Pressure Campaign Against Cities for DEI Practices
Law organizations connected with former President Trump are intensifying efforts against urban areas that they claim breach his executive orders and federal civil rights laws by continuing to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into their operations.
This week, America First Legal (AFL) filed several civil rights complaints with the Department of Justice, urging investigations into Virginia’s Richmond, Alexandria, and Arlington for allegedly breaching Titles VI and VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, alongside Trump’s executive order regarding discriminatory DEI practices in city programs, employment, and public services. The AFL argues that since these cities receive federal funding, they are subject to federal oversight in how they allocate these funds.
This complaint follows the Justice Department’s decision to probe the City of Austin for similar DEI-related infractions, which came after the AFL’s initial complaint earlier this month against the City of Seattle. They also lodged a complaint against Portland under similar allegations.
Federal Complaints Hitting Top Universities
“Despite established civil rights legislation, these jurisdictions are openly committed to DEI policies and have mandated local governments to implement a range of discriminatory equity initiatives,” the AFL stated in their news release. “Race-based agendas don’t foster justice; they undermine it. As Virginia leans to the left, America First Legal will persist in fighting against federal funds supporting programs that create division, threaten public safety, and undermine legal standards.”
The AFL’s complaint highlights that Richmond has purportedly fostered widespread discrimination by embedding racial equity initiatives across all departments. The accusations reference recruiting materials suggesting biased themes, obligatory DEI training, and the creation of the Capital’s Office of Equity and Inclusion, which the AFL alleges favors specific races over merit.
Additionally, it has been reported that Richmond’s budget evaluates departmental performance based on the completion rates of “equity training,” aiming for universal participation. The AFL also pointed out Richmond’s Climate Equity Action Plan, claiming resources are being unfairly allocated to particular racial demographics.
The complaints against Alexandria and Arlington echo those made against Richmond. Specifically, the AFL contends that Alexandria’s Office of Racial and Social Equity is responsible for ensuring that all City policies are reviewed through a “racial and social justice lens.” The Alexandria Police Department is said to have a “racial equity plan” focused on creating a diverse workforce to combat racial discrimination.
Moreover, Mr. Arrington has been accused of laying out an “affirmative action plan,” setting race-based targets for specific job categories. These goals aim to increase the percentage of minorities in senior management and the police force significantly.
To highlight the real implications of these local policies, the AFL’s complaint regarding Arlington includes a troubling incident from last year at a public school, involving a male sex offender granted access to the girls’ locker room based on a claimed gender identity. This incident, they argue, illustrates how Arlington’s policies not only violate federal civil rights law but also jeopardize student safety.
Last month, the AFL reached an agreement with Philadelphia after a long-standing dispute over race- and gender-based quotas in public contracts. The settlement requires the city to revise its “Project Labor Agreement,” eliminating penalties for contractors who do not comply with DEI standards, and to abandon mandatory quotas.
