City of Dubuque Hosting Special Council Meeting

A special city council meeting is set for next Monday in Dubuque, after a vote earlier this week unexpectedly removed gender identity as a protected class from the city’s human rights ordinance. The change came as part of an effort to align the ordinance with Senate File 311, a new state law requiring the removal of the word “equity” from city code. The updates were also intended to rename the Office of Equity and Human Rights and adjust some job titles. However, city officials later discovered that additional, significant changes had been made—including the elimination of gender identity protections. Council members reportedly were unaware of the full extent of the changes they approved. The ordinance has not yet taken effect, as it still awaits publication. In a memo ahead of the special meeting, City Manager Mike Van Milligen accepted responsibility for not thoroughly reviewing or explaining the changes before the vote. He also noted that the removal of gender identity may have stemmed from concerns over federal funding—but confirmed that there is no state or federal mandate requiring its removal. The Dubuque City Council is expected to vote Monday to restore gender identity and other inclusive language to the ordinance.