\t\t\t\t\tOverview:<\/p>\n
Dallas and Fort Worth city councils in Texas have ended their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts to preserve hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding. The decision follows similar actions by state agencies, universities, and school districts across the state and country, and was made to align with the Trump administration’s priority of ending such initiatives. The move has raised concerns about the impact on underserved communities, but city officials claim it ensures accountability, transparency, and eligibility for federal resources.<\/p>\n
Two of Texas\u2019 largest cities ended their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts this week to preserve hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding.<\/p>\n
The Dallas and Fort Worth city councils said the shift was needed to align with the Trump administration, which has made ending such initiatives a top priority. The votes follow similar decisions by state agencies, universities and school districts across the state and country.<\/p>\n
Other Texas cities, including Houston, San Antonio and Austin have yet to take similar action.<\/p>\n
Dallas City Manager Kimberly Tolbert on Wednesday said she has directed all city departments to stop using policies and programs considering race, gender, ethnicity, religion or national origin while allocating funds or benefits.<\/p>\n
\u201cCompliance ensures that we are accountable, transparent and eligible for the resources that we know our community deserves,\u201d Tolbert said.<\/p>\n
The Dallas City Council in June authorized Tolbert to review and evaluate city programs to be in compliance with the federal directives and pause any initiatives that do not comply with regulations.<\/p>\n
It is unclear how the changes would affect Dallas\u2019s office of equity and inclusion. The office was created in 2018 to create access and opportunities for underserved members of the community. Dallas officials did not respond to interview requests.<\/p>\n