The Civil Rights Act of 1964, considered by some as the most important piece of legislation in American history, was signed into law 50 years ago this spring. The anniversary was recently celebrated by Governor Jay Inslee with a proclamation and speech at the State Capitol in Olympia, and included representatives from government, business and the community who are working toward equity and justice for all state residents.
The anniversary event was organized by the Washington State Diversity Council and the Northwest Industry Liaison Group, co-chaired by Lorre Allen (pictured with Gov. Inslee), the School of Social Work’s new human resources director. Allen comes to the School from the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Personnel, where she served as director of equal opportunity and affirmative action.
“This event renewed my passion for social justice and my commitment to ensuring equal opportunity,” says Allen. “I was proud to be a part of this historic event in Olympia. This was a truly defining moment for me personally and professionally.”
Allen has more than 15 years’ experience in human resource management, employee relations, equal opportunity, diversity and cultural competency, and she is a popular speaker at national conferences on unconscious bias in the workplace, among other topics. She holds a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources Management from Walden University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Michigan University.
Before moving to Washington, Allen was director of equal opportunity/ADA and Title IX coordinator at the University of North Texas. Before that, she was associate director of human resources for the Detroit Public Library System, and an equal opportunity and workforce planning specialist at Wayne State University.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 revolutionized modern America. It banned discrimination in public places and facilities, supported public school desegregation and outlawed discrimination based on race, gender, religion or national origin. The act would later serve as a model for other anti-discrimination measures passed by Congress, including the Americans with Disabilities Act.