Submitted By
Cara Pavlicek, Village Manager
Reviewed By
LKS
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Adopting Updates to the Diversity Statement
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Overview
Overview
Following the Village Board's traditional adoption of the diversity statement as part of the May 6, 2019 meeting following the Oath of Office for newly elected officials, recommended amendments to the Diversity Statement supported by the Community Relations Commission are being presented to the Village Board for consideration. The amendment incorporates racial equity as a part of the Statement.
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Body
Staff Recommendation
It is recommended the Village Board approve the inclusion of racial equity as a part the Diversity Statement.
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 Community Relations Commission met April 17, 2019 and approved a formal recommendation to the Village Board to update the Diversity Statement to be titled the Oak Park Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement and read as follows:
The people of Oak Park choose this community, not just as a place to live, but as a way of life and as a place to seek shelter, refuge, and acceptance. Oak Park commits itself to diversity, equity, and inclusion because these values make us a desirable and strong community for all residents and our neighbors.
We believe in diversity because our commonalities and differences are both assets. Ours is a dynamic community that welcomes, respects, and encour...
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