San Francisco has spent the last decade embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into nearly every aspect of local government, from launching the country’s first department on transgender issues to redirecting tens of millions of dollars toward Black community organizations.
Now, with Donald Trump back in the White House, city officials are quietly reexamining the practice with the expectation that the president could turn his ire toward San Francisco’s extensive DEI programs.
The city attorney’s office has issued a slew of confidential memos in the last few months covering everything from how to discuss — and not discuss — the Trump administration to guidance on responding to federal inquiries, according to sources who shared the contents of these messages. Chief among its concerns are the extensive DEI programs and contracts that became a priority in City Hall in 2020 amid nationwide protests over racism. Any missteps could leave San Francisco vulnerable to massive cuts in federal dollars.
Upon assuming office in January, Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to dismantle all DEI policies and programs. His administration also has attempted to bring dozens of universities to heel by threatening to withhold billions of dollars in grants, citing protests it views as antisemitic and DEI programs it assails as unlawful. The administration even targeted K-12 schools as purveyors of DEI.
“There has been a real palpable fear of the grants that we rely on from the feds going away entirely,” said a city source. “We know the feds are looking for any kind of excuse. They’re on the warpath.”
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