BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT:
Title
Consider the July 27, 2020 Diversity and Inclusion Ad Hoc Committee Recommendation to Adopt a Resolution Addressing Systemic Racism and Promoting Equity and Present the Resolution to all Board Committees.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
A. Consider the July 27, 2020 Diversity and Inclusion Ad Hoc Committee recommendations to adopt a Resolution Addressing Systematic Racism and Promoting Equity, and refer to staff to present the Resolution, if adopted, to all Board committees;
B. Adopt the Resolution ADDRESSING SYSTEMIC RACISM AND PROMOTING EQUITY; and
C. Refer to staff to present the Resolution, if adopted, to all Board committees.
Body
SUMMARY:
In July, CEO Callender announced the creation of a new Office of Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) under the External Affairs division. The new office will include the existing Diversity and Inclusion Program, with an expanded goal to break down any organizational barriers that enable systemic racism, and instead promote a culture of racial equity. This office will ensure that racial equity, diversity and inclusion practices are all equally reflected both internally and externally to better serve all communities within Valley Water's service area.
On July 27, 2020, the Diversity and Inclusion Ad Hoc Committee convened to hear a presentation from the new Office of Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) and consider a new draft resolution (Attachment 1) on Addressing Systemic Racism and Promoting Equity. The ad hoc committee suggested clarifying the intent by broadening the language under equity to include gender and gender identity bias as well; therefore, staff made several adjustments to the resolution title and within the language of the resolution based on this feedback to improve upon the draft that was presented.
This resolution is consistent with Valley Water's core values and the principles used in accomplishing Valley Water's mission. Spec...
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