The Harris County Chief Equity Officer, Dr. Arelia Johnson, has introduced a new definition of equity that focuses on actively addressing and reducing disparities in benefits and burdens across the community. Dr. Arelia Johnson, with a Ph.D. in sociology and criminology from Howard University, was appointed as Harris County's Chief Equity Officer. Her role involves embedding equity considerations into the county's policies, programs, and operations, aiming to rectify historical and systemic inequalities.
Dr. Johnson has redefined equity for Harris County as:
An "actionable pursuit" aimed at recognizing and addressing how certain groups have disproportionately benefited from inequities while others have borne the burden of solving these issues.
A commitment to significantly reduce disparities in how benefits are distributed and burdens are managed, focusing on inclusivity and accessibility for ...