Donna the Anti-Discriminatory Dolphin, has been making a splash in Cedar Rapids since 2011 as she enters the classroom to teach children about discrimination. Donna, a dolphin mascot, teaches children about discrimination based on characteristics protected by the Cedar Rapids municipal code as well as the resources available to community members when they face discrimination. The lessons are implemented by using a skit starring the mascot.
Donna begins the skit as a discriminatory landlord who denies potential sea creature tenants based on assumptions she has about certain groups. A member of the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission confronts Donna about her behavior and says if Donna were to be a victim of discrimination, she would feel like a fish out of water. Donna gets upset, because she is not a fish – she is a mammal, and she tells the staff person it’s wrong to make assumptions based on appearance. After realizing she has been guilty of assumptions as well, she vows to stop discriminating.
This skit is geared toward children in the Kindergarten - 2nd grade age level. If you or someone you know is interested in having Donna the Anti-Discriminatory Dolphin present to your group or classroom, contact the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission at (319) 286-5036. Donna is also available to serve as a mascot, upon request.
Photo Gallery of Donna
