Response To: Behind The Diversity Curtain

In response to the “Behind the Diversity Curtain” POV Submission, I would like to share my perspective as a POC resident of Piedmont.

As employees of the City of Piedmont, I recognize that you have the ability to explore new job opportunities that better align with your expectations. This leads me to question why the City should be required to hire individuals primarily based on race. While promoting diversity in the workplace is an admirable goal, it is essential that the City prioritizes qualifications and skills during the hiring process, ensuring that all candidates are assessed fairly based on their capabilities rather than their race, gender, or creed. In my personal career, I prefer to work side-by-side with colleagues that were hired based on equal qualifications rather than hired based on other factors.

I understand that the use of terms like “colored” can be painful and outdated. I believe it’s important to consider that some residents may have grown up in an era when such language was more accepted. As that generation of Piedmonters age, this perspective will surely shift over time.

Additionally, the phrase “modern day slavery” is quite a strong term to describe working as a City employee. Comparing employment challenges to the notorious injustices of slavery can detract from understanding the nuances of our current job market. Ultimately, life is filled with challenges, but I believe that city employees have the liberty to pursue alternative employment options if their current roles do not align with their expectations.