The allegation that the City of Fort Worth hired a diversity consultant has been confirmed.
Fact Briefs, a media project that analyzes “the evidence behind salient unsupported claims,” posted on X to confirm the assertion.
“True – The city of Fort Worth did hire a diversity consultant. The firm will run an analysis on business and workplace demographics to inform city officials of population trends. Here is a fact brief from [the Fort Worth Report] with more information,” Fact Briefs wrote, linking to an article by the Fort Worth Report.
Tarrant County Republican Party Chair Bo French made the allegation earlier in the summer.
“This week, we uncovered documents from Fort Worth City Council expanding the funding for the DEI Department, which we have covered extensively. The ordinance … awards $150,000 to the Department for the purpose of funding a ‘business equity’ study. So, who are they bringing in to perform the study?” French posted on X in June.
He claimed in the post that the council members had hired an “Affirmative Action Consultant.”
“LOL. One of my posts was fact-checked as TRUE!” French recently posted on X.
Council members approved an ordinance in May 2024 to hire the consulting firm Colette Holt & Associates, which specializes in discrimination and employment policies. The Fort Worth City Council increased the funding for the city’s Diversity and Inclusion Department by $150,000 to pay for the contract, according to FWR.
“Colette Holt provides legal counsel and consulting services to governments and businesses on procurement and contracting; employment discrimination; regulatory compliance; Organizational change; program development, evaluation, and implementation; and issues relating to inclusion, diversity, and affirmative action. Ms. Holt is a nationally recognized expert in designing, implementing, and defending affirmative action programs. She has concentrated her practice in these areas for over 20 years, after serving in senior legal and management government positions,” the Colette Holt & Associates website states.
The firm will analyze workplace demographics and update the city on population trends, according to FWR.
The Dallas Express contacted the City of Fort Worth media relations office for comment but did not receive a response.