City of Bloomington, IN - Human Rights Commission

The Buskirk-Chumley Theater has kindly provided the CCA with two free tickets to see the Blind Boys of Alabama perform on November 16! Want to win them? Read on!

"The Blind Boys of Alabama are a legendary gospel group whose deeply moving performances have captivated audiences for decades. Featuring members who are all visually impaired, this Grammy Award-winning ensemble brings a profound sense of soul and resilience to their music. With roots stretching back to the 1930s, they blend traditional gospel with contemporary sounds to create an uplifting, timeless experience."

To learn more or purchase tickets, visit buskirkchumley.org/event/blind_boys_of_alabama .

To be entered to win the CCA's two free tickets, simply attend the August and/or the September CCA meeting, either in-person or on Zoom! You don't have to be a regular attendee.

August 26th, 2024, 4:00-5:30 p.m., Allison Room ( #225) and on Zoom. Request Zoom info ([email protected])
September 29th, 2024, 4:00-5:30 p.m., Allison Room ( #225) and on Zoom. Request Zoom info ([email protected])

Help the City of Bloomington develop an Extreme Heat Action Plan by filling out this brief 10-minute survey about your experience of high temperatures and cooling options in your neighborhood. Available in English and Spanish, with the opportunity to enter to win a $20 gift card!

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Your July 2024 Rights Stuff Newsletter is here! You don't want to miss this.   RIGHTS STUFF A Publication of the Bloomington/Monroe County Human Rights Commission July 2024 Newsletter Featured in this Newsletter: In July, We Celebrate... BMCHRC N

Supreme Court to weigh in on laws banning treatments for trans minors The justices have agreed to hear only the claim that Tennessee’s law denies trans minors the equal protection of the law.

Recognize Pride Month by participating in the free webinar "Elevating Inclusion Through Intersectionality: Making Programs and Places Accessible for Disabled LGBTQIA+ Folks."

Date: Wednesday, June 26th, 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM Eastern
Speaker: Andy Arias, Actor and Disability Advocate
Sponsor: Mid-Atlantic ADA Center

Webinar: Elevating Inclusion Through Intersectionality: Making Programs and Places Accessible for Disabled LGBTQIA+ Folks - Mid-Atlantic ADA Center Pride Month isn't just about celebrating LGBTQIA+ identities – it’s a call to action. Recognizing the intersectionality within social justice movements is the

Seeking Commissioner Nominations for the Commission on the Status of Black Males

Established in 2001, the Bloomington Commission on the Status of Black Males (CSBM) aims to promote positive remedies to problems affecting Black males in our community, to organize community forums and discussion groups, and to network with other groups with similar missions.

The Human Rights Commission is honored to appoint one commissioner to a seat on the CSBM. The ideal candidate is dedicated to the CSBM's mission and the Bloomington community and is able to commit to a two-year appointment. For more information on the Commission: bloomington.in.gov/boards/status-of-black-males.

To apply: Go to bloomington.in.gov/onboard/applicants/apply and check the Commission on the Status of Black Males box. For more information, email [email protected].

Seeking Commissioner Nominations for the Bloomington/Monroe County Human Rights Commission

The mission of the Bloomington/Monroe County Human Rights Commission is to enforce the Bloomington/Monroe County Human Rights Ordinance in a fair and timely manner, to educate community members about their rights and responsibilities under various civil rights laws, and to advocate for changes in policies and law.

There is currently an opening on the seven-member commission. Appointments are for two years. For more information on the Commission: bloomington.in.gov/boards/human-rights.

To apply: Go to bloomington.in.gov/onboard/applicants/apply and check the Bloomington/Monroe County Human Rights Commission box. For more information, email [email protected].

The Indiana American Civil Liberties Union is suing the city of Loogootee, saying the city illegally blocked this year’s PrideFest. They are requesting the city to allow PrideFest to be held, citing the council’s actions as a First Amendment violation.

Indiana ACLU sues Loogootee for allegedly blocking PrideFest The second annual PrideFest was set to take place on Sept. 7 in downtown Loogootee, a city of about 2,600 in southern Indiana.

On June 12, 2024, the Bloomington City Council passed a resolution protecting the right to gender-affirming care in our community. The BMCHRC was honored to recommend this resolution to the council and is thrilled to see it pass unanimously, 8-0.

Gender-affirming care is evidence-based, necessary, and lifesaving, and healthcare is a human right. During the public comment period last night, members of the transgender and LGBTQ+ communities, parents of trans children, and other allies expressed an outpouring of support for the resolution and shared personal experiences about the importance of maintaining access to gender-affirming healthcare.

