Submitted By
Cara Pavlicek, Village Manager
Reviewed By
LKS
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Adopting the Diversity Statement
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Overview
Overview
It is a tradition in Oak Park for the Village Board of Trustees to reaffirm the diversity statement after each election. This is done at the first meeting in which the newly elected are sworn into office.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Approval.
Body
Staff Recommendation
N/A
Fiscal Impact
N/A
Background
Oak Park was one of the first municipalities in the country to make diversity a matter of public policy. Following each two-year election cycle since a Diversity Statement was first adopted in 1973, the Village Board demonstrates its support of the high ideals embodied in the statement by reaffirming its content via a formal resolution. With a focus on differences defining much of the current dialogue in the United States and the world, residents are invited to read the words that have helped define Oak Park and consider their broader intent.
The Oak Park Diversity Statement: "The people of Oak Park choose this community, not just as a place to live, but as a way of life. Oak Park has committed itself to equality not only because it is legal, but because it is right; not only because equality is ethical, but because it is desirable for us and our children. Ours is a dynamic community that encourages the contributions of all citizens, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital and/or familial status, mental and/or physical impairment and/or disability, military status, economic class, political affiliation, or any of the other distinguishing characteristics that all too often divide people in society.
Oak Park's proud tradition of citizen involvement and accessible local government challenge us to show others how such a community can embrace change while still respecting and preserving the...
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