Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Santee Core Community Values
We community members who visit, live, work, and play in Santee, share the mutual belief that valuing every individual makes our community healthier, stronger, safer, and thrive. The core values identified here are grounded in Santee’s Resolution 066-2020, which underscores why they are important:
“The city joins cities, counties and states across the country in affirming its commitment to the safety and well-being of all community members, including the Black community, and all peoples of color, faiths or other groups, and in combating hate crimes targeting Black individuals or other protected classes.”
As community members, we have identified the following values as foundational to the practice of valuing every individual:
Lying at the heart of these values is the authentic practice of the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. For the purpose of developing this Core Values Statement, we embrace the following definitions for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Authenticity:
Diversity: Acknowledging that individuals have different and varied identities including national origin, skin color, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, individuals with disabilities, etc.
Equity: Providing fair and just treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some community members
Inclusion: The practice of welcoming and integrating diverse people and groups, especially those who have been historically or traditionally excluded or marginalized
Authenticity: Honestly representing one’s true nature or beliefs; acknowledging the uncomfortable; and taking responsibility for one’s mistakes
In order to fully embody these values in the fabric of our community, we affirm that we each bear the responsibility for their authentic practice in our actions and words. We also recognize that these values represent Santee’s emerging journey of identity and, as such, are aspirational and ongoing. We believe that advancing them creates a healthier community and benefits all who visit, live, work, and play in Santee.