An urgent message from Senator Jim McCune: CALL TO ACTION
*Please take action BEFORE October 10, 2023 – scroll down
I write to you today with profound and urgent concerns about recent developments in Pierce County government. On September 26, the Pierce County Council Rules Committee unanimously recommended a proposal that has been described by a conservative council member as “transformational to the very foundations of Pierce County government”. This proposal, Ordinance 2023-39 (https://online.co.pierce.wa.us/cfapps/council/iview/proposal.cfm?proposal_num=2023-39), is a matter of utmost importance. It pertains to Title 3 of the Pierce County Code (PCC) under “Personnel” and introduces a new chapter titled “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” (DEI), scheduled for final adoption on 10/10/23.
Un-American: In a merit-based system, and as it should be, employees are hired, promoted, rewarded, and retained on the basis of individual ability and fitness for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, or national origin. Ordinance 2023-39 introduces new sections on diversity, equity, and inclusion policies to Pierce Count Code. DEI initiatives seek to equalize group outcomes, leading to unequal treatment for one group in the quest of “equity” for the other. It is of the utmost urgency that we thoroughly reject concepts associated with failed far left ideologies that undermine our traditional American societal fabric.
Politically Correct Speech: The ordinance intends to replace gender-specific terms throughout the personnel code with politically correct gender-neutral language. While inclusivity sounds like a noble objective, these changes are being rushed under pressure from the LGBTQIA+ community and other progressive movements. It is imperative that we urgently consider the profound impact of these language alterations on our communication and culture.
Responsibilities and Consequences: The ordinance lays out cumbersome new responsibilities for county employees, departments, and officials under DEI policies and potential consequences for non-compliance. These measures are destined to become oppressively bureaucratic and will not effectively address the root causes of inequality.
Origins of DEI Initiatives: The County’s DEI efforts are rooted in recommendations from the Pierce County Equity Review Committee and DEI Workgroups i.e., county bureaucrats and political appointees. While addressing systemic issues is undeniably vital, DEI programs around the country have proven to miss the mark and inadvertently sow further divisions among us.
URGENT: CONTACT YOUR COUNTY COUNCILMEMBER AND EXECUTIVE PRIOR TO THE 3:00PM TUESDAY 10/10 COUNCIL MEETING – TELL THEM TO VOTE NO ON ORDINANCE 2023-39!
Email the councilmembers: Dave.Morell@piercecountywa.gov Paul.Herrera@piercecountywa.gov Amy.Cruver@piercecountywa.gov Ryan.Mello@piercecountywa.gov Marty.Campbell@piercecountywa.gov Jani.Hitchen@piercecountywa.gov Robyn.Denson@piercecountywa.gov bruce.dammeier@piercecountywa.gov
PLEASE CONSIDER ATTENDING THE MEETING IN PERSON OR VIA ZOOM AND PLEASE CONSIDER TESTIFYING IN OPPOSITION:
Join the Council meeting via Zoom. (https://piercecountywa.zoom.us/j/97661787423#success)
