 April 22, 2002
"If everyone hearing this challenge responded to it, within a month or two we would see hundreds of these resolutions adopted across Alaska," Knowles said. "Thousands of people would then learn that an Alaska free of discrimination and hatred can be reached by celebrating diversity." Knowles recently signed an Administrative Order directing all state agencies to expand recruitment efforts to reach Alaska's diverse population and to require diversity training of all state employees, particularly supervisors and those who regularly deal with the public. "The initiatives contained in Administrative Order 195 are aimed at making Alaska state government a reflection of Alaska - a land of great diversity and tolerance," Knowles said when issuing the order. "I challenge our private industry, our municipalities, school districts, communities and neighborhoods to do the same." The model resolution language states that Alaska is one of the most ethnically diverse states in the nation, and that Alaskans cherish our freedoms and civil rights and recognize the contributions of a diverse population as an enhancement to our quality of life. It resolves to celebrate our diverse population and to take appropriate actions in hiring practices and policies to demonstrate a commitment to diversity and respect for all peoples. To assist in this effort, the Governor has provided model resolution language on the Governor's web site that any group can customize and adopt as policy. Related Documents:
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