EAST LANSING, Mich. — East Lansing City Manager George Lahanas has issued the following statement regarding the national conversation on racial inequality:
“We categorically and unequivocally denounce racism, injustice and discrimination in all forms. We are committed to dismantling the systemic inequalities in City government and working with staff and the community to make East Lansing an inclusive, welcoming and affirming place to live, work, visit and do business. As the City of East Lansing, we pledge to:
- Listen to all staff and community members and address their concerns with empathy, compassion and respect.
- Facilitate open dialogue on matters of race, equity and inclusion for staff and the community.
- Create a full-time position for a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion administrator for the City of East Lansing who will focus on building relationships with the LGBTQIA+ community; immigrants; refugees; students; persons with disabilities; and Black, Indigenous and/or People of Color (BIPOC).
- Lead a full organizational cultural realignment that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion in recruitment, hiring and all policies as they relate to government operations.
- Host anti-bias and diversity training for the entire City of East Lansing workforce.
- Work with the Independent Police Oversight Commission to examine and evaluate police and policing practices in the City to ensure they align with the City’s stated core values and make changes as necessitated by these findings.
- Incorporate anti-racism and anti-discrimination as an ongoing strategic priority within the City organization.
Further, we pledge to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace and with those doing business with the City of East Lansing. We will hold ourselves accountable for the humane, respectful and compassionate treatment of all persons."