I received this from the Lane Lewis campaign. Lane is running for City Council District A and has worked with HPD on diversity issues. How many of us can relate to that “you’re cured” certificate?
Houston, Texas – Yesterday, City Council District A candidate Lane Lewis was asked to deliver remarks at the Houston City Council Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security meeting regarding potential problems in the Houston Fire Department. Lewis was invited to deliver remarks to the Council because of his experience working with the Houston Police Department.
Lewis spoke about his role as the lead developer of a cultural sensitivity program with the Houston Police Department, noting that ‘[b]y enabling officers to speak candidly about cultural issues, they were able to do their jobs more effectively.”
“Unlike many beat officers, however, firefighters work in teams and their training would likely need to address this dynamic,” added Lewis. “If the City and the Fire Department decide that some form of sensitivity work is warranted, I suggest that the training not be a two-hour lecture with a ‘you’re cured’ certificate awarded at the end. The training should involve open communication, honest dialogue, and civil discourse.”
Lewis’ complete remarks before the Houston City Council Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security are available at www.LaneLewis.com.
