Reasons For Fort Worth To Keep DEI - #1

Over the next 20 days, I’m going to post 20 different perspectives on why the City of Fort Worth should maintain their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs.

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1. From a Business & Economic Perspective

Fort Worth must reconsider this proposal, not just as a matter of ethics, but of economics. Companies, especially those in tech, finance, and healthcare, are increasingly prioritizing cities with strong DEI commitments.

Talent is diverse, and smart cities know that attracting it requires inclusion. If we gut our DEI programs, we risk becoming less competitive, less attractive to innovation-driven industries. Moreover, studies show that diverse workplaces are more productive and better at problem-solving.

The ripple effects from this decision, lost contracts, talent drain, reputational harm, will far outweigh the 10% of funding we’re trying to preserve.

Let’s find a path that maintains our commitment to opportunity for all.

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What is happening?

THE ISSUE 📣

The Fort Worth City Council is preparing to vote on a proposal that would suspend all aspects of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) across city operations. This includes eliminating the city’s DEI department and ending any programs that consider race, gender, or sexual orientation to expand access or address historic disparities.

WHY? 🤯

City leaders say the federal government is making the removal of DEI a condition to continue receiving funding, which makes up roughly 10% of Fort Worth’s city budget.

In response, the city is considering full suspension of all DEI programs to avoid the risk of losing federal dollars.

WHAT’S AT STAKE ⚠️

• Real People, Real Impact: DEI supports programs for youth, small businesses, inclusive hiring, public health, and community safety. Ending it affects lives.

• Loss of Community Trust: Removing DEI signals that inclusion is no longer a city priority.

• Economic Risks: Cities that cut DEI lose business investment, workforce talent, and community momentum.

• Legal Questions: Many legal experts believe the federal directive via executive order is unconstitutional. The city has the right—and the responsibility—to challenge it.

ABOUT THE CITY’S “NEW PROGRAM” 🆕

City officials have suggested creating a new “compliance-based” initiative to replace DEI.

But this new program is:

• Untested and Unproven

• Designed to meet federal restrictions—not community needs

• Likely to leave out people and programs DEI was created to support

This is a partial response, not a full solution.

WHAT YOU CAN DO 💡

✅ Speak at the City Council Meeting (likely to be a special meeting on 8/5) – Share your story. Make your voice heard.

✅ Call or Email Your Council Member – Ask where they stand. Urge them to oppose the rollback.

✅ Demand the City Defend Itself – Urge Fort Worth to fight back and challenge the federal government in court if needed.