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Chair Nantasha Williams introduces Resolution 729 and condemns Trump's revocation of DEI programs
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Chair Nantasha Williams opens the committee meeting by introducing Resolution 729, which condemns President Trump's revocation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at the federal level and expresses support for such programs at the city and state level. She provides context for the resolution, explaining the importance of DEI initiatives and the recent changes in federal policy.
- Williams contrasts former President Biden's Executive Order 13,985 promoting DEI with President Trump's recent order ending DEI programs at the federal level.
- She emphasizes the need to support DEI at local and state levels in response to federal changes.
- The chair highlights New York City's diversity and the importance of maintaining equitable opportunities for all residents.
Nantasha M. Williams
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Hello everyone and good morning.
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My name is Nantasha Williams and I serve as chair to the committee on civil and human rights.
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I want to start off by thanking everyone joining us for today's vote on resolution seven twenty nine sponsored by speaker Adrian Adams condemning president Trump's rev revoction of diversity, equity and inclusion programs and policies at the federal level and expressing support for such programs and policies at the city and state level.
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On 01/20/2021 former president Biden issued executive order 13,985, advancing racial equity and support for underserved communities through the federal government which directed federal departments and agencies to assess to what extent their programs and policies perpetuate systemic barriers to opportunities and benefits for people of color, women and other underserved groups.
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This executive order was intended to identify possible obstacles to improving and maintaining diversity, equity and inclusion, better known as DEI within federal departments and agencies to work toward eliminating these obstacles and resolving inequities.
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Within hours of taking office on January twentieth of this year, President Trump issued an executive order ending all DEI programs and policies at the federal level.
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Ironically enough, in this order one of the claims made justifying the end of DEI programs and policies was that they are immorally and discriminatory despite their explicitly stated purpose to eliminate discrimination.
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And while we do condemn the president's attack on civil and human rights, our hands are tied in taking direct action on a federal level.
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This is why we must support DEI at the local and state level to ensure this city remains a safe haven for all and benefits from all that a diverse workforce and diverse voices are at the table.
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As immensely diverse city, New York is home to many populations who could be negatively impacted by the current president's administration and so our dedication to the well-being and equitable success of all New Yorkers regardless of their background needs to be stronger than ever.
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I'd like to thank my colleagues, council members Rita Joseph and Chris Marte for being here and both my staff and committee staff for their hard work and making this vote happen.