Esper thanks Diversity, Inclusion Board for tackling tough subjects

At its first meeting July 15, the Defense Department's Board on Diversity and Inclusion pledged to rid the department of systemic discrimination.

Defense Secretary Dr. Mark T. Esper chartered the board in response to the larger, national conversation on racism and diversity.

Esper said George Floyd's death personally served as a reminder of the racial injustice, bias and prejudice that continues to afflict the United States. "We must continue to do our best to recognize this, to confront it, and to eradicate prejudice and bias and discrimination, because we know we are a reflection of the society that we come from and that we have sworn an oath to protect and defend," he told the board just after signing their charter.

The board will meet every other week and is chaired by Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett.

The board's charter looks to smash systemic racism and discrimination in any form. "Diversity is more than tolerance," Barrett said. "Genuine diversity generates acceptance. This board's mandate is to move forward with alacrity and positively transform the Defense Department for today's service members and for generations to come."

The board seeks to inculcate a culture of inclusivity.

In addition to Barrett, the board includes Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramón "CZ" Colón-López, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Matthew Donovan, as well as officer and enlisted personnel of the services. The SEAC has joined Esper on a number of trips in the United States to begin the conversation in the force on diversity and inclusion.

"We had very good discussions — very tough, very candid discussions," Esper said. "The SEAC and I have learned a number of things. One of the things is we don't have a toolkit, a lexicon by which we discuss issues of race and prejudice and bias. It's very uncomfortable to even begin the discussion." Yet the conversations have begun, and will continue, he said.

"This is very important, very historic, it's a chance for us to make a monumental … and lasting change in … how we deal with one another, how we treat one another, how we address diversity and inclusion, how we deal with race and bias and prejudice," Esper said. "At the end of the day, it's all about building a more cohesive, a more ready and more capable force in defense of our Constitution and our fellow Americans."