Issues | Diversity & Inclusion Commission

Diversity and Inclusion Commission

The last few years our community has struggled through conversations around race, diversity, and equity. The Lee’s Summit School District in particular often made headlines and was portrayed in the media as unwilling and afraid to have conversations about diversity and more. The conversations echoed throughout our city, not just the schools, and our citizens and stakeholders needed an avenue for having healthy discussions.

I brought forth to the City Council a proposal for a Diversity and Inclusion Commission to help create a blue print for how our community can have these healthy discussions and strive to be the most inclusive community possible. After many meetings, we passed one of the few Diversity and Inclusion Commissions in the state of Missouri this past year. The commission adopted an inspirational mission statement that is reflective of who we are and who we will continue to be as a community and it reads as follows:

“Lee’s Summit embraces the differences in our community. We value each individual’s culture, background, and identity; and strive to promote mutual respect and understanding. We are committed to eliminating barriers, improving access to resources and creating growth opportunities for all.” 

This is an 18 month commission and I hope you will follow its progress as it helps our community facilitate and sustain a culture of inclusion.