A Public Defender represents “the public” in court – and should also reflect and “represent” the diversity of our community. In addition to fighting for racial justice for our clients, we are steadfastly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion internally.
Our Office developed a Racial Equity Action Plan (REAP) in alignment with the City’s Office of Racial Equity, which outlines our efforts to inspect and dismantle unfair and harmful structural and institutional policies and practices. Our REAP continues to be working document, and we have since revised it and submitted a Progress Report. In order to foster community, belonging, and to provide a safe space for staff with shared identifies, we have several Affinity Groups, which meet regularly.
We have an ardent and unwavering commitment to creating and fostering a workplace that is welcoming, supportive, and anti-racist.