News Flash

On Tuesday, September 28, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 265 (EO 265), which establishes the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging to be led by newly appointed Jayne Johnson. The Office will be responsible for developing and overseeing a statewide equity capacity-building infrastructure for all State agencies, personnel, and recipients of State funds. It provides direction and guidance to diversity officers and offices within the Executive Branch of State government, and, to the extent practicable, to diversity officers and offices of nongovernmental entities receiving State funds.
 
 A high-level accountability structure is developed to support the work toward improving diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the State. Assessments of such policies will be conducted, monitoring their progress and supporting the development of new policies. It oversees the placement of anti-discrimination statements and goals in public policy or guidance documents issued by State agencies. A strategic plan will be established for measurable outcomes in implementation and growth in these areas, and, to the extent necessary, convene stakeholders such as State partners, personnel, contractors, and subject matter experts toward developing recommendations for the formation of policies that support diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in non-governmental entities. Guidelines will be issued to effectuate the above.
 
In announcing Jayne Johnson’s appointment, Governor Murphy noted that the office “aims to dismantle inequity within State government based on race, ethnicity, and other protected characteristics and to expand opportunities for communities of color and other underserved New Jerseyans. The office will also be committed to fostering greater inclusion and understanding of issues of diversity, equity, and belonging.”
 
Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.