Lane County updates Lane Manual diversity policy to reflect current equity work; commissioners vote 5-0

The Lane County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 30 unanimously approved an update to Lane Manual chapter 2, section 2.055, replacing the county’s former diversity policy with language that defines the county’s current equity work and clarifies alignment with applicable law.

Mallory Beebe, assistant county litigator and a member of the county’s civil rights compliance team, told the board the policy was last substantively updated in 2017 and that the proposed language reflects current equity programming and avoids references — such as to affirmative-action plans — that the county no longer uses. Beebe said the update was intended to align the county’s policy language with existing law and the county’s strategic equity direction.

Eve Gray, director of Health and Human Services and a member of the civil rights compliance team, described the revision as a group effort that clarifies the county’s ongoing commitment to equity and the strategic direction of its equity programming. Multiple commissioners thanked the compliance team for the work and noted the subject’s sensitivity for committee members who are personally impacted by equity issues.

Vice Chair (name not specified) moved to approve Order 25093008, and Commissioner Buck seconded. The motion passed on a 5-0 vote. The order is recorded as: 25DashO9Dash30DashO8, "in the matter of amending Lane Manual chapter 2 to update our diversity policy (Lane Manual 2.055)."

Commissioners said the full replacement language and redline are available in the board packet. No amendments or subsequent implementation schedule were discussed on the record. The board’s action will replace the older language with the new definition of the county’s equity work as presented by staff.