Diversity

"In the future Greater Syracuse will be what we have always tried to be, a community of neighbors respecting and caring for one another, where diversity is valued, children thrive, the vulnerable are supported, and learning lasts a lifetime…We will continue to be a place full of art, theater, music, stimulation for the mind, and an abundance of ways to enjoy nature in every season."

Current State of the Issue

The current connotation of diversity in our society is the recognition and tolerance of different races, ethnic origins, cultures, sexual orientations, religions, physical and social limitations and economic status. Diversity has been emerging, although some would say it has already arrived as a social and political value. But it is much more than just a social or political value. It is also a recognition of our strengths as a community, and can be expanded to include educational/academic diversity, professional and vocational diversity and even political diversity. 

Whether as a value, an emerging value, or an expanding value, the extent of its existence in a given population is defined, in large measure, by that population’s behaviors. We would, therefore, say that a population has respect for diversity if it does not engage in racial discrimination; ethnic, cultural, religious or sexual degradation and exclusion; gay bashing; ridicule of those with physical and mental challenges; the denial of economic opportunity within otherwise fair markets; or the exclusion of involvement due to occupational or political background.

In reality, what is in people’s hearts is often expressed through their behavior. The preeminent question then becomes how can public policy and public official behavior positively influence through example, edification, and support, what is in people’s hearts?

Problem Identification

Syracuse is a community made up of a series of smaller communities. Many of those smaller communities are ethnically and culturally distinct. In order to weave a strong fabric of community life, the Mayor must encourage the celebration of our cultural and physical differences. The Lewis administration will dedicate many of the City’s resources to celebrating its diversity for the benefit of all City residents. 

To help understand the breadth of diversity, one can look at the racial/ethnic distribution of the Syracuse population. (Note: due to rounding, total may not add to 100%.)

Similar diversity is seen in the breakdown of religious affiliations, broader ethnic origins, income and occupation on a citywide basis.

Objectives

1. Create a climate where differences among people are supported. Established affirmative action policies must be fully enforced.
2. Leverage the resources of the City to help groups celebrate those differences in ways that bring enjoyment and educational opportunity to as many neighborhoods as possible.
3. Direct that the City Parks and Recreation Department, as well as all City departments, support celebrations of diversity whenever possible.
4. Be a model for the business and public communities concerning a diverse workforce. Job-sharing, flextime, and other supportive services that assist employee lifestyles will be incorporated in a coordinated effort of recruitment and retention of a diverse population of city employees. A government that reflects the make-up of the general population is a government that is in touch with the pulse of the people.

Methods for Achievement

As a core responsibility, I will assure all citizens that the affirmative action and anti-discrimination policies of the City are being fully implemented.

Ethnic/Cultural Diversity

1. Beyond policy compliance, the Lewis Administration will look to other City departments for support in promoting and celebrating the wide range of ethnic and cultural diversity that exists in the City. For example, I will add to the portfolio of the Parks and Recreation Department the responsibility to be a promoter of diverse cultural celebrations and educational programs that are developed and sponsored by ethnic, cultural, physically or mentally challenged groups.
2. City Hall will be used as a vehicle and a venue for such events. Promotion of events like the former "Festival of Nations" will be championed by the administration as both a citywide celebration and an attraction for visitors from inside and outside the region. The squares and streets surrounding City Hall will host more citywide celebrations.
3. The City’s Internet web page will be directed to include links to culturally and ethnically educational sites. This would provide a new resource to the community and be a useful marketing tool for showcasing the City.
4. There are 26 distinctly defined neighborhoods, and there could be 26 festivals throughout any given calendar year where now there are but a few. The Westcott Street Cultural Fair is an excellent example of diversity being celebrated. Such festivals include diverse food choices, cultural displays of music and dance, the display of art and other artifacts and the opportunity for discourse and communication for all attending.
5. I will strongly and cooperatively encourage and persuade the County Executive to follow in the City’s footsteps on these program initiatives.

Economic Diversity

1. The Lewis Administration will be committed to developing and expanding the economic opportunities within the City to those at the lower end of the economic spectrum. There is no reason why the City could not create an expanded career ladder in all of its departments. Effective programs like Career Path and Life Links must be promoted and supported for interested residents. This approach is not only a way to extend the effectiveness of City services, but it also promotes an "economic development" program for individuals.
2. The City will be more aggressive in partnering with business, non-profit agencies, and other government entities to provide annual career festivals and job-search days.
3. There must be recognition of, a working with, and a strong support for those labor groups that are an integral factor in the economic well being of thousands of city residents.

Lifestyle Diversity

1. In recognizing the diversity of religious affiliation, sexual orientation and physical and social limitations, leadership by inclusion and action will set an example for the community.
2. There should be expanded interaction with, and support of the Interreligious Council and the Ministerial Alliance for the programming, forums, and activities they provide to the community in dealing with questions of youth violence, domestic abuse and education.
3. City Hall will provide leadership in helping groups celebrate their most sacred and important times of the year – be it the Christmas tree lighting in Clinton Square, a Menorah lighting in Hanover Square, Kwanzaa celebrations or any of the multitudes of other events within our city that show respect for our diversity.
4. Bringing Jazz Fest back to Downtown will be a goal of my Administration to support diversity at the heart of the community.

Above all, the Lewis Administration will begin a policy and practice of inclusion and a movement away from stereotypes. The City’s youth violence and drug problems are not racial and socio-economic problems as they transcend any specific categorization. Profiling of any manner will not be tolerated. Most importantly, citizen inclusion in forums, in neighborhood groups, on the Citizens Review Board, and on any of a number of task-specific boards that the administration will assemble, will be encouraged, celebrated and promoted.

Expected Outcome

With the kind of participation that would be expected from an administration that chooses to establish and implement these policies, the resultant events, with the coming together of more citizens, will create a more informed and tolerant population throughout the City. The net result will be the general improvement in the quality of life for all residents. After all, beyond our differences, we all are Syracusans.