City leaders in support of the move say it protects federal funding; critics argue it compromises community values.
FORT WORTH, Texas — After hours of emotional testimony and debate, Fort Worth city leaders voted late Tuesday night to suspend the city’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in order to comply with new federal guidelines and avoid risking millions in funding.
In a 7–4 vote, the council approved a resolution to eliminate its current DEI initiatives and establish a new Small Business Enterprise Program, focused on race and gender-neutral procurement opportunities.
Councilmembers who voted against dismantling the city’s DEI programs were Deborah Peoples, Chris Nettles, Elizabeth Beck and Mia Hall. Members of the council who approved the resolution to suspend DEI programs were Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and councilmembers Michael Crain, Carlos Flores, Charlie Lauersdorf, Macy Hill, Alan Blaylock and Jeanette Martinez.
Fort Worth appears to be the first major North Texas city to formally suspend DEI efforts in response to federal pressure. The city cited concerns that continuing such programs would jeopardize its eligibility for $277 million in federal funds, including more than $40 million annually. That funding goes toward roads, public safety, city projects and critical infrastructure.
“This is not a ceremonial vote. It is not a time to signal,” said Mayor Mattie Parker, defending the council’s decision. “This is real impact on the citizens of Fort Worth.”
Parker acknowledged the significance of the moment, adding, “While this is a consequential vote, this is not the time to virtue signal.”
‘Values become negotiable’
The meeting drew more than 70 speakers and a packed council chamber, with residents, business owners, pastors, activists, and political leaders urging councilmembers to reject the resolution and protect DEI programs. An overwhelming majority of the speakers urged the council to protect its DEI programs.
“This governing body, this council, has a responsibility,” said Hall, a local educator. “Diversity, equity and inclusion is not a slogan and not a catchphrase… This resolution sends a very dangerous message that Fort Worth is willing to compromise its values.”
Others warned the move could erode local control and set a dangerous precedent.
“What began as a financial decision quickly becomes a political one,” Hall added. “Once you accept that, values become negotiable, and the line becomes harder and harder to draw.”
Nettles, who voted against the resolution, pushed his colleagues to consider funding the DEI office through local sources, including tax increases or reallocation of city funds.
“Today I am voting with my conviction,” Nettles said. “At some point, this city is going to have to grapple with raising taxes.”
New program replaces the old
The newly approved Small Business Enterprise Program will shift the city’s efforts toward helping small businesses, regardless of race or gender, access procurement opportunities for city contracts over $100,000.
City officials say the program was created in partnership with the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber, and the Fort Worth Black Chamber, with contracts set to begin Sept. 1.
“We remain collaborative partners in this evolving landscape,” said Ericka Garza, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber. “Our priority is ensuring these changes lead to true results for many that make up the Fort Worth economic engine.”
Supporters of the resolution say the new program maintains support for entrepreneurs while keeping the city in compliance with recent federal mandates.
But critics argue it strips away long-standing protections and opportunities for historically marginalized communities.
“You might silence a department, but you will never silence my community,” said Fort Worth resident Maggie Martinez. “Getting rid of DEI doesn’t protect the city… it erases people.”
Federal pressure and local fallout
The vote comes amid new guidance from the Trump administration barring federal funds from going to any entity that maintains race-conscious programs, even if those programs aren’t directly funded by federal dollars.
City legal counsel warned the penalties for noncompliance could include the loss of federal grants, civil and criminal liability for city employees, and triple damages against the city.
Still, speakers like former Councilmember Ann Zadeh urged the city not to cave.
“Other cities are fighting, and you should too. Don’t bend the knee,” Zadeh said. “If I were still in one of the seats, I would not move forward with suspension of our vital programs without a fight.”
Even some supporters of the resolution acknowledged the gravity of the decision.
Mayor Parker said while she welcomed the robust public engagement, “I am so proud we’ve had over 90 people who arrived here to speak or submitted comment cards,” but she emphasized the city could not afford to ignore legal and financial realities.
“This is not just about executive orders we’re facing,” Parker said. “It is also Supreme Court precedent.”
With the resolution now passed, city staff will move forward with the new small business program, finalize contracts with partner chambers, and begin outreach to help small businesses obtain certification through third-party agencies.
Opponents of the decision vowed to continue organizing and speaking out.
“This isn’t compliance, it’s erasure,” said Emeri Callaway, vice president of the Tarrant County Young Democrats. “Dismantling DEI doesn’t make us stronger. It makes us smaller.”
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