Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Hillsborough is committed to making equity and inclusion a reality in the town's policies and procedures, as well as throughout the community. The town works toward this goal through employee training; collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions; and its diversity, equity, and inclusion core team. The town is a member of the Government Alliance on Race and Equity, a national network of governments that works to achieve racial equity and advance opportunities for all.
What is diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)?
- Diversity — The differences that make us human, including: race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, language, (dis)ability, age, religious commitment, or political perspective.
- Equity — Promoting justice, impartiality and fairness within institutions and systems.
- Inclusion — An outcome to ensure those who are diverse are welcomed and have opportunity.
What is racial equity?
- Racial equity — Eliminates racial disparities and improves outcomes for everyone. For government, it is the intentional and continual practice of changing policies, practices, systems, and structures by prioritizing measurable change in the lives of people of color.
For more information about racial equity and DEI, visit: raceforward.org/about/what-is-racial-equity-key-concepts
The Hillsborough Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Core Team strives to illuminate disparities, build trust, and lead actions to remove barriers and promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the town’s workforce, policies and community. It is led by the town's administrative services director and human resources manager. The team meets monthly to:
- Develop goals for improving diversity, equity and inclusion in Hillsborough.
- Define and implement a racial equity action plan.
- Advise, participate in, and facilitate diversity, equity and inclusion trainings.
- Plan and lead community engagement regarding diversity, equity and inclusion.
- Gather baseline data.
For questions or to report concerns, contact the core team's staff support by email.
In 2020, Hillsborough worked with Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Orange County to develop the One Orange Countywide Racial Equity Framework: Catalyst for Moving Forward. The framework provides tools to highlight potential disparities when creating or evaluating policies, practices, services, and initiatives. It serves as a basis for creating racial equity plans specific to each jurisdiction. GARE methodology and principles were used to create the framework, which was approved by the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners in January 2022.
One Orange Countywide Racial Equity Framework — Catalyst for Moving Forward
A racial equity dashboard for Orange County will be used by the county’s four jurisdictions in their work to move the community toward increased equity under the One Orange County Racial Equity Framework.
For more information on the town's Americans with Disabilities Act Policy, see the policy page on this website.
Contact Safety and Risk Manager David Moore by email or at 919-296-9447 to:
- Request an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication.
- Request a modification of policies or procedures.
- File a complaint regarding the town's compliance to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Requests should be made as soon as possible, preferably 15 days before the activity or event. Moore serves as the town's policy coordinator for the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. Below are documents outlining the town's policy and grievance procedure related to Title VI.
