Michigan declares racism public health crisis, will require implicit bias training for state...

[Nevilledog]

Michigan declares racism public health crisis, will require implicit bias training for state employees

https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/michigan/2020/08/05/michigan-gov-whitmer-declares-racism-as-public-health-crisis-will-require-implicit-bias-training-for-state-employees/

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a new order and directive to address racism and to expand training for state employees.

Gov. Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-163, which creates the Black Leadership Advisory Council. The governor also signed Executive Directive 2020-9, recognizing racism as a public health crisis and taking initial steps to address it within state government. Under the Executive Directive, the governor asked MDHHS to make health equity a major goal, as well as required implicit bias training for all state employees.

“Since I was sworn in as governor, I have made it a top priority to include more people of color, more women, and more members of the LGBTQ+ community at the table. We’ve been able to build a more inclusive state government, but there is more work to do. That’s why today, I am proud to create the Black Leadership Advisory Council of Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “We must confront systemic racism head on so we can create a more equitable and just Michigan. This is not about one party or person. I hope we can continue to work towards building a more inclusive and unbiased state that works for everyone.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed, confirmed, and highlighted the deadly nature of pre-existing inequities caused by systemic racism. For example, in cases where race and ethnicity is known, the rate of reported COVID-19 cases for Black/African American Michigan residents is 14,703 per 1,000,000, compared with 4,160 per 1,000,000 for white residents, more than three times higher. And the rate of reported COVID-19 deaths for Black/African American Michigan residents is 1,624 per 1,000,000 compared with 399 per 1,000,000 for White residents, more than four times higher.

*snip*

[Coleman]

1. Training doesn't work

It is a waste of money and time. The hiring process is where the money and time needs to be spent on interviewing to include EEO/HR, background checks (real ones, most racists have never been arrested or had a complaint filed against them), probational periods that includes reviews of their work.

[MichMan]

2. So the people that are already hired should do what?

Be forced to quit and re apply for their jobs?

[Coleman]

3. Yes