The Marshall City Council approved Tuesday the creation of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Commission.
It is part of the City’s wider effort to help make the City an inclusive community for everyone, and to promote belonging as well as creating an ongoing dialogue, through which the city can explore inequities, share information, and be a change agent for race equity within our community.
“This Commission is an important first step and aligns with our community goal from our planning sessions held in 2019 where diversity, equity and inclusion were key comments expressed,” said Mayor Bob Byrnes.
The Commission will be comprised of up to 9 members. Any person over 18 years old with a strong connection to the City of Marshall and with either formal or informal experiences (personal, educational, professional) are encouraged to apply. The Commission’s Vision and Mission are:
VISION STATEMENT: The City of Marshall is dedicated to building a welcoming, inclusive and racially equitable community.
MISSION STATEMENT: Create and sustain an ongoing dialogue, through which we explore inequities, share information, and be a change agent for race equity within our community.
The Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Commission is dedicated to learning, creating innovative ideas, and adapting to the ever-changing environment. The DEI Commission is taking purposeful action to advance this commitment through the following guiding principles of equity, equality, inclusion, collaboration, and transparency.
SMSU Director of Diversity of Inclusion and DEI Commission Chair Jefferson (Jay) Lee IV stated, “I look forward to working with the Commission on ways we can promote diversity, equality, inclusion and a sense of belonging”.
In February 2020, the City Council—in response to community input—approved a city-wide 2020-2024 Strategic Plan which included the goal of fostering an inclusive and welcoming community valuing all residents and their diversity.
A preliminary group started meeting in late 2020 to discuss the formation of a working group and recommended a formal Commission be established.
Community members interested in serving on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission can contact City Clerk Kyle Box for more information at 507-537-6775 or kyle.box@ci.marshall.mn.us