Iowa City, Johnson County officials express post-election concern, support for citizens

IOWA CITY - Government officials from Iowa City and Johnson County are speaking out about diversity and safety in the community following post-election protests and an incident in which a hate letter was placed on the door of a local Sudanese family.

Iowa City Mayor Jim Throgmorton released a statement Thursday in which he expressed concern about the intimidating note placed on the door to the Iowa City home of Amar Samel and Muna Abdalla.

He said the City Council understands residents have 'strong feelings” about the presidential election results but he condemns any threatening verbal and physical acts and said they are 'not part of our culture.”

Throgmorton went on to say that the council is committed to following human rights provisions of the city code and those under the Constitution that ensure civil liberties and provide equal protection. He also said the city celebrates its diversity and welcomes all residents.

'On behalf of the City Council, I urge every member of our community to uphold our shared values of compassion, inclusion, respect and dignity, and to continue building an environment in which everyone is valued and everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” Throgmorton said.

The Johnson County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution Thursday reaffirming a commitment to support all residents and foster a welcoming environment. The document cited election rhetoric and policies, as well as post-election violence and intimidation of traditionally marginalized groups.

The board also promised in the resolution to 'protect the work Johnson County and our residents have done to address social and economic inequality.”

Supervisor Janelle Rettig expressed concern for what challenges lie ahead for the county's budget, social services and minimum wage, among other areas.

'I'm hearing form people all over the county that want to know what we are going to do to stand and fight for them,” Rettig said. 'When we sign this resolution, this is a statement of our principles.”

Supervisor Lisa Green-Douglass said she participated in a march Tuesday night across downtown Iowa City, which was made up of many high school students. Board Chairman Rod Sullivan also said he joined in the march.

During discussion at Thursday's informal Board of Supervisors meeting, Green-Douglass thanked students for bringing people together for a cause and speaking out against hate.

'I saw young people with passion, caring, speaking out about what had happened to them,” Green-Douglass said. 'That march was very, very encouraging. I think it was the first time since the election that I felt like, ‘OK, we can do something and it's going to be OK.' ”

The Tuesday march followed a protest last week that went through downtown Iowa City before blocking Interstate 80.