A Discussion on Civil Rights

The Diversity Committee organized a panel discussion on civil rights in the workplace. A group of about 25 young professionals gathered at Java Joes last Wednesday for networking and learning.

Networking

For the first half an hour attendees were able to meet each other and socialize over appetizers.

Civil Rights Panel

After the networking portion, a panel of three local attorneys answered questions. Patrick Smith, a civil defense lawyer for Bradshaw, Fowler, Proctor and Fairgrave PC, Whitney Judkins, a plaintiff's attorney for Fiedler and Timmer, PLLC, and Beth Townsend, the Director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, mainly focused on the issues of harassment, discrimination and medical leave.

YPCers learned about the recent sex discrimination case to come out of the Iowa Supreme Court, Nelson v. Knight, and what it means for working Iowans. Ms. Judkins’ firm represented Nelson in her discrimination claim, and she talked about the slippery slope the decision creates for anyone in the workplace who might be found attractive by a co-worker or boss. Mr. Smith, who writes a blog on civil rights issues, argued that this was a narrow case that should not result in a change in how sex discrimination cases are treated in Iowa. Director Townsend commented that it is important for Iowans to know their rights and to seek help if they find themselves on either sides of a civil rights issue.

Erin Lain
Diversity Committee Member