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Rules Committee seeks more time to refine mandatory implicit-bias training for leaders
Summary
The committee continued an ordinance requiring implicit-bias training for department heads and commissioners after DHR and supervisors discussed online versus in-person formats, timing, onboarding integration and flexibility for volunteer commissioners.
The Rules Committee on Feb. 4 considered an ordinance to require implicit-bias training for newly appointed department heads and members of city boards and commissions within 60 days of appointment and to require existing department heads and commissioners to complete training by June 30, 2019.
Wyatt Donilon Landolt, staff for the sponsor, said the measure aims to make leaders aware of implicit bias and how it affects hiring and policy decisions. Susan Gard, chief of policy at the Department of Human Resources, described the city's training history, said DHR has trained thousands of employees and is open to expanding in-person options but cautioned that capacity, timing and onboarding logistics need work. Gard said the department could offer a condensed one-day in-person training for leaders and currently requires online completion before attending full sessions.
Supervisors pressed for stronger, in-person training for department heads while acknowledging commissioners are often volunteers and may need flexibility. The committee agreed to continue the item to the call of the chair so staff and supervisors can refine details including whether department heads should be required to complete a two-day in-person course, commissioners be given more flexible options, and adjustments to the 60-day timing window. The item was continued without objection.
