Opinion

Village should create DEI commission

Posted January 23, 2021 12:00 am

Last week, members of our community raised concerns with the scope of the Arlington Heights Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Project and strongly urged the creation of a DEI commission by the village. A permanent commission to oversee inclusion will create a civic environment that values the input of marginalized groups and will help our community grow stronger together.

We can continue say that we are a welcoming community, but when places of worship and public spaces are repeatedly defaced with racist imagery, we need action. Several local institutions have implemented similar approaches, including Township High School District 214, Consolidated School District 59, Wheeling Community Consolidated School District 21 and the Village of Mount Prospect's Community Engagement Committee.

I support my fellow members of the community and the creation of a permanent DEI Commission. Arlington Heights has the opportunity to serve as an example to other municipalities and to be a leader in growing an equitable future for our community.

State Sen. Ann Gillespie

Arlington Heights

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