MMA hosts ‘Demystifying DEI’ webinar

The MMA hosted a webinar titled “Demystifying DEI” on May 6.

MMA Chief Equity Officer Jill Harvey led a conversation discussing the concepts of diversity, equity and inclusion, the history of DEI, and what municipal leaders can do to support DEI efforts.

Angela Clark, chief of organizational diversity, equity and inclusion at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, began the discussion by explaining what a presidential executive order is and how it impacts local government. She emphasized that executive orders “do not override laws passed by Congress or state legislatures,” though “they can, and oftentimes do, influence local action.”

“Diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility are not illegal,” Clark said.

Faustina Cuevas, who’s the first diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the city of Lynn, defined the concepts of diversity, equity and inclusion, recognizing that the terms are commonly used but rarely explained.

Bird Guess, CEO of the Racial Equity Group and founder of the Center for Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity, said DEI practices and programs began decades ago, stemming from the Civil Rights Act.

Pamela Young, director of diversity, equity and inclusion in Amherst, shared examples of the DEI work underway in her town, including its liberatory visioning project, which consists of community conversations where municipal staff and community members hold space to listen and discuss what they want the future of the town to look like.

Harvey moderated 10 minutes of questions and answers, addressing inquiries regarding book recommendations, the history of DEI efforts, and inclusive hiring practices.

• The Current DEI Legal Landscape (1M PDF)
• The History and Evolution of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (400K PDF)
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Guidance for Local Governments (225K PDF)
• Demystifying DEI: What Exactly is DEI? (450K PDF)
• Demystifying DEI: Additional Resources (150K PDF)