While some states are taking steps to undermine Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts and a number of companies have announced the discontinuation of their DEI programs, Governor Ned Lamont recently issued an executive order designed to promote equity and inclusion in state government.
“State government should be representative of the populations it serves and ensure that people from different racial, ethnic, gender, geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds have a voice in the decision-making process and ensure that policies and practices of state government address the needs and concerns of all citizens,” reads the introduction to Executive Order 24-2, “Achieving Equity in Connecticut State Government.”
The order, signed July 11, calls for the creation of an Office of Equity and Opportunity, and the hiring of a Chief Equity and Opportunity Officer to lead it.
State employees will be required to undertake DEI trainings designed by the new office, and agencies will be required to work with the office to develop plans for improving equity and opportunity.
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation thanked the governor for the measure, calling it a step forward in a LinkedIn post, saying “The Governor is committing to promoting equity and dismantling historical and systematic disparities in education, healthcare, criminal justice, employment and economic opportunities, housing, childcare and community
