Austin Parks and Recreation Department Pauses Controversial Racially Segregated Initiative
The department's director apologizes for the unvetted email announcing the initiative, emphasizing the department's commitment to inclusive professional development.
- Austin's Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) has paused a diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative that segregated non-white and white employees into different groups.
- The initiative, announced in an email on January 25, was intended to create two 'antiracist affinity groups' for a program titled 'Healing from Racial Trauma.'
- The email, which was not vetted, received backlash for appearing to segregate employees based on race, leading to an apology from PARD Director Kimberly McNeely.
- The original intent of the groups was to provide a supportive environment for sharing lived experiences and identifying ways to improve the department's relational culture, according to a city statement.
- The department remains committed to ensuring all employees benefit from collaboration and professional development that is inclusive of all staff.
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