Diversity training on horizon

All staff members with the Terrebonne Economic Development Authority and at least one appointed leader will receive diversity training as approved by the Board of Commissioners last Tuesday.

Board Chairman Don Hingle told the Tri-Parish Times that while the decision was not directly related to an EEOC claim filed against TEDA by business liaison Sheila Bella, it was influential in prompting this action.

“The EEOC claim brought it to the forefront,” Hingle said. “It’s just good business. Anywhere I ever worked had it.”

Both TEDA officers and Bella have entered an agreement not to discuss the case or reveal if any settlement or resolution had been established. The Board of Commissioners did, in executive session, agree to follow the advice of their legal counsel, but would not disclose what that directive was.

Hingle said that his was volunteering to undergo the training and suggested that because of in-office issues that came to a head in December 2010 a human resource committee comprised of other board members might be established. “Anyone on that committee would have to go through the training, too,” Hingle said.

TEDA will receive diversity training from the Baton Rouge-based law firm of Adams & Reese. This is the same firm that is representing them in the EEOC case. Messages left with Adams & Reese requesting information of what is involved in diversity training and the benefits it has to business and public organizations were not returned as of press time.

There are definite advantages to offering and completing diversity training in the contemporary workplace, according to diversitybuilder.com.

“Companies that incorporate a consistent diversity training program and advocate diversity in the workplace experience valuable benefits such as higher employee retention rates, improved employee performance and morale, reduced harassment incidences, charges and discrimination lawsuits, [and] improved workplace staffing,” the business website states.

Experts in this field have explained that diversity training starts with identifying the characteristics that define a given group, such as culture, disability, gender, age and social classes. Individuals undergoing such training are also involved in exercises that often reveal their assumptions and prejudices. Training can lead to enhanced recognition of different styles of performing a job and improve conflict resolution.

During its meeting, the TEDA board also approved a budget for 2011, gave a stamp of approval on the design of an annual report, and discussed improving their relationship with the media and public at-large.