About the Civil Rights Commission

MISSION
The Commission exists to protect the civil rights of all individuals within the City of Cedar Rapids.  To secure for all individuals within the City of Cedar Rapids freedom from discrimination because of age, color, creed, familial status, gender identity, marital status, mental disability, national origin, race, religion, physical disability, sex, sexual orientation, retaliation, or association.

VISION
A Cedar Rapids Community that is welcoming, inclusive, and preserves the personal dignity of all people regardless of their age, color, creed, familial status, gender identity, marital status, mental disability, national origin, race, religion, physical disability, sex, or sexual orientation so that we all may fulfill our productive capacities.

WHAT WE DO
The Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission is committed to protecting civil rights and striving to prevent and eradicate discrimination while promoting equity through investigations, mediations, and community engagement efforts.

The Commission is a neutral, fact-finding law enforcement agency that enforces Chapter 69, Cedar Rapids anti-discrimination law.

Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission Meetings 
The Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission typically convenes on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 5:30pm, with the exception of November and December, when meetings are shifted to the 2nd Wednesday.  

Commission meetings are held in the Veteran’s Memorial Building at 50 2nd Ave. Bridge, Cedar Rapids, Iowa in the 4th Floor Council Chambers.

2024  Meetings
January 17, 2024, 5:30pm
February 21, 2024, 5:30pm
March 20, 2024, 5:30pm
April 17, 2024, 5:30pm
May 15, 2024, 5:30pm
June 19, 2024, 5:30pm
July 17, 2024, 5:30pm
August 21, 2024, 5:30pm
September 18, 2024, 5:30pm
October 16, 2024, 5:30pm
November 13, 2024, 5:30pm  
December 11, 2024, 5:30pm

Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commissioners
Linda Topinka, Chair,  Term Expires 6/2024
Anne Dugger, Term Expires 6/2025
Alex Fernandez,  Term Expires 6/2025
Julia Freeman,  Term Expires 6/2026
Dr. Jennifer Smith,  Term Expires 6/2025
Cierra Roquette, Term Expires 6/2024
Scott Schipper, Vice Chair, Term Expires 6/2026
Gerald Seals, Term Expires 6/2025
Troy Weier, Term Expires 6/2026