Dear county employees,

Each of you should be respected, valued, and treated with dignity. That’s what you deserve, and
it’s my job to keep that promise.

People of color, women, and people who identify as LGBTQIA+ face unique challenges in the
workplace. As an employer, St. Louis County hasn’t always done a good job of addressing those
painful realities.

One of my first acts as County Executive was to appoint Hazel Erby as the Director of Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion. We also began changing policies that disproportionately impact women
like paid family leave. And the staff I hired to help me run county government includes people
from different generations, races, sexual orientations, and genders.

Last week, in a court case, the honesty of police officers and inclusion within the Police
Department were called into question. We have heard those criticisms, but we won’t dwell on
them. We must instead build a culture where all employees know they are valued and
respected. We must implement policies and practices that guarantee every employee is treated
with dignity. And we must hold our employees to high standards of honesty, integrity, and
professionalism.

We have a lot of work to do. Learning starts with listening. This morning I met with a group of
LGBTQIA+ leaders. I met with Ms. Erby this afternoon to learn from her experienced
perspective. And today my staff met with the Anti-Defamation League to begin building an
implicit bias training program.

I am serious about change. But I know that change will last only if it is implemented
thoughtfully. New appointments to the Police Board are forthcoming, including an appointment
to fill the vacancy that Board Chair Roland Corvington’s resignation created today. Other
changes will come by taking a fresh look at how the Police Department makes decisions. Over
the coming weeks, Chief Belmar will lead the department through these changes.

I look forward to working with each of you as we renew our commitment to making St. Louis
County a welcoming place for all its diverse residents.

Thank you,

Sam Page