Governor Polis Signs Executive Order Directing Action on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

DENVER - Gov. Jared Polis signed an Executive Order today directing the Department of Personnel & Administration to lead efforts on furthering equity, diversity, and inclusion within the State of Colorado. He was joined by Kara Veitch, State Personnel Director and Executive Director of DPA, members of the cabinet, as well as the State Chief Human Resource Officer, and members of the Colorado Equity Alliance.

“Colorado is committed to elevating our state to a place where all Coloradans can live and work in healthy, inclusive, and equitable environments,” said Governor Jared Polis. “Through this action, we have the opportunity to take action and examine where inequity and systemic racism exist, identify solutions, and make real change. This is a huge step toward making meaningful changes in the way we conduct business and serve our communities to further my administration’s vision building a Colorado for All.”

The Executive Order incorporates feedback from state employees and community partners expressing a desire for increased focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts across state government. It was originally scheduled to be signed in March, but was delayed due to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Executive Order lists a number of directives that will be led by DPA, which include an EDI Universal Policy with accessibility requirements, procurement enhancements, updates to hiring guidelines, as well as mandatory training for employees, supervisors, and executive leaders.

“We are committed to creating a more inclusive workforce, where everyone feels that they belong” said Kara Veitch, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Personnel & Administration. “The Universal Policy will direct and advise agencies in developing long-term strategic plans to foster and support inclusive, anti-discriminatory workplaces. In order to create lasting change, every agency must fully embrace an equity mindset in developing their cultures.”

The Executive Order also requires state agencies to develop long-term plans and a reporting structure to identify and address barriers in their work with the communities they serve. In the fall of 2018, a group of volunteers from state agencies and community organizations formed The Colorado Equity Alliance with a mission to create equitable systems and opportunities for all Coloradans to work and thrive. Their work over the last year has directly contributed to the development of the new executive order.

The executive order is effective immediately. The full text can be read here.

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