Dr. Diedre Houchen, Alachua County’s equity and community outreach manager, announced Friday her resignation to the Board of County Commissioners.
Houchen has served in the role since early 2021 and guided the county’s equity plan approved later that year. The plan included the creation of a new citizen advisory committee. She’s also worked to create a permanent community engagement office where citizens can show up and have staff prepared to assist no matter the topic.
“I hope you will continue the charge toward equity and that you will ensure that those staff members most closely associated with this critical work have the resources, support, communication, and vision they need to carry out the Board’s goals and priorities,” Houchen said in an email to the commissioners.
Houchen’s last day will be July 26.
I recommend not funding the position.
My humble opinion.
Of course you do. Following your governors racist beat.
My,my,my child – aren’t we being a bit touchy? Guess her resignation bothers you (sic).😊
What bothers me is the open racism going on in this country. Racism not just against colored people, but against women, minorities and anyone that is different from what the white evangelical want this country to look like. So they are going away with these positions at work and universities. Why? Why can’t we all live as we want to live? Why all of sudden are we going back 60 yrs, while the rest of the world moves forward? This is what bothers me. That my children and grandchildren will have less rights, less education, less respect if they are females.
You have absolutely no sense of history Xena (to compare the current civil rights atmosphere to that of 60 years ago). Stop living in the past and focus on achieving in TODAY’s society, Xena. Stop selling yourselfshort. Unfortunately, relying on these affirmative action-type programs tells black people that they really cannot do it on their own. It encoiurages systematic medioicrity. Please stop wearing the ‘perepetual victim cloak’. Look in that mirror and tell yourself that you got this and you’re going to work as hard as your fairer skin brethern or others of your race that have achieved great things. To do anything less is (frankly) sad for those of us that watch it and hear it day in and day out so it must be frustrating for you. In closing – yourchildren and grandchildren have MORE rights,MORE educational opportunities and more of a level playing field (males and females alike) than those of 60 years ago. As for society’s respect? That has to be earned for all of us on an individual basis Xena.
And why is that? Is it beneficial to the community it serves?
The position and all the sub categories
Are just Vanity based boards
They have no power
And never will.
Citizens,Police, equity , what have you,
Are just for (Show)
Waste of taxes.
Story idea I wish you would report..
Diedre Houchen’s July 25 ALACHUA COUNTY BoCC EMPLOYEE OFFBOARDING SURVEY is available from the county as a public record. Worth a follow up article. It is very informative reading. No kind words for the county manager.