 Knowles Implements Tolerance Commission Findings Administrative Order Strengthens State Commitment to Diversity, Tolerance News Release
"This order implements programs for recruitment and training aimed at increasing minority hire in state employment, responding to and preventing discriminatory behavior in the state workplace, and serving every member of the public with respect," the governor said. "In signing this order, I call on the Legislature to join me in taking swift action in response to the recommendations of the Tolerance Commission, including resolving subsistence, adding a second verse to the Alaska Flag Song to celebrate the contribution of Alaska's Native peoples, and increasing penalties for hate crimes. We must move forward together to build a more tolerant Alaska." Lt. Gov. Fran Ulmer endorsed the administrative order, saying: "Alaska is a diverse state, and our state workforce should reflect that diversity. I believe our record of hiring minorities into state government is a good one, but there remains a perception that some state hiring is not open to all, and that it's difficult to get service at the counter if you're a minority or poor. The governor and I want to end that perception." "It is the continued goal of the executive branch to eliminate discrimination and harassment in the contexts of the state as an employer and service provider," Knowles said. "This order implements actions to assure timely response to discrimination and harassment complaints concerning state personnel or services and prohibits discriminatory behavior in the state workplace. It also assures that all Alaskans have the opportunity to compete fairly for state jobs, and that state personnel serve all Alaskans with respect." To promote these policies, Knowles' order specifies four actions that will be required of all state executive branch agencies: 1. Implement a uniform informal process for discrimination and harassment complaints concerning state personnel. In addition to the existing formal processes for harassment and discrimination complaints, Knowles ordered the Department of Administration to establish an early intervention process for discrimination and harassment complaints, consistent with existing collective bargaining agreements and laws. This informal complaint process is intended to handle complaints quickly and try to resolve issues before requiring formal action. The department shall facilitate training for supervisors and other state managers on how to recognize informal complaints and respond as appropriate. Each agency will assign an internal complaint officer to be responsible for implementing and operating the internal, informal complaint process. 2. Implement standardized orientation for new hires to the state workforce and provide diversity training for all state personnel. The Department of Administration will standardize procedures to ensure that new state personnel are advised of their rights and responsibilities with respect to human rights, equal employment opportunity, and civil rights law, and of their responsibility for contributing to a positive workplace for all state workers. In addition to the currently offered "Respectful Workplace" curriculum, the Department of Administration will embark on a statewide training initiative for all state employees that emphasizes a broad definition of diversity. All state employees currently serving in a supervisory position must complete diversity training within one year, and new employees hired for a supervisory position after the effective date of the administrative order must complete the training within one year after hire. 3. Increase recruitment outreach, improve training for hiring managers, and broaden the high school and college internship programs to ensure the widest diversity of opportunity for all Alaskans. Each state agency shall engage in active recruitment activities, including job fairs, that reach more diverse segments of Alaska's population and cooperative efforts with Alaska Native and other ethnic organizations to provide training on how to apply for state jobs. The division of personnel shall assure that basic training for hiring managers emphasizes the importance of fair treatment for all minorities throughout the state recruitment process. Interview techniques training for managers shall include techniques for interviewing diverse applicants to assure absence of bias. The division of personnel will also develop a statewide high school and college internship program that is open to all Alaska students. 4. Implement customer service training for all state agency employees who deal with the public on a day-to-day basis and an informal public service complaint process within each state agency. Each state agency shall establish an open and publicized complaint process through which the public can make their concerns known to the state agency regarding perceived discrimination in state service delivery. Each state agency shall report to the Governor annually, no later than December 31 of each year, on the number and type of complaints and their response to each. State employees who interact with the public will attend training offered by the Department of Administration stressing the importance of treating all citizens with respect regardless of the citizen's background, origin, or life style. Knowles appointed the 14-member Commission on Tolerance last May in the wake of the paintball attack against Alaska Natives in Anchorage. Comprised of Alaska Native, ethnic, and religious leaders, the commission held hearings in both urban and rural communities and prepared a 35-page report with nearly 100 recommendations for actions that should be taken by state and local governments, the Legislature, and community organizations. It also produced a separate 28-page guide for promoting tolerance and fighting hate that proposes steps Alaskans can take to create a more tolerant Alaska.
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