Under Iowa Section 216A.3, the Human Rights Board shall consist of twelve members, including seven voting members and five nonvoting members.
The voting members are appointed by the Governor and subject to confirmation by the Senate and shall represent underrepresented populations in the state. The Board has the following duties:
- The term of office for voting members is four years.
- Develop and monitor implementation of a comprehensive strategic plan to remove barriers for underrepresented populations or groups and, in doing so, to increase Iowa's productivity and inclusivity, including performance measures and benchmarks.
- Study the opportunities for and changing needs of the underrepresented populations or groups in the state.
- Serve as a liaison between the department and the public, sharing information and gathering constituency input.
- Recommend to the department the adoption of rules pursuant to chapter 17A as the board deems necessary.
- Recommend legislative and executive action to the governor and general assembly to advance the interests of underrepresented populations or groups and to improve the status of low-income persons in the state.
- Establish advisory committees, work groups, or other coalitions as appropriate.
- Advance the interests of underrepresented populations or groups in the areas of human rights, access to justice, economic equality, and the elimination of discrimination.
Under Iowa Section Chapter 216A.3, the definition of “underrepresented” means the historical marginalization of populations or groups in the United States and Iowa, including not limited to African Americans, Asian and Pacific Islanders, persons who are deaf or heard of hearing, persons with disabilities, Latinos, Native Americans, women, persons who have low socioeconomic status, at-risk youth, and adults or juveniles with a criminal history.
For more information regarding Iowa Chapter 216A.3, please click here for the full legislation.
Board Members
Please visit the Iowa Talent Bank for Board membership. Updates may still be in progress.