Des Moines is on the lookout for a new civil and human rights director after Joshua Barr announced his plans to step down on Friday.
Barr is stepping down after serving in that capacity for the past six years to “pursue other interests”, according to a city news release on Friday.
City spokesman Al Setka said the city has not yet started a nationwide search for a new director. He expects an interim director to be appointed next week. Barr’s last day is July 23rd.
Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie said in the press release that the city of Barr “owes its gratitude” to Barr for his contributions.
“His tireless efforts and unwavering dedication led to new perspectives and a renewed belief in one another – and we are now a better city for that,” said Cownie.
Barr’s accomplishments include implementing the Bridging the Gap initiative, which, according to the press release, aims to bring about long-term change in the community through policy changes. The initiative specifically focuses on relationships with communities and governments, as well as the rights of refugees, immigrants and LGBTQ + people.
Last year he won a Governor’s Emmy for his documentary, Breaking Bread, Building Bridges, which is about different members of the community who send time together.
City Manager Scott Sanders said Barr helped the city develop strategies to improve the community’s relationships with disadvantaged groups and find a way forward.
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“With Joshua’s guidance, we have made great strides in understanding our own implicit biases and, unfortunately, how similar perspectives in the past have shaped broken guidelines with different implications,” Sanders said in a statement. “Joshua showed the value of pausing to review decisions” by setting in motion a justice perspective and a framework for evaluating the impact of our decisions. “
During its six years, civil rights investigations increased by over 168% and findings of discrimination on the basis of probable discrimination increased by 500%, the statement said. Barr also increased attendance at the annual Civil and Human Rights Symposium by 250%.
Barr said he was grateful to be in the position and thanked the Des Moines residents for their support.
“Without the support of the community, we could not have achieved what we have achieved,” he said. “I look forward to taking some time to hang out with my nieces and nephews and read some books, but my efforts in this work will never cease.”
Sarah LeBlanc covers the western suburbs for the registry. You can reach them at 515-284-8161 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @sarahkayleblanc
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