CHICKASHA – Although President Trump issued an executive order that bans diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in the federal government, it has had a ripple effect.
Privately owned companies such as Walmart, McDonald’s, Amazon, Ford, and Lowe’s all have begun rolling back their DEI initiatives in response to a cultural shift that has included customer backlash, pressure from conservative- leaning groups and activists, and potential legal ramifications.
And now it has filtered down to the local government level.
The Chickasha City Council was slated to consider the 343-page Onward Chickasha 2050 Comprehensive Plan during its Feb. 3 meeting.
An explanatory letter from Mayor Zach Grayson and former Mayor Chris Mosley states, “More than just a document, this plan is a dynamic guide, rooted in the voices of our residents. By laying out a clear strategy, it will help us navigate our long-term goals and immediate decisions, ensuring that Chickasha continues to thrive as we move forward together.”
The 18-month project involved numerous city officials and departments, private individuals, and multiple “partner” organizations such as the Chickasaw Nation, Canadian Valley Technology Center, and the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.
Instead, the comprehensive plan was tabled for revisions – to scrub multiple references to diversity, equity and inclusion, Community Development Director Rachel Bernish said. “We’re going to rework some language in the Comprehensive Plan so we’ll be in compliance with the President’s executive order,” she said.
Although Bernish did not specify which sections of the plan will be rewritten, Southwest Ledger scrolled through the document and found these references:
• Research on “existing conditions, recent trends, and planning examples” highlight how environmental design, development, education, employment opportunities, and “efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion” impact quality of life in Chickasha. (page 218)
• A strategy to implement “diversity and inclusion programs that encourage the participation of underrepresented entrepreneurs and businesses.” (page 186)
• A strategy to adopt “inclusionary zoning ordinances” that encourage or require developers to include a designated percentage of homes that are “attainable for low- and moderate-income households distributed through the neighborhood/ building.” (page 161)
• Chickasha’s “diversity index” of an estimated 54.5% – the probability that two randomly selected individuals would be from different racial or ethnic groups – “reflects a steadily growing mix of racial and ethnic backgrounds.” Since 2010 Chickasha has experienced “increasing populations of First Americans, Hispanic, Latine, and other groups.” Initiatives such as “multicultural events, public art projects, scholarships, partnerships with the Chickasaw Nation, and investments in neighborhoods will help strengthen community bonds.” (pages 32 and 222)
• A goal to “strengthen social equity and help create a place where all residents can truly thrive and feel at home.” (page 161) It was unclear last week how long the language revisions might take.