Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker backed the City Council’s decision to suspend the city’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) department, citing legal concerns and fiscal responsibility.
The 7–4 vote followed public debate, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
“The City Council made the right decision today to continue following federal law and to adhere to U.S. Supreme Court precedent to protect nearly $300 million in multi-year grants for our city,” Parker said.
She said the decision was not only legally necessary but also essential to preserving critical city services.
“This was a vote to continue critical services for residents who need them most across our community and for sound financial management within the City of Fort Worth. It was the fiscally responsible and, quite frankly, the only legally viable path forward.”
Parker said that failing to comply with federal guidelines could have jeopardized funding for key services, including the fire department, emergency management systems, and Department of Transportation projects.
She added that Fort Worth would continue to support local businesses through a small business strategy in partnership with local chambers of commerce.
“My priorities as we work through the new changes are to ensure Fort Worth continues to be one of the best-managed cities in the nation while bolstering opportunity for all and fostering an excellent, welcoming work environment for every City employee,” Parker said.
Some Fort Worth residents expressed support for the decision
“We are Fort Worthians before Political Party Politics. We here in Fort Worth use common sense over this woke stuff. Good job for those City Councilmembers who are considerate of representing our City respectfully you get my applause. Good job Mayor Mattie Parker, No More DEI!” Fort Worth resident and community college professor Marshall Hobbs wrote on Facebook.