Annapolis, MD—In light of rising incidents of hate crimes and displays of general ignorance, insensitivity, and intolerance, the Maryland Democratic Party announced today that it will be adopting a new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative to strengthen the values of inclusion within the party, and make party operatives more effective at serving the diverse communities of Maryland. The Maryland Democratic Party also applauds Anne Arundel County Public Schools for making diversity training a graduation requirement. Following this announcement, Maryland Democratic Party Chair Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings issued the following statement:
“We applaud Anne Arundel County Public Schools for approving the new requirement that students complete a diversity training class before graduation. The prevention of racism, cultural insensitivity, antisemism, islamophobia, homophobia, xenophobia, ableism, misogyny, sexism, and sexual assault starts by teaching our children to respect the dignity and humanity inherent in all people. We believe that this bold step taken by our public schools will become a model for others to follow elsewhere in our state and across the nation.
Political parties also have a role to play in promoting cross-cultural understanding and building community across perceived differences. Our nation has become a pluralistic, multi-cultural society where people of all backgrounds have gained social and political rights and established a legitimate ownership stake. To see this in action, look no further than our own state: nearly half the population of Maryland is made of up ethnicities other than white. As such, the ability to understand, navigate, and respect people of different backgrounds, beliefs and cultures is now a strategic democratic imperative that must be understood and honored by elected officials and public servants of all stripes.
That’s why we are announcing today that the Maryland Democratic Party will be adopting a new initiative to strengthen our party on the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We need our current and future elected officials, campaign operatives, and volunteers to be more effective and efficient in engaging and serving ALL communities of our state.”
The Maryland Democratic Party’s new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative includes the following new directives:
- Making guidance on diversity, equity, and inclusion a mandatory component of all political trainings offered by the Maryland Democratic Party
- Integrating culturally appropriate materials and outreach into our year-round community engagement and mobilization strategy
- Implementing a diversity in hiring and contracting policy as a fundamental aspect of party operations
- Promoting dignity and respect for all human beings as a core value of the state party