Diversity and Inclusion
Since the inception of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in 1970, the agency's mission to protect, sustain, and improve our environment is a cause that has united all cultures and heritages. Environmental stewardship is integral to many cultures, and the pursuit of ensuring a clean, healthy environment now and into the future remains DEC's goal on a professional and personal level.
DEC is proud to observe Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 in honor of the history, culture, and influence of past generations of those with Hispanic origin. The observance started in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson's administration as a one-week celebration called Hispanic Heritage Week. Years later, President Ronald Reagan proposed extending this celebration into a month-long event. It was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988, officially designating Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month.
DEC Workforce Diversity and Inclusion
DEC is pleased to share the Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Implementation Plan for Fiscal Years 2021-2026 (PDF). This plan outlines our priorities and goals as we continue to cultivate and promote a diverse and inclusive culture where employees feel welcomed and motivated to do their best. These goals and priorities reflect DEC's commitment to support diversity programs; promote continuous learning and discussion of diversity and inclusion; recruit qualified candidates of different backgrounds, experiences, and talents; provide internal developmental opportunities; and assess what more we can do to nurture a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Diversity Resources and Links
Resources include articles, podcasts, and blogs that present the perspective of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), Latino/a, and Latinx, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and other identities (LGBTQ+) and their experiences in the outdoors and in nature.
More about Diversity and Inclusion:
- Black History Month - February is Black History Month. View a special video from the NYS Veterans' Services celebrating Black veterans. Learn about outdoor organizations serving and celebrating people of color, including Outdoor Afro, Hunters of Color, Black Girls Hike Buffalo, and more.
- Women's History Month - Women's History Month is celebrated each March. Get to know some of accomplished women at DEC.
- Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month - In May, DEC celebrates Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Get to know several DEC employees who discuss their careers, heritage, and interests.
- Pride Month Celebration - DEC celebrates Pride Month in June every year. DEC is proud to be a welcoming environment for all people.
- Juneteenth Commemoration - New York celebrates Juneteenth as an official state holiday for the first time on June 19, 2021. Juneteenth (short for June 19th) commemorates African American freedom in our country. Its history goes back to June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger read federal orders in Galveston, Texas, that declared all enslaved people in Texas were free. While President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation a full two and a half years before the end of the war, it wasn't until the war's end that enslaved people in Texas knew they were free.
- DEC Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month - DEC is proud to observe Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 in honor of the history, culture, and influence of past and present generations of Hispanic New Yorkers.
- Native American Heritage Month - DEC observes Native American Heritage Month in November as a time to reflect on our relationships with our Indigenous friends and neighbors here in New York and beyond.
