Giving in to authoritarian demands, looking the other way, saying “it’s too high a price”, ensures the asks continue, get bigger, and embolden the bully.
On August 5th, Fort Worth City Council has a chance to join others in standing up to the bullying that threatens our communities. Our leaders need to step up and make the hard choices for our people and our values.
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.
THIS ISN’T JUST BUREAUCRACY — THIS IS ABOUT WHO WE ARE
Whether you're a business owner, parent, student, veteran, faith leader, or neighbor—this decision affects all of us.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
✅ Speak at the City Council Meeting – Share your story. Make your voice heard.
✅ Call or Email Your Council Member – Ask where they stand. Urge them to oppose the rollback. (Contact info is here)
✅ Demand the City Defend Itself – Urge Fort Worth to fight back and challenge the federal government in court if needed.
STAY UPDATED & GET INVOLVED
Fort Worth City Council will likely be voting to suspend the DEI programs on August 5th, 2025 at a special City Council Meeting. We need your voice, either at the meeting or via submitted comments to let them know what you think!
I’ll keep talking about it here, but you can also follow and listen to my friends at the 817 Podcast for more updates in all podcast places. You can also find them at:
@817pod on Instagram & Threads
@817podcast on YouTube
@817podcastfw on TikTok
And if you are in the Fort Worth area come to the 817 Gather on July 20th (message for details).
Let’s make sure Fort Worth doesn’t trade justice for dollars - or promises for people
#wakeup #fortworth #seeitnameitfightit
Share this post