This section provides essential information about anti-discrimination laws, regulations and policies that all agencies must follow in the planning and execution of emergency management programs and services.
Relevant Laws and Statutes
Federal Civil Rights Act (1964)
“No
person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color or national origin, be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
The primary purpose of the ADA Amendments Act is to make it easier for people with disabilities to obtain protection under the ADA.
Under Federal civil rights laws and the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Act (Stafford Act), FEMA, State, local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) partners, and non-governmental relief and disaster assistance organizations engaged in the “distribution of supplies, the processing of applications, and other relief and assistance activities shall [accomplish these activities] in an equitable and impartial manner, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, [national origin], sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status.” Civil rights laws and legal authorities remain in effect, and cannot be waived, during emergencies.
From: FEMA – Civil Rights-External, Section 508.
Stipulates that no otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States, as defined in section
705 (20) of this title, shall, solely by reason of his or her disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be
subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance or under any program or activity conducted by any Executive agency or by the United States Postal Service.
Responsibilities under Section 504 and Section 508 can overlap. Both statutes impose different, but somewhat related, obligations on HHS OPDIVs/STAFFDIVs that are intended to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination based on their disabilities. Agencies must comply with both provisions when they distribute information.
This statute outlines when bilingual services are required and when to use qualified bilingual staff.
This statute outlines when reasonable accommodations must be made available for people with disabilities.
Oregon laws protect people from discrimination at work, in housing and at places that do business with the public.
Affirmative Action Plan
OEM supports the Oregon Military Department Affirmative Action (AA) Plan by reaching out to the broadest, most diverse possible labor market when recruiting for positions. The agency enforces a zero-tolerance policy against any form of discrimination or harassment while holding all managers and employees accountable for creating and promoting a work environment that is welcoming and free from hostility or unwelcome behavior. We maintain a copy of the agency’s Affirmative Action Plan on our website to make it available for managers and employees to view. Managers and supervisors are encouraged to effectively promote diversity and a welcoming environment for all.
OEM Language Access and Alternate Format Policy
Each OEM division and its departments or subdivisions shall take reasonable steps to provide persons with disabilities, non-English speakers or individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) with free, accurate, timely and effective communication (i.e., meaningful access) to services, programs and activities. The agency has approved the Language Access and Alternate Formats Policy.
Equity Lens Tools
Multnomah County has developed this tool that can be easily adapted to any county. Using the Equity Lens significantly increases the capacity of your agency to identify and eliminate the root causes of racial and ethnic inequities that may hinder the provision of services before, during and after a disaster.
The State of Oregon Equity Framework in COVID-19 Response and Recovery is the culmination of the expertise and insight of many individuals, including Governor Kate Brown, her staff, state agency directors, deputy directors, state equity leaders and community partners to advance equity in state government.
Additional Policy Resources
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Health Equity in Action
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/health-equity/he-in-action.html
Language Access Policy Guidance
Guidance to federal assistance recipients regarding Title VI prohibition against national origin discrimination affecting limited English proficient persons.
LEP Policy Guidance for HHS Recipients
Data and Language Map
This mapping tool helps emergency managers to find out the concentration of languages spoken by LEP individuals in a community.
https://www.lep.gov/maps
DEI Glossary
There are a number of different definitions that are currently in use for key terms we have those available in the link below
DEI Glossary
DEI Action Plan
Below you will find information on the DEI Action plan and roadmap.
DEI Action Plan
DEI Action Plan Roadmap