Office of Equity and Racial Justice

The Office of Equity and Racial Justice (OERJ) was established in 2020 to strengthen the County of San Diego's commitment to racial equity, with the intent that race no longer be a determining factor in a person's life outcomes. This approach supports groups across ethnicity, gender, age, ability, and other identities to live and participate in our society to their full potential.

Mission Statement:

  • The County of San Diego's Office of Equity and Racial Justice partners with the community to co-create transformative, enduring, structural and systemic change in San Diego County government.
  • We bridge San Diego County departments and community voices to design bold policies and practices to advance equity.
  • We champion belonging for all and advocate for people suffering from structural and systemic racism and exclusion.
     

Contact Us

County Administration Center
1600 Pacific Highway, Room 251
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 531-5505
E-Mail: OERJ@sdcounty.ca.gov
More Information: www.linktr.ee/oerj

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Working definitions:

belonging: having the right and opportunity to contribute a meaningful voice and participate in the design of social and cultural structures. It is the communal and dynamic process of constantly revisiting and identifying the elements of our common good to produce social cohesion

equity: fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all, while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. The principle of equity acknowledges that there are underserved and under-represented populations, and equity means increasing diversity by improving conditions of disadvantaged groups. Equity acknowledges and considers differences, disparities, and disproportionality to ensure a fair process and outcome.

racial justice:
the systematic fair treatment of people of all races, resulting in equitable opportunities and outcomes for all. Racial justice—or racial equity—goes beyond “anti-racism.” It is not just the absence of discrimination and inequities, but also the presence of deliberate systems and supports to achieve and sustain racial equity through proactive and preventative measures.

A fuller glossary of terms is in development as a tool for County departments and the greater community. For a useful list of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) terms, visit: DEI: Key Terms and Definitions (National Assocation of Counties)

 

County Equity Initiatives:

Leon L. Williams San Diego County Human Relations Commission

San Diego County Government's Diversity & Inclusion Page

Socially Equitable Cannabis Program

Justice in the 4/20 Industry - Cannabis Social Equity Assessment

 

Local Resources & Information:

City of San Diego Human Relations Commission (619)236-6420

Fair Housing Council of San Diego (619)699-5888

State of California Department of Justice-Hate Crime Statistics

Hate Crimes - San Diego County District Attorney (sdcda.org)

 

National Organizations:

Anti-Defamation League

Teaching Tolerance

Not in Our Town

Simon Wiesenthal Museum of Tolerance

The Southern Poverty Law Center