No movement on investigation into City of Columbia’s DEI practices, city says

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Columbia has not had communication with the attorney general's office regarding an investigation into the city's diversity, equity and inclusion policies in months, according to a city spokesperson.

Former Attorney General Andrew Bailey launched the investigation into the city's practices in July 2025. A press release from Bailey's office stated at the time that the investigation would focus on "decision-making in city programs, hiring and funding," according to previous reporting.

Bailey had submitted a request for public records and electronic communication for terms related to DEI from the city from March 1-July 1 2025. The city had been given three days to submit those records or report a delay, previous reporting says.

According to City of Columbia Spokeswoman Sydney Olsen, the city released responsive records in August 2025 to the attorney general's office. However, Olsen said the city has not received any communications from the office in response to those records.

"The City cooperated fully in releasing records requested by the Attorney General’s Office which prove that the City is not utilizing demographics such as race in practices such as hiring, firing or admittance to participate in programs. The City's work is centered around ensuring that everyone has equal access to jobs and programs, no matter their race or beliefs," Olsen wrote via text.

A release from Bailey's office at the time also stated that Bailey had received "multiple reports" from Columbia residents alleging discrimination in city programs.

Gov. Mike Kehoe appointed Catherine Hanaway as the state's new attorney general in August 2025, after Bailey accepted a job as FBI co-deputy director.

ABC 17 News made a records request to the attorney general's office for the complaints it received. Records showed the first complaint was made on June 18, followed by a second the next day.

The first complaint questions whether or not the city legally used funding for a minority scholarship program through the CoMo Cooks Commercial Kitchen. According to The Loop's website, two scholarships were being offered to applicants through funding from the City of Columbia.

The resident pointed out the part of the application stating, these scholarships are available for individuals in historically excluded groups interested in starting a food based business."

The second resident wrote to Bailey claiming that the City of Columbia and Mayor Barbara Buffaloe had "fully adopted the Biden administration DEI policy." The resident also added the city hired a DEI manager to "implement the policy and ideology throughout city government."

The city hired D'Andre Thompson as its first diversity, equity and inclusion officer in 2023. The city had said at the time that Thompson would lead "the development and implementation of DEI initiatives that help support the City's Strategic Plan."

The city also voted in June 2025 against striking DEI-related language from the city's mission and vision statements. The vote meant that the city would keep its vision statement as, “Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play,” and its mission statement to say, “To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.”

The city also voted to keep its definition of "equity" the same, reading “we will ensure all residents have fair access to services, opportunities, and resources regardless of their background, neighborhood, income, or identity.” The vote came after President Donald Trump signed an executive order that targeted the language used, alleging it promotes discrimination.

City leaders at the time interpreted Trump's executive order as meaning it could impact funding to municipalities. The resident also pointed the city's decision in their note to Bailey.

Bailey also told ABC 17 News at the time he launched the investigation that DEI practices outside of quotas also violated the law, and pointed out the city's plan to adopt a racial equity tool kit.

Bailey had also threatened to sue the city and get in contact with the White House if the city was found in violation of DEI compliance.

ABC 17 News reached out to Attorney General Hanaway's Office and Thompson, who was not available on Wednesday for an interview.