The Scottsdale City Council has voted to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, emphasizing a commitment to hiring, evaluating, and promoting city employees based solely on merit. The decision has sparked division among residents, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
Before the vote, council members declined to comment on why the issue was placed on the Feb. 11 agenda or how DEI initiatives had negatively affected the city. The meeting drew a large crowd, with passionate arguments both for and against the measure.
Supporters of the decision argue that removing DEI programs ensures a fair, merit-based system for city employees and protects them from discriminatory hiring practices. According to the agenda item, the move is intended to ensure that Scottsdale residents and taxpayers are served by the most qualified individuals.
Critics of the decision, including Christopher Owens, founder and CEO of CultureHub, contend that DEI programs were originally established to prevent favoritism and ensure a diverse and competent workforce. Owens stated that such initiatives were meant to counter hiring biases that favor certain groups.
With the vote finalized, Scottsdale joins a growing number of cities and states reassessing DEI policies, reflecting broader national discussions about merit-based employment and government hiring practices.
Earlier this week, PBS closed its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) office in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order on the subject.
“In order to best ensure we are in compliance with the President’s executive order around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion we have closed our DEI office,” PBS told Fox News. “The staff members who served in that office are leaving PBS. We will continue to adhere to our mission and values. PBS will continue to reflect all of America and remain a welcoming place for everyone.”
New York Times reporter Ben Mullin shared a memo from PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger, who informed colleagues of the DEI office’s closure.
“As we discussed at our recent Town Hall, since the President’s Executive Order about DEI was announced in January, we have been working with legal counsel to understand how this potentially affects our organization,” Kerger wrote. “To ensure that we comply with the President’s Executive Order, we have closed our DEI office, and Cecilia Loving and Gina Leow are leaving PBS. I know you join me in wishing them well in future endeavors.”
