South Bend releases diversity plan for hiring, promotions

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - The city of South Bend has released a plan aimed at removing or reducing barriers to diversity and inclusion in hiring, career development and purchasing over the next three years.

The South Bend Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/2a30xhW) Mayor Pete Buttigieg (BOO'-tah-juhj) said at a news conference Monday the focus areas include making sure the city is driving quantity and quality of applicants for positions in the city; making sure that career development and promotion is based on performance; and making sure the city supports small businesses.

He says the city can't legislate inclusion, but says it can leverage the city's purchasing power to support women- and minority-owned enterprises.

The plan establishes common promotion and performance evaluation practices across all city departments. The city has faced several discrimination cases in recent years.