Diversity Equity and Inclusion

About

The mission of the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is to develop and oversee programs, services, initiatives, trainings, and organizational cultural realignment strategies designed to enhance the workplace culture and the quality of life in the City of Westland.  The Department serves as a liaison between City officials and residents to develop relationships within the community to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion as major priorities and core elements of the mission of the City of Westland.

The City of Westland’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts are built around openness, dialogue, education, empathy, dignity and advocacy. Respecting and valuing the differing characteristics of individuals and groups are as beneficial to our City as treating everyone fairly and enabling them feel a strong sense of belonging. 

Why Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Go Together:

Though some use them interchangeably, they do not mean the same thing. Yet, they complement one another. 

Diversity: The Racial Equity Tools Glossary defines it as including all the ways in which people differ, and it encompasses all the different characteristics that make one individual or group different from another. It is all-inclusive and recognizes everyone and every group as part of the diversity that should be valued. A broad definition includes not only race, ethnicity, and gender—the groups that most often come to mind when the term "diversity" is used—but also age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, and physical appearance.

Equity: The Independent Sector says it is the fair treatment access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. 

Inclusion: It is, according to the Racial Equity Tools Glossary, authentically bringing traditionally excluded individuals and/or groups into processes, activities, and decision/policy making in a way that shares power.

Thus, focusing on the three as a full package provides the opportunity for maximizing their benefits.

Policy Commitment

The City of Westland's Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (PDF) and Nondiscrimination Ordinance help guide the DEI efforts of the City of Westland.

In 2020, the Westland City Council passed a Resolution Declaring Racism as a Public Health Crisis (no. 2020-08-181) as part of the City of Westland's commitment on providing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all.

Commissions

The Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusions works closely with the Disability Advocacy Committee and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission as a liaison to promote and develop the core mission of the Department and the City of Westland.