Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Making Lafayette More Inclusive

Lafayette, since its incorporation in 1968, has always sought to be a fair, open-minded, and accepting city. And in large part we have kept to those values. But as we have seen across the nation in recent years, systemic racism still exists in our country and in our community. In an effort to better understand the nature and the extent of this phenomenon in Lafayette, in 2021 the City launched an Equity and Inclusion Task Force. The Task Force held two town halls, which were well attended.

The Town Halls were enlightening.  Implicit bias and racism are difficult subjects to broach and it was clear from some of the stories told during the Town Halls that, unfortunately, there is evidence that it does exist.  And we, as a community, want to do better in Lafayette to educate and seek ways to understand and overcome such issues.

Lafayette has a multi-pronged approach to addressing systemic racism and promoting acceptance and fairness.  Schools have reached out to parents and students to address the issue and will continue to do so. The Chamber of Commerce has made Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion a top priority as well (more details below). And, as for the City of Lafayette, the Council’s Public Safety Subcommittee, which addresses policing, will continue to monitor progress on recommendations regarding training and reporting in the police department. The City has also been actively participating in a countywide effort to improve behavioral health services, resulting in the  Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime Initiative or “A3". This is a new system of delivering safe, appropriate care to people in Contra Costa County who are experiencing behavioral health emergencies.  Also, City staff, Council and Commissioners have completed implicit bias training. 

Upcoming & Recent Community Events and Meetings

Meeting of the Lafayette Community Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee

The next DEIB Committee meeting will be held on October 7, 2024. For more details, please email LafayetteDEIB@gmail.com.

United Against Hate Week

United Against Hate Week emerged from a United Against Hate poster campaign created by Bay Area Cities in response to white supremacist rallies in Berkeley and San Francisco in 2017. This year, the event was held September 21 to 27, 2024. 

Download the LAFAYETTE United Against Hate - Poster (PDF)

Download the LAMORINDA United Against Hate - Poster (PDF)

Download LAMORINDA United Against Hate social media graphics: Facebook | Instagram

Read the 2023 proclamation

The City is working with the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce to develop a system that encourages all of our businesses to foster a stronger message of inclusion throughout Lafayette.  The Lafayette Chamber believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are critical to the success and well-being of our staff, our members, and our community. 

The Lafayette Chamber will be a leader in reaching this by:

• Setting an example of respect and tolerance in everything we do
• Educating our members so they may improve their own diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Engaging underrepresented businesses to become members
• Encouraging diverse leadership within our board, staff, and membership

Learn more about their efforts on their website.

Community Involvement:

As a result of the City’s Task Force Town Halls in 2021, a grassroots, Community Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Committee has been established.  This group of community members meets regularly to discuss and implement actions that promote the values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and collaborates with the City and other Community organizations to promote these values.

DEIB Committee Mission Statement: The Lafayette Community DEIB Committee is committed to building awareness, solutions and leadership for racial, social and economic justice by generating transformative ideas, information and experiences.  We do this through community engagement, continuous learning, advocacy and activation.

DEIB Committee Vision Statement: The DEIB committee envisions a society where all systems (e.g. education, health care, housing, criminal justice, the economy) are just, fair and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.  We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people and strive for a healthy and prosperous community that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity. 

To learn more about the Community DEIB Committee, read their 2021 presentation to the City Council. (PDF)

If you are interested in joining this committee or if you have a question, concern or something to report regarding DEIB issues, please contact: LafayetteDEIB@gmail.com. 

Resources:

• Download the National PTA's Multicultural Calendar (PDF) - This calendar is updated annually by the National PTA and includes cultural and religious holidays as well as designated months and days of recognition that express our nation’s rich diversity.

• Download the We Welcome Sign (PDF)

• United Against Hate Week - United Against Hate Week emerged from a United Against Hate poster campaign created by Bay Area Cities in response to white supremacist rallies in Berkeley and San Francisco in 2017. The event is typically held in the fall. 
  • Download the LAFAYETTE United Against Hate - Poster (PDF)
  • Download the LAMORINDA United Against Hate - Poster (PDF)

We welcome All races and ethnicities All religions All countries of origin All gender identities All sexual orientations All abilities and disabilities All languages All ages Everyone. We stand here with you. You are safe here