Evansville Human Relations Commission Meeting – June 24, 2026

The Human Relations Commission met on June 24, 2026, with a quorum present. The meeting covered approval of amended minutes, discussion of an appeal review, planning for the annual dinner, updates on police community relations, strategic planning, introduction of a new staff member, and community engagement initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The commission approved the minutes from the May 27, 2026 meeting as amended. The correction clarified that Commissioner Dan Carwill was not present for the April meeting (as recorded in the April minutes) and that Commissioner Donovan Phipps attended the May meeting via WebEx. The motion passed unanimously (all in favor).

Discussion Items

• Appeal Review: Staff requested a reviewing commissioner for an appeal. Commissioner Dan Carwill and another commissioner volunteered to review the appeal after the meeting to ensure timely response.
• Annual Dinner Date Change: The commission discussed moving the annual dinner from October 2, 2026 to September 25, 2026 due to a concurrent event at the Old National Events Plaza (a popular comedian) and limited parking. The alternate date (last Friday in September) was proposed pending availability of keynote speaker Dr. Barber and the mayor. The commission passed a motion authorizing the director to change the date if all parties agree (unanimous).
• Police Community Relations: The initiative with the RAND Corporation stalled due to lack of funding from the police department. The commission continues seeking opportunities for community policing convenings.
• Strategic Planning: A consultant has been contracted for a strategic planning session. An initial poll for dates had low consensus, so the consultant will directly contact commissioners. Concerns were raised about attendance, timing (some proposed times conflicted with regular meetings), and compliance with the Open Door Law. Staff will consult legal counsel regarding public meeting requirements. The goal is to hold the session in late July 2026, with full participation.
• Staff Introduction: Samantha Fleischaker was introduced as the new Education and Outreach Coordinator. She is a USI graduate and previously appointed to the Indiana Student Commission for Higher Education. She will serve as a liaison to the community.
• Monthly Report: In May 2026, 8 new cases were filed, leaving approximately 59 cases open. The department is integrating a new case management system. Staff thanked commissioners who participated in the River City Pride Parade.
• Barbershop Initiative: The initiative, previously run with the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males, has been transferred to the Minority Health Coalition due to state-level changes. The event took place in June 2026 at five barbershops and was successful.
• Community Issues: Commissioners discussed gun violence prevention events, including the Evansville Dust Bowl and midnight basketball, which saw over 200 students attend. A meeting for youth programming is scheduled for June 26, 2026 at the Evansville African American Museum. A community calendar of events for July and August is being developed. The "Walk with the Mayor" event was announced for June 28, 2026 at 5 p.m. at the Pagoda.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved as amended (unanimous).
• Motion to authorize director to change annual dinner date (unanimous).
• Appeal review assigned to be completed after the meeting.
• Strategic planning process to move forward with consultant outreach; compliance with Open Door Law to be verified.

The meeting adjourned with no further business.