Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison announced an ordinance to establish a Committee on Addressing Bias, Equity, and Cultural Competency. The proposed ordinance was introduced at the Cook County Board of Commissioners meeting on Jan. 24.
Morrison is the first openly gay Cook County commissioner.
The proposed ordinanceco-sponsored by Morrison as well as commissioners Alma Anaya, Dennis Deer and Stanley Moorewould name the four sponsors as co-chairs of the committee. The Committee on Addressing Bias, Equity, and Cultural Competency would be composed of representatives in departments from across Cook County Government and external stakeholders with expertise in this topic.
Upon adoption of this proposed ordinance, the committee will meet twice a month for up to six months and will deliver a final report and recommendations to the president of the board and the Cook County Board of Commissioners.
If adopted, Cook County would join a growing list of governments addressing implicit bias and cultural competency, including the United States government and Los Angeles County. Cook County intends to collaborate with representatives from other government bodies who have successfully implemented these changes.