COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- While the Trump administration is directing the federal workforce to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, several Columbus-area municipalities say they're sticking by their programs.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January requiring federal agencies to cease nearly all DEI programs and directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate private companies with similar initiatives.
Since then, Columbus-based Nationwide Insurance has joined other U.S. corporations, like Target and Amazon, in altering its diversity program, and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has joined a campaign pressuring Costco to abandon its initiatives.
Although this order doesn't directly impact local authorities, central Ohio cities like Columbus, Dublin, Grandview Heights, Hilliard, New Albany, Upper Arlington, Westerville and Worthington reaffirmed to NBC4 their commitment to diversity programs. Other municipalities, including Bexley, Reynoldsburg and Whitehall, did not respond to request for comment.
Gov. DeWine picks former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel as lieutenant governorA Columbus spokesperson said city council's commitment to equity and inclusion remains "unwavering." The city is home to The Mayor's Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which advances efforts to shape Columbus into "America's Equal Opportunity City" by supporting opportunities for "every individual, family and community to share in economic prosperity."
"While we are continuing to study all the federal policy changes, council's priority is a Columbus where every resident feels safe and has the opportunity to thrive," the spokesperson said. "Equity will continue to be a commitment to our residents."
Dublin City Council said the city's DEI policies remain as stated online. This includes the Community Inclusion Advisory Committee created in 2021 to serve as the new iteration of the Community Task Force, responsible for "combating and prohibiting social injustice, inequity, intolerance, negative stereotyping and discrimination."
Dublin is also home to a 2021 nondiscrimination ordinance establishing protections for people experiencing discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and pregnancy, among other protected statuses. In addition, the city has appointed a LGBTQ+ liaison who reviews and helps create inclusive policies.
"Dublin City Council is committed to representing the interests of all members of the Dublin community while leading the region as a global city of choice," the spokesperson said. "The city continues to monitor all federal directives through the lens of their potential impact on our community and municipal operations."
What Trump’s proposed tariffs could mean for Ohio’s Intel plantA Grandview Heights spokesperson said the city remains committed to nondiscrimination in all its practices, and expects all business partners to also not discriminate against employees or contractors. The city's council has previously passed a resolution supporting LGBTQ+ Pride Month and another affirming its promise to establish inclusive housing options for all residents.
"While the city continues to evaluate the validity of any federal executive orders, or any impact they have on city business, it will continue to adhere to equal opportunity employment practices," the spokesperson said.
Hilliard City Council, which passed an ordinance in 2021 prohibiting unlawful discriminatory practices in employment, housing, and public accommodations, said it has no intentions to change its policies. As part of that ordinance, city council enacted a process to address discrimination complaints, a spokesperson noted.
New Albany currently has an Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Implementation Panel that city council created in 2020 in response to the results of a citizen survey indicating that some residents don't feel a strong sense of belonging to the community. A spokesperson said the panel's purpose is to develop programs that foster belonging and encourage broader community involvement.
Since its launch, the panel has held Juneteenth and Diwali celebrations, and other events like Miracle League Family Fun Day, Souper Supper, EmpowHer and New Albany 101 learning opportunities.
The Spectrum: Ohio’s newest congressman; tariffs affect state’s farms"We believe the IDEA Implementation Panel has played an important role in the city's efforts to encourage a greater sense of belonging its residents," the spokesperson said. "In 2025, the panel will continue existing programming while also focusing on accessibility within the community and the launch of a Community Connectors program."
Upper Arlington Mayor and City Council President Ukeme Awakessien Jeter said in a statement the council hasn't formally discussed or taken action regarding its diversity initiatives but affirmed "Upper Arlington is proud to be a welcoming community." The city is home to antidiscrimination legislation and a 2020 resolution declaring racism a public health crisis.
"We remain committed to fostering an environment that embraces everyone, regardless of background, identity or experience," said Awakessien Jeter. "While we continue to monitor actions at the federal and state-level, to date we have not seen any executive orders or other changes that would require adjustments to our existing programs, policies or laws."
Monica Dupee, city manager of Westerville, said during a Feb. 4 council meeting that Westerville "intends to honor the promises our community has made to be welcoming, inclusive and inviting to families who live here, students who learn here and workplaces for people who spend their days here."
Westerville is home to a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging division that Dupee formed in 2021, along with ordinances adopted in 2019 aimed at preventing unlawful discrimination and another prohibiting ethnic intimidation.
From sideline to Statehouse: Jim Tressel’s journey to Ohio’s lieutenant governor"It has become clear, the last few weeks, that DEI programs are changing at the federal level," said Dupee. "Our DEIB framework is not about politics, it is focused on programs to promote a safe and inclusive community for all. It helps our staff understand how to lead, manage and represent this community at our professional and personal bests."
Worthington has advanced several DEI efforts, like a nondiscrimination ordinance, a resolution promoting racial equity, and statements of support for Asian Americans and the Jewish community. A spokesperson said city council has not discussed these programs at recent meetings.
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