Applying the Equity Lens Without a Cultural Tax

The United States is a culturally diverse nation but has a history of exploitation, racism, and discrimination, particularly in the criminal justice, healthcare, and education systems. In the summer of 2020, calls for social justice and equity arose, leading to the development of equity lenses in many cities to approach diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. This project focuses on the equity lens in Lane County, Oregon, and provides an analysis based on informational interviews with county officials. The research aims to answer how an equity lens can be applied without creating a cultural tax on BIPOC communities, defined as a burden placed on people of color to educate about racism and discriminatory practices. Key findings from the research include the need for ongoing equity training for managers and employees, equity implementation on a managerial level, the collaboration between offices and departments, avoiding tokenized positions for employees of color, and consistent review of plans to establish best practices.Lane Count