After 'damaging' diversity training, Austin won't use company again for similar workshops

A diversity training described by city of Austin employees as “hurtful” and “emotionally and professionally damaging” has prompted the city to prevent an employee assistance company from doing this type of training for staff again.

In August 2019, the Austin Transportation Department required its employees to attend the one-hour diversity and inclusion training. In all, 272 employees – more than three-quarters of the department – sat through the workshop, hosted by a trainer from Deer Oaks Employee Assistance Program.

The point of the training, in emails from department executives reviewed after the training, was to ensure a more inclusive workplace and to teach employees at ATD how to serve a diverse community. Some employees found the training useful. In handwritten evaluations filled out anonymously and obtained by KUT through a public information request, one person wrote, “The presentation was good”; another scribbled “Great job!”

But others said the training, “Diversity in the Workplace: Maintaining an Inclusive Environment,” was horrible.

Read more: https://www.austinmonitor.com/stories/2020/09/after-damaging-diversity-training-city-wont-use-company-again-for-similar-workshops/