We understand that there is a move afoot to remove the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement from the Talbot County Employee Handbook. We further understand that this may be done in a way that flies below the radar, without public input – perhaps to push a political agenda without public scrutiny.
First, we must say that we are strong supporters of the underlying concept of providing, enhancing and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive community. We live our lives accordingly, and hope that each of you do, as well. If the Council were to remove the DEI statement from the County handbook, are you saying that you, the Council and by extension, Talbot County and its citizens, do not agree with providing a supportive and equitable workplace? Are you saying that NOT ALL County employees are valued, but that some are and some aren’t? Which are not, and why? Are you saying that you reject a workplace that values respect, understanding and acceptance of ALL employees: or just some? What could possibly have changed to make Talbot County less accepting, understanding and committed to fostering a safe and equitable workplace for ALL of our valuable County employees? This can only be the result of the current political climate that has demonized the concept of DEI far beyond what it actually is and the wonderful spirit with which the prior Talbot Council unanimously approved this statement. Please do not let politics pollute and degrade the admirable traits contained in the statement, and let’s continue to honor and respect ALL of our fellow citizens equally. We urge you to KEEP TALBOT COUNTY GREAT by keeping the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement not only in the employee handbook, but in our hearts, minds and actions as a community.
Which of these things, specifically, are you no longer committed to, and why?
The County is committed to: (1) maintaining an inclusive, productive, supportive, open, innovative, and equitable workplace environment in which every individual is valued for his or her unique characteristics; (2) fostering respect, understanding, and acceptance of differences; and (3) enabling employees to reach their full potential, thus enhancing the relationships among ourselves and optimizing the quality of services to our residents and our fellow employees.
With the best of intentions, your neighbors, voters, and citizens of Talbot County,
Peg & Rick Hughes
Easton
Easton
Matt LaMotte says
The TCC should not be bullied into something like this. It’s sad what’s going on right now in this Country. We do not need to bend a knee to racism, sexism & misogyny here, if you please.
Margaret Andersen says
Thank you and I wholeheartedly agree. It is disturbing to see so many people jumping on the anti-DEI bandwagon when, as you so well express, it is a statement about respect and fairness no matter our different backgrounds and viewpoints. Why would anyone object to that?
William Keppen says
If the Talbot County Council were to strike that clause, it would amount to an admission that they think less of some Talbot County citizens than others, just because they may be a bit different. There is a word for that, but I need not cite it here, do I?
Rob Douglass says
Peg & Rick Hughes,
Great statement and I couldn’t agree more!
For any of us who know what the forwarding of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) concepts really are, your arguments are spot on and you ask the correct questions, “What has changed to cause or necessitate any change to the current support of these concepts.” Nothing, except the party and individuals in charge in Washington DC now, though not in our state or our historic Talbot County, the home of Frederick Douglass and nearby, Harriett Tubman, may support them anymore, and actually are systematically banning them, but why?
It infuriates me what the right has done to hijack the term DEI and turn it into something gross, rally the fears of those on the right who I could bet have never read Frederick Douglass’s autobiography or have taken an honest look into America’s true, factual history, including the details of oppression, right up to the 1960’s when some of us were just being born. Japanese in wholesale detention camps in WWII, also by Executive Order to name just a few.
No, DEI is not brainwashing people into hating their country or teaching school children to be ashamed of their country, it only brings awareness of our past and the fact (not speculation) that we can be very biased against people who may not be like us – they’re old, they’re gay, they’re from far off places, they’re not white, they don’t speak English, they’re Muslim, they’re different. And that’s ok. The great American melting pot where everyone should be treated with respect as fellow human beings, just trying to get along, love who you want, be happy, have a job, have a roof over your head, grow up, grow old, and not be in fear of being harassed, bullied or ridiculed, because you don’t act and look like me.
We must keep the spotlight on all our rights, and standing up for what is right these next 4 years, for if we don’t, others may try to take them away.
Michaell Davis says
Good letter. I also wrote the Talbot County Council objecting to the move to eliminate words about tolerance from the employee handbook. My letter was much shorter and not as well informed than this. But my point was the same. Talbot County should be a welcoming place to work for everyone.
I’ve shared this to some people recommending they also contact the Talbot County Council.
Thomas Knight says
We agree with your letter completely, 100% and 1,000,000 points more than that.
Tom and Suellen Knight
Hal De Bona says
Peg and Rick,
Thank you for your very thoughtful and kind letter to the council. I wholeheartedly agree with your position. You ask what possibly could have happened to even Jace the council board considering such a move. I recognize the rhetorical nature of your question and hope that national epidemic of fear of the king’s wrath will not ever reach Talbot County council members. Stay tuned for the next episode of “ Baseless Fear Factor.”
Carol Voyles says
What on earth could have inspired this? Would love to know.
It’s hardly an ideal way to slow growth.
Wilson Dean says
Excellent letter. If Talbot County does remove the DEI statement, will they replace it with a statement that supports exclusion and homogeneity? Will they spell out who —-on the basis of race, religion, gender—-is to be placed at the top of the hierarchy and who should be shunned? They can’t have it both ways.
Sharron Cassavant says
Who could possibly object to the current statement? Please, County Council, keep it.
Thank you, Peg and Rich Hughes, for calling our attention to this issue.
Gerry Levin says
Why should we listen to a non educated felon?
Louise Perry says
To remove the statement in the Talbot County Employee Handbook supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion would be the equivalent of supporting Lack of Diversity, Inequity, and Exclusion. Do the right thing.
Mary Boyles says
Thank you for bringing this to the community’s attention. I wholeheartedly support the content of the Hughes letter and urge the county to make no changes to the DEI statement. I can not conceive of any reason to make changes to the written statement nor to its underlying principles.