Submitted By
Dr. Danielle Walker, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer
Reviewed By
A.M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager
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. This statement has been updated to add language that acknowledges Native Americans, and language that reflects the current DEI journey Oak Park is embarking on. The Diversity, equity, and inclusion statement is also translated into Spanish.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Adoption the Resolution.
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, eco...
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