The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Executive Department

State House Boston, MA 02133

(617) 725-4000

MITT ROMNEY

GOVERNOR

KERRY HEALEY

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 17, 2003 CONTACT:

Shawn Feddeman

(617) 725-4025

ROMNEY CREATES OFFICE OF DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Establishes 15-member Diversity and Equal Opportunity Advisory Council

Governor Mitt Romney today issued an Executive Order creating the new Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity, promoting a state government workforce that is reflective of the entire Massachusetts community and responsive to the Commonwealth’s citizens.

The Executive Order revitalizes the State Office of Affirmative Action by renaming it and giving it a broader mission.

Romney appointed Sandra Borders as the Director of the newly established office and said Ruth Bramson, Chief Human Resources Officer, will also serve as the Chief Diversity Officer for the Commonwealth.

“My Administration is committed to assembling a state government workforce that reflects the fabric of our community,” Romney said. “We will work hard to ensure that our Administration recruits and retains talented individuals from all backgrounds at every level of government.”

Romney said the new office will:

· Create a state workplace that welcomes, respects and values people of abilities, cultures, nationalities, religions, races, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds and veteran’s status;

· Identify and remove barriers so that programs and services are accessible to all the citizens of Massachusetts;

· Develop partnerships with public and private organizations to share best practices for enhancing diversity;

· Launch an outreach effort to increase the diversity of applicants to state jobs; and

· Comply with federal and state reporting requirements to ensure that all activities are in compliance with applicable state and federal laws.

In addition to the new office, Romney’s order directs each Secretariat to appoint a Director of Diversity. This individual will develop a diversity plan and ensure that the agencies under their purview meet all state and federal laws regarding equal opportunity.

Romney also created a 15-member Diversity and Equal Opportunity Advisory Council that will be made up of public and private sector leaders. The members of the council, who will serve on a voluntary basis for four-year terms, will ensure steady input to the Administration on diversity strategies, policies and programs.

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