Skokie Park District – Our Statement
The Skokie Park District understands that meaningful change is an ongoing process and that work needs to be done at all levels for organizational change to happen. Surface solutions are not sufficient to integrate anti-racism as part of an agency's organizational culture or values. That is why the Skokie Park District has put anti-racism and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) related inequalities in the forefront of its operation.
Click here to see the district's Diversity Initiatives
Accomplishments & Commitments:
- The district has hired an outside DEI consulting firm to review and ensure that our policies they are free of bias, language that is uneven, unbalanced, or not a fair representation. More specifically, "biased language," which refers to words and phrases that are considered discriminatory, offensive, hurtful, or an impediment to an inclusive community, should be edited, removed, and approved. Biased language includes expressions that demean or exclude people because of age, sex, race, ethnicity, social class, sexual orientation, physical, mental traits, and other personal characteristics.
- The district's internal Staff Diversity Team will be enhanced as a new Diversity Advocacy Team comprising a diverse group of staff and administrators committed to organizing and implementing institutional transformation for the benefit of all members of the community.
- The district is providing ongoing DEI training to all full- and part-time staff to help eliminate inequality and bias in the workplace as well as in our community.
- The district regularly meets and works with community leaders and social justice groups to insure the district is meeting the needs of our diverse community and to ensure the voices of those most impacted by racism are prioritized first.
- The district will provide resources based on the equity lens to ensure that all families have the right to attend all programs and events.
- The district will continue to provide special events focused on the diverse communities of Skokie. This has been and will continue to be a great way to open people’s minds to people of different cultures and backgrounds.
- Employees are encouraged to come forward if they confront racist, unsafe, or illegal practices in the workplace.