Hill Diversity

Essence

Joint Center Quote on the Disbandment of the U.S. House Office of Diversity and Inclusion Mentioned in Essence

Joint Center Senior Researcher Dr. LaShonda Brenson’s quote on the disbandment of the U.S. House Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) was mentioned in Essence.

From the article: “The decision to dissolve the office has been criticized by organizations such as the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, which views it as a setback for diversity and inclusivity efforts in congressional offices. ‘This decision jeopardizes the establishment of policies to support diverse communities and threatens the pursuit of inclusivity for all Americans. The dissolution of the ODI is not just a bureaucratic decision but a stark symbol of a regressive agenda undermining our call for more diversity and inclusiveness in congressional offices,’ according to senior researcher, Dr. LaShonda Brenson, who leads the Joint Center’s Hill Diversity work. ‘We commend Dr. Sesha Joi Moon, ODI director, for her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within U.S. House offices. We also extend our gratitude to Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) for her role in establishing the ODI. By shuttering the ODI, which the Joint Center was instrumental in advocating for its creation, we are not just losing an office; we are losing ground in our collective pursuit of a truly representative democracy,’ Brenson said.”

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