Executive orders and directives related to workforce diversity, equity and inclusion
Washington State has a number of executive orders and directives from Governor Inslee to enhance the recruitment, retention and safety of our state’s workforce.
Veterans
Executive Order 19-01: Veteran and Military Family Transition and Readiness Support [PDF] - issued 2019
What it means for state agencies
Executive cabinet agencies shall:
- develop annual veteran employment plans to increase the representation of veterans in their workforce, and report on their progress to OFM. Plans should include utilization of veteran job seeker support services available through ESD, and creation of bridge employment opportunities such as temporary, seasonal, internship, and job shadow assignments.
- provide volunteers to and support the approved initiatives of the Veterans Employee Resource Group.
- participate in and provide leadership to the Washington State Military Transition Council.
- set a target of awarding at least 5% of all procurement contracts to certified veteran-owned businesses.
More information
Persons with disabilities in state government
Executive Order 13-02: Improving Employment Opportunities and Outcomes for People with Disabilities in State Government [PDF] - issued 2013
What it means for state agencies
- OFM is to establish goals of state government employing persons living with a disability at the same rate as the available workforce.
- Executive cabinet agencies shall:
- develop an annual employment plan to address underrepresentation of people with disabilities, and report progress.
- designate a disability employment coordinator to oversee the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of effective strategies to attract, engage, and advance people with disabilities.
- utilize and participate in the state’s supported employment program.
More information
Persons with disabilities in state government
LGBTQ inclusion and safe places
Directive of the Governor 16-11: LGBTQ Inclusion and Safe Place Initiative [PDF] - issued June 2016
What it means for state agencies
The initiative promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace for state workers to ensure that Washingtonians in the LGBTQ community can look to public-facing state offices for safe and secure spaces.
More information
Inslee issues state directive for LGBTQ Inclusion and Safe Places Initiative
Tolerance, diversity and inclusiveness for immigrants
Executive Order 17-01: Reaffirming Washington’s Commitment to Tolerance, Diversity, and Inclusiveness - issued Feb. 2017
What it means for state agencies
State agencies cannot deny services on the basis of citizenship or legal status, and will not collect information beyond what is necessary to perform agency duties and will not use agency resources to assist with creation of a registry based on religion or apprehension of persons for civil immigration infractions.
Washington State Business Resource Groups
Executive Order 21-01 Affirming Washington State Business Resource Groups
What it means for state agencies
Reaffirm support to current and future BRGs and recognize the need for greater representation of employee experience from Washington’s diverse communities at all levels of state government.
More information
Inslee signs executive order protecting rights, services for Washingtonian immigrants
