Editor:
Thank you to the Delta Optimist for publishing my comments on the need for increased diversity, inclusion and representation of people of colour in Delta.
I did not realize the Delta School District already had a diversity consultant in Trevana Spilchen, who actually contacted me to be part of a Delta School District Pride video but I did not realize Spilchen filled this position within the district. I am very happy the Delta School District recruited Spilchen into this role.
I feel, however, the City of Delta and Delta police can also hire diversity consultants if they do not already have them or the city, police, and school district can create one diversity department to pool their resources.
Sher Vancouver recently wrote a letter of support to the Delta police supporting Const. Lee Chapman’s idea for a diversity consultant or diversity department within the Delta Police Department.
I would also like to see increased people of colour and minorities in leadership positions at the local level. There really is no excuse for a government that is funded by taxpayers' dollars to not be representative of the population it serves.
In addition, the direct hiring of expert specialized diversity, inclusion and equity staff with a program and budgets I feel is a more effective idea than creating public committees that rarely meet and often do not have the expert knowledge to make decisions on issues presented before them, although I do recognize there is a role and some merit to having public committees.
Lastly, I feel it is critical for Delta to develop a specific concrete “strategic plan” to determine how to support its LGBTQ+ community.
Alex Sangha
