Jefferson City Council to introduce bill eliminating DEI practices, programs
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A bill will be introduced at Tuesday's Jefferson City Council to eliminate programs surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion from city government.
The ordinance is being sponsored by Ward 3 Councilman Scott Spencer and Ward 4 Councilman Derrick Spicer, according to an email from a city spokesperson and the council agenda.
The bill also seeks to eliminate programs and policies for city boards, departments and commissions surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.
“It is important to clarify that this ordinance was not drafted by City staff, nor did it go through staff review or Council committees prior to being placed on the agenda. As with any bill brought forth for Council consideration, City staff remains available to provide information to assist the Council in its deliberations,” an email from city spokesperson Molly Bryan says.
The council packet states that city staff is not aware of current DEI or DEIA programs or policies, “however further work would be needed to thoroughly review all City programs and policies to identify any program or policies that could be impacted. Currently, the City's policy and practice is to comply with all federal anti-discrimination laws.”
Information in the council packet also alleges that DEI and DEIA practices violate civil rights law.
Diversity practices – or DEI – have been a hot topic for Republican politicians in recent years, with President Donald Trump seeking to get rid of federal programs. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey sued Starbucks over its diversity programs this week.
The University of Missouri last year reorganized its diversity division following bills with similar topics getting filed in the Missouri Legislature.
