal employment and state law applies to discrimination in employment within Iowa, the Mayor's Commission believes the proposed City Ordinance would make a significant addition by:

(1) Giving the present Commission a statutory basis.
(2) Providing easily available machinery for mediating, conciliating, fact-finding in relation to grievances resulting from real or alleged discrimination.
(3) Allowing use of local courts when court action is necessary, keeping our government processes close to home.
(4) Giving official expression to the agreement on the part of most Burlingtonians that the Burlington Self Survey Committee spoke a profound truth when, after the participation of some 800 citizens, it established the degree of discrimination here 13 years ago, and stated: "The greater the earning capacity of every person, the greater is the prosperity of the community. Our city's self-respect is in direct proportion to the dignity and self-respect of the individual citizen."

WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY SINCE 1951. IT IS TIME TO FINISH THE JOB.

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- 2 - A careful reading of this section of the Ordinance together with the definition section should give an understandable picture of its purpose and effect. Generally, it applies to all employers except certain religious organizations; and it is not intended to cover domestic and family employment. Discrimination through labor union membership is prohibited. Private employment agencies are also prevented from discriminating. Finally, a person may not be discriminated against in his employment because of his opposition to the practices forbidden by this ordinance. In addition, persons contracting with the city cannot indulge in discriminatory employment practices. Punishment is the same as provided by State law. While existing federal law applies to discrimination in federal employment and state law applies to discrimination in employment within Iowa, the Mayor's Commission believes the proposed City Ordinance would make a significant addition by: (1) Giving the present Commission a statutory basis. (2) Providing easily available machinery for mediating, conciliating, fact-finding in relation to grievances resulting from real or alleged discrimination. (3) Allowing use of local courts when court action is necessary, keeping our government processes close to home. (4) Giving official expression to the agreement on the part of most Burlingtonians that the Burlington Self Survey Committee spoke a profound truth when, after the participation of some 800 citizens, it established the degree of discrimination here 13 years ago, and stated: "The greater the earning capacity of every person, the greater is the prosperity of the community. Our city's self-respect is in direct proportion to the dignity and self-respect of the individual citizen." WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY SINCE 1951. IT IS TIME TO FINISH THE JOB.