Commission hears survey results on barriers faced by Black men in public sector

Executive Director Prince presented findings from an 89‑respondent survey of Black men in the public sector, saying microaggressions such as tone policing and questions of competence were the most commonly reported experience. Prince said the highest single item response was 83.61% on microaggressions and that 65% of respondents reported a diminished sense of belonging; staff plan follow‑up interviews with respondents who consented and will distribute a PDF of results to commissioners before posting more widely.

Commissioners asked whether the team would pair data with recommendations. Commissioner Bailey thanked staff for the work and asked whether the results would be packaged for public distribution; Prince replied the report exists in PDF form and staff will share it with commissioners and coordinate website posting after commissioners review. Commissioner Papachuk suggested convening participant workshops modeled on prior work with the Washington State Women's Commission; Prince agreed and said staff would pursue interviews and potential workshops. "We can absolutely do that," Prince said when asked about next steps.