Jefferson City Council tables anti-DEI bill

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Jefferson City Council amended its agenda on Tuesday to remove an item that addressed diversity, equity and inclusion.

Ward 3 Councilman Scott Spencer and Ward 4 Councilman Derrick Spicer filed a bill last week to eliminate programs surrounding DEI from city government. The bill also sought to eliminate programs and policies for city boards, departments and commissions surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

The council packet states that city staff is not aware of current DEI or DEIA programs or policies.

The council voted 6-4 to table the issue. Five people spoke against the bill during the public comment period.

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 last week.

Gov. Mike Kehoe on Tuesday signed an executive order that directed Missouri state agencies to eliminate DEI initiatives.