LANE COUNTY DIVERSITY POLICY
Lane County’s Diversity Policy contained within its’ Diversity Implementation Plan, clearly expresses its intent to provide fair and equal employment, services, and representation. It is contained in the official Lane Manual (LM) as policy number LM 2.385. The Policy states:
Diversity is a key to the future success of Lane County. We are charged with providing effective government services in an increasingly competitive and diverse environment. If we are to succeed, each of us must embrace the value of diversity as being critical to the achievement of our mission. The more successfully we are able to conduct our business in a diverse community, the more diverse our presence must be in that community.
Diversity transcends race and gender, affirmative action, and Equal Employment Opportunity. It means respecting and valuing differences such as those based on age, disability, ethnicity, gender, language, race, and socio-economic status, as well as respecting each individual’s right to privacy in areas such as religious faith, political beliefs, and sexual orientation. In order to collaborate successfully with the diverse communities we serve, the County must be cognizant and respectful of our differences both in the community and the worksite. Most importantly, all in the County must rethink our approach to diversity. No longer are such issues just matters of social policy or historical reciprocity. Diversity, and the respect and understanding of the integrity and worth of all cultures, peoples, and lifestyles is today and will continue to be simply good business.
- Policy: Lane County will demonstrate its commitment to diversity through the way in which it provides County services, through its employment practices, through its funding decisions, and through its appointments to County boards, commissions, and committees by:
- Ensuring that all County services, programs, and activities are provided to its diverse communities in ways that are sensitive and responsive to cultural differences, including accessibility for persons with disabilities;
- Ensuring that all County funded services are provided, and funding decisions are made, in a manner that recognizes, addresses, and is reflective of the cultural diversity of the communities served;
- Demonstrating a commitment to workplace diversity through implementation of affirmative actions plans and development of cultural sensitivity and cultural competency among employees; and,
- Ensuring that all County boards, commissions, and committees are reflective of the diversity of the Lane County population.
The diversity policy contained in LM 2.385 is intended to be an expression of intent and aspiration on the part of the Lane County Board. It is to be used to guide the County government in benefiting from and being responsive to the changing population that provides both the County’s workforce and its customer base. It is not intended to be, nor shall it be used as, a basis for anyone demanding a right or making a claim against Lane County or its employees.