The BMCHRC's ordinance prohibits discrimination based on gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, and education, in Bloomington and unincorporated areas of Monroe County.

Some news coverage is available below:
- https://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bloomington-council-passes-resolution-protecting-gender-affirming-care-rights.php
- https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/bloomington-city-council-passes-resolution-in-support-of-transgender-community-gender-affirming-healthcare-senate-bill-480/531-197e3672-652c-41b9-9671-fca4919c6e1f
- https://bsquarebulletin.com/2024/06/13/city-council-declares-bloomington-a-safe-haven-for-gender-affirming-healthcare/

Bloomington council passes resolution protecting gender-affirming care rights The Bloomington City Council has passed a resolution declaring the city a safe haven for individuals seeking gender-affirming care.

A federal court has blocked Florida from enforcing a law that bans gender-affirming care, specifically puberty blockers and hormone replacement therapy, for minors and restricts it for adults.

Gender-affirming care for minors and adults is supported by all major U.S. medical and mental health associations. (A similar law which bans gender-affirming care for minors in Indiana is currently under appeal.)

Read more:

A federal judge blocks a Florida law that restricts transgender health care The ruling in Doe v. Ladapo found that SB 254 and the related medical board rules violate the equal protection rights of transgender individuals and parents of minors in Florida.

Our latest newsletter...

Your June 2024 Rights Stuff Newsletter is here! You don't want to miss this.   RIGHTS STUFF A Publication of the Bloomington/Monroe County Human Rights Commission June 2024 Newsletter Featured in this Newsletter: In June, We Celebrate... BMCHRC N

Be inspired by Jim Fielding's story of determination and authentic leadership, and learn how to bring out the best in yourself and your community! The June 9th interview will be led by Justin Robertson of WFHB's BloomingOUT with a book signing to follow. All are welcome!

In April, BMCHRC Chair Ryne Shadday was interviewed on WFHB for Activate!, a radio feature for volunteerism in our community.

"When I realized that I could make a difference in somebody's life based off of a decision that I make on this commission, that was my "aha" moment, that's why I want to be on this commission. I want to make sure that [discrimination doesn't] continue to happen in our city."

Activate! Ryne Shadday, Human Rights Commission - WFHB If you experience discrimination in Bloomington, the Human Rights Commission may be able to help. La

Congratulations again to the winners of the 2024 Human Rights Art/Essay Contest! Telly Lotven, Harper Burroughs, Piper Burroughs, and William Alhasainat received their certificates from Mayor Thomson yesterday evening. Henry Fehrman and Phoenix Gordon, who were unable to attend, were represented by their teacher.

In her remarks, Mayor Thomson praised the winners for their courage in standing up for their beliefs and asked them to encourage their friends to do the same. All the contest participants showed creativity, passion, and a commitment to human rights.

The Human Rights Commission and the Unwelcomed exhibit were featured Friday in the Indiana Citizen!

The exhibit, created by the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana and updated to include Monroe County information, is on display in Bloomington's City Hall Atrium until the end of May.

‘GENERATIONS OF LOST WEALTH’: ‘Unwelcomed’ exhibit in Bloomington spotlights housing discrimination that blocks homeownership - THE INDIANA CITIZEN By Marilyn Odendahl The Indiana Citizen May 10, 2024 The racial and economic barriers to homeownership have deep roots in Indiana, even in communities like Bloomington that have striven to accept and support people of diverse backgrounds. “I think it’s a problem in every community in America,”...

Congratulations to our six winners of the 2024 Youth Art/Essay Contest!

In the art category, first place was awarded to Henry Fehrman, a second grader at Templeton Elementary. Second place went to Harper Burroughs, a sixth grader at Marlin Elementary, while third place was given to William Alhasainat, a first grader at Rogers Elementary.

In the essay category, first place went to Piper Burroughs, a sixth grader at Marlin Elementary. Second place was awarded to Telly Lotven, a sixth grader at University Elementary who submitted a poem. Third place was given to Phoenix Gordon, a sixth grader at Templeton Elementary.

The students, along with their friends and family members, are invited to an award ceremony tonight with Mayor Kerry Thomson and the Commission.

For more information: bloomington.in.gov/news/2024/05/10/5925

In April, the National Fair Housing Training Academy and the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity hosted a forum, now available to watch online: "This forum explored the history of housing discrimination and disinvestment, practical ways to meaningfully engage neighbors and communities around fair housing planning, and how to use data to tell your community’s story."

The "Unwelcomed" fair housing exhibit from FHCCI is available to view in the Bloomington City Hall Atrium until May 31!

