1. Diversity

2. OBJECTIVES

3. The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual. Definition of Diversity: Human Relations Commission

4. “Valuing diversity means appreciating and encouraging people to be who they really are, helping them develop their full potential, and utilizing their special talents, skills, ideas and creativity.” - Ken Blanchard Valuing Diversity

6. AGE The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) only forbids age discrimination against people who are age 40 or older. It does not protect workers under the age of 40, although some states do have laws that protect younger workers from age discrimination. Who are the “Protected Classes”? EEOC

7. DISIBILITY The Americans With Disabilities Act makes it unlawful for employers with 15 or more employees to discriminate against qualified employees on the basis of a disability. Reasonable accommodation must be provided unless it would pose an undue hardship to an employer. Who are the “Protected Classes”? Human Relations Commission

8. EQUAL PAY/COMPENSATION The Equal Pay Act requires that men and women in the same workplace be given equal pay for equal work. The jobs need not be identical, but they must be substantially equal. Who are the “Protected Classes”? Human Relations Commission

9. NATIONAL ORIGIN National origin discrimination involves treating people (applicants or employees) unfavorably because they are from a particular country or part of the world, because of ethnicity or accent, or because they appear to be of a certain ethnic background (even if they are not). Who are the “Protected Classes”? Human Relations Commission

10. RACE/COLOR DISCRIMINATION Race discrimination involves treating someone (an applicant or employee) unfavorably because he/she is of a certain race or because of personal characteristics associated with race (such as hair texture, skin color, or certain facial features). Color discrimination involves treating someone unfavorably because of skin color complexion. Who are the “Protected Classes”? Human Relations Commission

11. PREGNANCY The law forbids discrimination when it comes to any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, fringe benefits, such as leave and health insurance, and any other term or condition of employment. Who are the “Protected Classes”? Human Relations Commission

12. RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION Religious discrimination involves treating a person (an applicant or employee) unfavorably because of his or her religious beliefs. The law protects not only people who belong to traditional, organized religions, such as Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism, but also others who have sincerely held religious, ethical or moral beliefs. Who are the “Protected Classes”? Human Relations Commission

13. SEX Sex discrimination involves treating someone (an applicant or employee) unfavorably because of that person’s sex. Who are the “Protected Classes”? Human Relations Commission

14. GENDER IDENTITY Gender identity discrimination involves treating someone (an applicant or employee) unfavorably because of that person’s gender identity. (California State law) Who are the “Protected Classes”? Human Relations Commission

15. SEXUAL ORIENTATION Sexual orientation discrimination involves treating someone (an applicant or employee) unfavorably because of that person’s sexual preference. (California State law) Who are the “Protected Classes”? Human Relations Commission

16. Human Relations Commission

17. What is culture? Human Relations Commission

18. What is construction culture? Human Relations Commission

19. LA County has a population of over 9.9 million. This makes it’s population larger than 42 states. Approximately 33% of the residents in California live in Los Angeles County. This population includes: 1,000,000 residents of African American ancestry Largest urban American Indian population in U.S. 3,000,000 residents of European ancestry Did you know… Human Relations Commission

20. Largest population of persons of Filipino descent outside of Philipines Largest population of persons of Mexican descent outside of Mexico Largest population of Korean descent outside Korea Largest Iranian population in U.S. Largest population of persons of Armenian descent outside Armenia Largest pop. of Samoan descent in the world Largest Japanese descent in the U.S. Did you know… Human Relations Commission

21. Population Projections: LA

22. What percent of the students in our schools speak a language other than English at home? In the United States – 13% In California – 28% In Los Angeles County – 53% What percent of the population was born in a different country? Los Angeles – 40% The World – 2% Source: US Census Bureau; LA County Human Relations Commission Do you know…

23. Communication is verbal and non-verbal - 30% is verbal (words, tone, pace, volume) - 70% is non-verbal (body language, facial expressions) Mis-communication Same behavior (non-verbal) means different things in different cultures. Same words (verbal) may mean different things in different cultures. Human Relations Commission Managing Cross-Cultural Communication

24. As our world becomes “smaller”, the risk of offending and being offended becomes greater. Definition of behavior: The actions or reactions of a person or animal in response to external or internal stimuli. What does that behavior mean?

25. As you are talking to someone, what does it mean if that person won’t look you in the eye? What does it mean when someone is smiling and nodding to you as you are talking? What does that behavior mean?

26. What does it mean when two people of the same sex are walking down the street holding hands? What does that behavior mean?

27. R = take RESPONSIBILITY for what you say and feel without blaming others E = use EMPATHETIC listening S = be SENSITIVE to differences in communication styles P = PONDER what you hear and feel before you speak E = EXAMINE your own assumptions and perceptions C = keep CONFIDENTIALITY T = TRUST the other to speak and listen with integrity Reverend Eric Law RESPECT

28. Human Relations Commission Dealing with Differences

29. Human Relations Commission Dealing with Differences

30. Human Relations Commission Reverse Discrimination

31. Several students in your class are from the same ethnic group. They often speak to each other in their native language. Some of your English speaking students have complained that they don’t think the others should be speaking their native language in the classroom. When they walk in a room, the non-native speakers start whispering or laughing. They are sure that the people from the same ethnic group are talking about them. In fact, you have observed this behavior. OAAC Vignette #1

33. Think of a recent feedback situation where you gave feedback to an employee or co-worker from a different background. 1. I built a relationship first. 2. I was positive, telling what I wanted, not what I didn’t want. 3. I gave feedback in a low key and private way 4. I assured the individual of my respect for her/him. 5. I made observations about behaviors and conditions, not judgments about the person. OAAC Intercultural Feedback Checklist

34. Several workers at your construction site approach you to make you aware of a safety issue. There is a union carpenter on the jobsite, who happens to be completely deaf. There is a tower crane that picks material daily, as well as numerous other obstacles on the job site. This deaf person is making them nervous and fearful for their safety, how do you respond? Vignette #2

35. What group do you think is most discriminated against? Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends. Maya Angelou Human Relations Commission In closing…

36. Questions?