In 1995, the Hampton City Council appointed a group of citizens to look at diversity issues within the city. Two years and several studies later, this group, called the Citizens' Unity Commission I, recommended that the city establish an ongoing community-based advisory group to carry this group's diversity work forward. Since that time, a city department has developed and it works in partnership with two, citizen-based commissions: Citizens' Unity Commission (CUC) and Citizens Engagement Advisory and Review Commission (CEARC); the Citizens' Unity Commission (CUC) is the "proactive arm" and Citizens Engagement Advisory and Review Commission (CEARC) is the "reactive arm." In 2021, the city department was renamed Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: The Home of the Citizens Unity Commission to reflect a broader focus and to distinguish it from the citizens' commission.
Vision
Hampton will be a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive city of all citizens concerning race, color, religion, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Values
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Cultural Competency; Unity
Mission
The Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion's mission is to promote the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion through programs and events that create and increase opportunities for communities to learn and grow together. We ensure fair and impartial access to better social and environmental outcomes in the City of Hampton. By partnering with community members and stakeholders, two citizen-based commissions, a youth advisory group, and internal staff, we provide proactive and reactive support to accomplish the city's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (D.E.I.) strategic goals, and commitments.