NFHTA Forum | The 'Act' in Action: Engaging Communities to Achieve Fair Housing “Together we all have the power to ensure that a person's most important financial asset, their home, is valued equitably. This is essential because your home can hold the key to determining whether a family can purchase a permanent home rather than rent, access credit on reasonable terms, or buil...

Unwelcomed: A Fair Housing History of Sales and Lending Discrimination is now up in City Hall's Atrium at 401 N. Morton Street!

The exhibit was created by the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, which introduced new panels specific to the fair housing history of Monroe County.

Come check it out between now and May 31 - including during the Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings!

"Today, the U.S. Supreme Court is hearing a major homelessness case for the first time in decades, with arguments over whether people can be punished for sleeping outside if there's no shelter available." From NPR, an important read for Fair Housing Month.

Supreme Court weighs whether cities can punish unhoused people for sleeping outside Lower courts ruled it's "cruel and unusual" to fine or jail people on public land if no shelter is available. An Oregon city says that's hamstrung efforts to keep public spaces safe and open to all.

Partner Event Alert!

Indiana Civil Rights Commission 2024 Virtual Fair Housing Panel: Fair Housing for All
When: April 25, 2024, 2PM - 3PM EST
Where: Virtual

“ICRC's 2024 Virtual Fair Housing Panel is a dynamic online event that will provide an overview of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission's mission, jurisdictions based on protected classes, and legal fair housing updates.

Attendees will gain insight into the multifaceted legal challenges tenants and landlords face, the specific housing requirements for individuals with criminal records, and effective resources available for unhoused persons.

The highly esteemed fair housing panelists will shed light on legal aspects and current practices, providing valuable insights and practical advice on navigating the challenges and barriers faced by these vulnerable populations.

The panel discussion will be complemented with an interactive question-and-answer session.”

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/4p2wrkn9

On this day in 1968, the landmark Fair Housing Act was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson, who proclaimed “…fair housing for all — all human beings who live in this country — is now a part of the American way of life.”

Join us throughout this as we continue honoring the legacy of the Fair Housing Act while reaffirming our collective dedication to upholding fair housing principles year-round.

The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana just released its 2023 review, looking at five-year patterns in housing discrimination allegations in Indiana's metropolitan areas and throughout the state.

Report: More than 1,000 housing discrimination complaints filed in Indiana in last five years A new report shows more than 1,300 housing discrimination complaints were filed in Indiana over a recent five-year period.

Check out this wonderful opportunity for eviction sealing from our friends at Indiana Legal Services and the Eviction Prevention Project. The Monroe County Eviction Sealing Walk-In Clinic will take place at the Monroe County Justice Building (301 N. College Avenue, Bloomington) on Friday, April 19, from 1:00 - 3:00 P.M. Go to https://www.indianalegalservices.org/event/bloomseal/ for more information.

Indiana nonprofit will receive nearly $700,000 in federal grants to fight housing discrimination The annual funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will ensure the only fair housing nonprofit in the state stays open.

Are you curious about recent human rights legislation in Indiana and around the country? Are you interested in learning more about fair housing to celebrate the 56th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act? Check our our April 2024 newsletter below!

Your April 2024 Rights Stuff Newsletter is here! You don't want to miss this.   RIGHTS STUFF A Publication of the Bloomington/Monroe County Human Rights Commission April 2024 Newsletter Featured in this Newsletter: In April, We Celebrate... A Momen

Starting this Thursday, March 28, and running until Saturday, March 30, IU Cinema is screening eight compelling documentary films dealing with human rights concerns around the world. The films will be followed by discussions and Q&A sessions with filmmakers and scholars. Learn more below!

In Light Human Rights Documentary Film Festival IU Cinema presents In Light Human Rights Documentary Film Festival

DEADLINE EXTENDED to Friday, April 12!

Announcing our 2024 Youth Art and Essay Contest! Share this flyer with Bloomington K-6 students and educators to give our youth a chance to talk about what human rights are important to them (and win a pass to WonderLab)!

The 2024 Women’s History Month Luncheon is quickly approaching, and tickets are available for only ONE MORE WEEK!

Join the Commission on the Status of Women in celebrating our 2024 Woman of the Year, Marsha Lovejoy, and our 2024 Toby Strout Lifetime Contribution winner, Renee Bridgwaters (Hill) Carter. This year’s keynote speaker is Karrah Herring, Chief Officer of Diversity, Equity and Opportunity for the State of Indiana.

Individual tickets are available for $35, or a reserved table of 8 for $350. Get yours TODAY!!
​​https://buskirkchumley.org/festival/2024-womens-history-month-luncheon/

Getting to More Accessible, Affordable, Inclusive Housing, a Shelterforce Webinar Four disability advocates and experts explain what's needed to house Americans with disabilities and the work that's being done to get there.