TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Changes to the city of Topeka’s D.E.I. policies were again up for vote after the city referred the action item to committee a little over a month ago.
The city was considering doing away with its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion office and removing references to affirmative action to comply with the recent executive orders and protect critical federal funding.
When initially introduced, the body was uncomfortable making a decision this permanent without combing through the logistics first.
Policy & Finance Committee chair Spencer Duncan proposed an updated ordinance this evening.
This would tighten up the language and pull back on referring to affirmative action, but continue to allow staff to provide and track data as to who is getting contracts guided by equal opportunity principles.
Duncan adds that this wasn’t an easy decision, but the city relies on the approximate $45 million in federal funding that helps provide services in the areas of homelessness, affordable housing, domestic violence, and infrastructure.
“Of course I want to push back and fight back,” Duncan said. “I think we are doing that with the changes we made, but we have to balance the reality of our situation with what the implications are and what the consequences of that are, and if those consequences weren’t there, this would be an easy decision: Why are we even talking about this? Right? But they are.”
With council members Christina Valdivia-Alcala, David Banks, and Neil Dobler absent, the ordinance ended up passing with a 5-1 vote, Brett Kell the sole no. But, each member emphasized that the conversation is not over and they will continue to update this living document as they see fit.
