City council to study diversity
JANESVILLE — Much has changed in the 38 years Jeanne Carfora has lived in Janesville.
The population has become more diverse—African-American, Hispanic and Asian families have found homes here.
But much has stayed the same, too. Census numbers show the city still is overwhelming white. The city, county and school district struggle to recruit and retain qualified people of color.
To address those issues, the Diversity Action Team of Rock County and the YWCA of Rock County are co-sponsoring a panel discussion, "Diversity in Janesville: Where Do We Go From Here?" at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Academy for International Studies, 29 W. Milwaukee St., Janesville.
The panel will include all the members of the city council, and Janesville's new city manager, Eric Levitt, will be introduced.
"We're interested in what direction the city has in mind for the diversity that's becoming so evident in Janesville," said Carfora, a diversity committee organizer. "One of the things we're concerned about is that a lot of people of color come to Janesville, but they don't stay for long."
Carfora described Janesville as a "wonderful community with a lot to offer."
Why does a diverse community matter?
"We're becoming such a global society," Carfora said. "It's about respect."
Perhaps more importantly, young people need role models.
"To see those people in leadership roles gives young people the encouragement, the inspiration to succeed," Carfora said.
Carfora noted both the Janesville school system and police department have tried to recruit people of color.
Neil Deupree, a member of the diversity action leadership team, said one of his goals is keeping the issue alive.
"I want to keep the issue of diversity on the radar screen of people who are making policy decisions," Deupree said. "It's similar to the newly formed green committee—it wants to keep the environment an issue in city decision-making."
Recruiting and retaining people of color is important in all workplaces but is especially needed in the public sector.
"It's important to keep struggling with the issue because the constituents need to see people who look like them in position of authority, to trust that their point of view will be acknowledged," Deupree said.
IF YOU GO
What: Panel discussion hosted by the Diversity Action Team and the YWCA of Rock County. Janesville City Council members will address the topic: "Diversity in Janesville: Where Do We Go from Here?"
When: Social time, 6:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday; program, 7 to 8 p.m.
Where: Academy for International Studies, 29 W. Milwaukee St., Janesville.
Cost: The event is free and open to the public.
Jan 6, 2009 at 11:44 a.m.
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Sometimes it's just what I said before. Not always the best person for the job. Sometimes it's just giving a minority (or even someone who is white) the job just so they can reach a diversity quota. Then when the person can't do the job everyone wonders why. I say if you are whatever race if you are best for that job you should get it! We shouldn't have to worry about how many african americans, mexican, homosexual, whatever to hire! Just give the job to the one who desrves it.
Jan 6, 2009 at 11:33 a.m.
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Explain to me what is wrong with not being diverse or matching the national statistics? What does it hurt?
Jan 6, 2009 at 11:13 a.m.
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Like I said the best person for the job should get it!! You are making it sound like we should just give these jobs to anyone as long as we are diverse! If janesville is at a disadvantage maybe it's because we worry more about diversity than giving the right person the job. I know that is not a pc opinion, but I still stick by it. I'm not trying to sound hardnosed or racist at all, I just think we should give the right job to the right person!
Jan 6, 2009 at 10:40 a.m.
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As more and more businesses of all sizes compete in the global marketplace, organizations must demonstrate their commitment to diversity in strategic planning. Communities are reflective of this trend as well.
Recruiting and retention is necessary for developing innovations and to find new business markets and opportunities in the United States and abroad. With the number of minorities projected to enter the workforce in the next five years, companies and communities will need to appeal to a diverse work group.
Currently, Janesville does not appeal to a diverse work force-this is a fact and as a result, Janesville is at a competitive disadvantage, relative to other communities. The need for diversity is not about racial quotas. Its about creating a competitive environment for everyone-which will benefit the community at large.
Jan 6, 2009 at 9:15 a.m.
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Whatever happened to the best qualified gets the job?? I say no matter what race you are if you are the best for the job, you should get it! Why do we always have to worry about race, we are all people and should be ok with the best person for the job.
Jan 6, 2009 at 8:25 a.m.
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It's Thursday. The day was included in the story but not the information at the bottom. I've added it.
Thanks.
Scott W. Angus
Editor
Jan 6, 2009 at 5:55 a.m.
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So, did I miss the day/date of this meeting?
Jan 6, 2009 at 1:39 a.m.
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If I'm not mistaken Diversity is an old wooden ship used during the Civil War...(for all you Anchorman fans out there)
Jan 5, 2009 at 11:37 p.m.
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Why are some people so concerned about having the population of Janesville match the statistical diversity of the US population in general? Is there any city in this country that meets that criteria? Is it not natural for people to feel more comfortable surrounded by others of a similar ethnic background? Doesn't this philosophy discourage diversity and replace it with homogeneity?
Jan 5, 2009 at 7:44 p.m.
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The title of the panel discussion should be "A lack of ethnic diversity in Janesville, where do we go from here?"
The 2000 census data demonstrates that 95.27% of Janesville residents are white. Perhaps, in 2010 the next census will demonstrate a slight decrease in population.
In fact, for Janesville to be ethnically representative of the US population in general, there would need to be a 11x increase in African Americans, a 7x increase in hispanic americans and a 3x increase in Asian Americans. Nationally, census data shows that 13.5% of the population is african american, 15% hispanic, and 4% asian.
With all do respect to Mrs. Cafora, Janesville is a "wonderful community with a lot to offer" but ethnic diversity is not one of them.
I appluade the efforts of Santo and Jeanne Carfora in their attempt to bring ethnic and racial diversity to Janesville. The question is-is it the role of city government to hire the most qualified person irrespective of race? Or is race the primary determinant factor in hiring someone? (Seems to me that nepotism, rather than race has played a bigger part in the hiring of city employees)Janesville has a poor reputation for hiring minorities and people of color. This is a fact. Hopefully this discussion is robust and engenders positive dialogue.
http://janesville.areaconnect.com/statis...
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