Inability of government agencies to meet all community needs. Diverse workforces have proven to be effective and valued by our society. Police departments have proved the efficacy of women officers dealing with domestic violence situations, and the effectiveness of minority officers serving their ethnic communities. This diversification was resisted by agencies and was made possible by affirmative action programs and court challenges of discriminatory practices. In the absence of affirmative action programs, workforces will become less diverse, diminishing the extent to which government agencies can effectively meet all community needs.
Recommendations Improve public understanding of continuing equal employment opportunity obligations.
The State of California should develop an education program aimed at EEO officers, government officials, and the general public about the continuing obligations under federal and state anti-discrimination laws, not to discriminate. This should be undertaken with input from community based organizations, and must convey ongoing federal EEO responsibilities. Expand outreach and recruitment programs to increase the representation of minorities and women in public sector employment. Government agencies should continue to develop and implement effective affirmative action and equal employment opportunity policies that are permissible under Proposition 209. Local and state agencies should expand outreach efforts and other such programs to increase minority and women representation in civil service professions where they have been traditionally under-represented.