The County of Santa Barbara, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, the County Administrator's Office and County Department Directors remain committed to equal opportunity despite growing confusion surrounding such terms as equal opportunity, affirmative action, harassment, and non-discrimination.

In essence, Equal Employment Opportunity is nothing more than a body of laws and practices that allow all persons to work and advance on the basis of their merit, ability, and potential, and allow each person access to government, transportation, housing, and other services on an equal basis. The Board of Supervisors has taken a number of steps to ensure that the County operates in a manner that is consistent with the various laws, regulations, policies, practices, and procedures that prevent unlawful discrimination and guarantee equal access. These measures are also designed to promote a diverse and supportive environment and a positive experience for everyone who visits, works, or lives in Santa Barbara County.

This Board has assigned the responsibility to support and facilitate the County's compliance with the laws and regulations regarding discrimination, harassment, disability accommodation, and other equal opportunity related issues to the County Administrator who has delegated such responsibility to the "Office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Manager". The Equal Employment Opportunity Manager conducts seminars and training programs that provide information about the County's legal responsibility to comply with the Federal and State laws and regulations and with the County's own policies and procedures that pertain to equal opportunity issues. County administrators, managers, and staff can bring their questions and concerns about these issues to the Equal Employment Opportunity Manager or to coordinators in each of the County departments. The EEO Manager and departmental coordinators are trained to facilitate a resolution, to investigate complaints, or to make an appropriate referral to another agency or organization. The EEO Office is also responsible for investigating and resolving complaints of unlawful discrimination, updating the County's affirmative action plan, and implementing the County's sexual harassment prevention policy. Many of these activities are legally mandated by Federal and State laws, while other activities are County initiatives.