The Center on Colfax is deeply concerned about the recent memorandum issued by the Office of Management and Budget that directs all federal agencies to terminate training related to racial sensitivity for federal agency employees, claiming these topics are “un-American propaganda.” The Administration went even further in issuing an Executive Order this week expanding the ban to include racial and gender equity training.
The Center’s Director of Inclusivity Services, Johnny Humphrey, knows that in order to truly achieve diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), employers must invest their resources in training and workshops.
“It is far too late to pretend that systemic racism and sexism do not exist. I can’t think of anything more-American than addressing that reality through trainings and workshops that address critical race theory, white privilege and gender equity,” Humphrey said.
Embracing DEI is critically necessary and difficult work that requires deep introspection into the systems, policies and practices that have historically, and continue to, marginalize, oppress and exclude people of color, women and LGBTQ+ populations.
“Organizations throughout Colorado and across the country are making the necessary investments in their DEI strategies to ensure equity for all of their employees. We should expect nothing less from our federal government,” Humphrey continued.
“Employers claiming to support a diverse workforce, yet inadequately investing in training, mentorship and professional development for their marginalized employees are simply providing lip service and failing to address structural systems that perpetuate white supremacy, racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia.”
To promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace, The Center on Colfax created RANGE Consulting, a social enterprise that provides comprehensive training and consulting services on LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning) best practices and DEI strategies to private, nonprofit, and government employers throughout the Rocky Mountain region.
“All employees deserve to bring their whole, authentic selves to work and to be fully valued as contributing and impactful employees,” said Humphrey. “Our goal is to eliminate discrimination in Colorado’s workplaces.”
The Center encourages anyone who is concerned about OMB’s termination of racial sensitivity training to voice their concerns by calling 202-395-3080 or visiting the agency’s website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/.
To learn more about RANGE Consulting training and services, visit: https://lgbtqcolorado.org/programs/range/.