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
Find us on Facebook and Instagram.
Join our mailing list!
Get updates about our activities,
opportunities to get involved, and community events.
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:
Popular Services