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Residents urge transparency after special Human Rights Commission appointments
Summary
Speakers at public comment told the council a Feb. 13 special meeting to appoint Human Rights Commission members lacked transparency, alleging applicants were bypassed and a former chair removed without notice; council members and the mayor responded with offers to meet residents and review processes.
Decorah — Multiple residents used the council’s public-comment period on Feb. 17 to challenge the city’s recent appointments to the Human Rights Commission, saying a special Feb. 13 meeting excluded community input and lacked visible transparency.
Bridal Allsworth, speaking on behalf of Decorah Community for Immigrant Rights, said organizers mobilized to prevent an opaque appointment process and alleged that two applicants who supported public discussion of a separation ordinance were not appointed or contacted. "Who gets appointed to the Human Rights Commission and who doesn't matters," Allsworth said, arguing the process shaped who is “shut out of public life.”
Mariah McCain urged the council to restore open, democratic appointment procedures and to reinstate Joshua Rattell Khan to complete a previously granted term, saying the commission should be positioned to foster substantive public dialogue on immigration enforcement rather than avoid controversy.
Council members acknowledged receipt of the comments. Several members encouraged residents to contact councilors directly for follow-up, and Mayor Carlson and other councilors offered to meet residents at scheduled listening sessions. City Manager Travis noted that the Human Rights Commission did not have a quorum for a scheduled meeting, explained an existing 2018 policy limiting outside use of city facilities, and said staff would outline clearer expectations for the commission and consider increased staff support.
No formal council action occurred during public comment; several council members said they were open to further conversation and recommended establishing a clear charge and staff support for the commission.
