Promotion Of Diversity Equity And Opportunity

WHEREAS, Rhode Island is committed to equal opportunity and equity in all aspects of state government employment, procurement, programs, and activities; and

WHEREAS, diversity and inclusion are core values that are essential to a creative, innovative, and productive workplace, as well as a thriving business climate in Rhode Island; an

WHEREAS, the State of Rhode Island is strengthened by the diversity in our population, and we are at our best when we value and respect the contributions of all members of our society; and

WHEREAS, building a framework for open dialogue and communication between our state government and its people is an important step toward community engagement; and

WHEREAS, this administration is committed to establishing a close and collaborative working relationship with a diverse group of community partners who share in our interest to promote equity and fairness in state government.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GINA M. RAIMONDO, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, do hereby order as follows:

A. There is hereby established an Advisory Council (Council) that shall exist for the purpose of advising the Office of Diversity, Equity and Opportunity (ODEO) within the Department of Administration on ways to enhance diversity, inclusion, equity and opportunity throughout the Executive Branch of Rhode Island State government in the areas of employment, procurement, programs, and activities. The ODEO shall work collaboratively with the Division of Human Resources, the Division of Purchases, the Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, other divisions within the Department of Administration, and all executive departments to implement approved recommendations.

1. The chair(s) and members of the Council shall be appointed by the Director of the Department of Administration and shall serve a three-year term. Members may be appointed for subsequent terms, and if a member resigns before completion of a term, a new member may be appointed to serve out the remainder of the term. Members shall serve at the pleasure of the Director of the Department of Administration.
   
    
2. The Council shall consist of not more than fifteen (15) members from the private and public sector that reflect Rhode Island’s diversity along issues of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, and education.
   
    
3. The Associate Director of ODEO shall serve as an ex-officio member of the Council and the ODEO shall provide administrative support to the Council.
   
    
4. The Council shall serve as a sounding board to the ODEO for new policies, initiatives, and structural changes being proposed, and shall assist the ODEO by providing informed guidance, ideas, and recommendations for best practices that will assist them in carrying out their responsibilities.

B. The Council shall convene on at least a quarterly basis and said meetings shall be open public meetings.

This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

So Ordered,

Gina M. Raimondo

Governor