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In a decisive move, Scott Turner, the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), has taken a firm stance against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in federal disaster relief efforts. This decision comes in the wake of Asheville, North Carolina’s proposed hurricane relief draft plan, which included a DEI framework that prioritized certain residents over others.
Turner’s office has made it clear that such practices will not be tolerated under his leadership.
DEI initiatives face scrutiny
Turner’s rejection of Asheville’s plan underscores a broader trend within the current administration to eliminate DEI considerations from federal programs.
“Once again, let me be clear: DEI is dead at HUD,” Turner stated emphatically. The proposed plan, which aimed to allocate funds for Hurricane Helene relief, included provisions that favored minority- and women-owned businesses. However, Turner argued that prioritizing certain groups over others is unacceptable in the distribution of federal aid.
Asheville, a city known for its progressive politics, had initially included DEI criteria in its draft plan, which was posted on March 4. The city had hoped to secure funding to assist vulnerable populations affected by the hurricane, which had wreaked havoc across the region.
However, after HUD’s intervention, the city assured officials that it would revise the plan to align with federal guidelines.
Federal funding and accountability
In January, HUD allocated $225 million in Community Development Block Grants to assist communities impacted by Hurricane Helene, which struck in September 2024.
The storm caused extensive damage, leading to loss of life and significant property destruction. Turner emphasized that the focus of federal assistance should be on merit-based systems rather than DEI criteria, stating, “At HUD, we are taking a detailed and deliberate approach in every aspect of our work to ensure we are serving all communities regardless of race, color, or creed.” This statement reflects a commitment to a more equitable distribution of resources based solely on need.
Implications for future disaster relief
The implications of Turner’s actions extend beyond Asheville. By dismantling DEI initiatives, the HUD is signaling a shift in how federal disaster relief will be administered moving forward. This approach aligns with President Trump’s executive orders aimed at ending what he termed “radical and wasteful government DEI programs.” As a result, cities and states seeking federal assistance may need to reevaluate their plans to ensure compliance with the new directives.
Asheville’s Democratic Mayor, Esther Manheimer, acknowledged the city’s need to adapt to the changing compliance requirements under the new administration. The city has since released an updated draft plan that omits the DEI focus, aiming to secure the necessary funding for recovery efforts. This situation highlights the tension between local governance and federal oversight, particularly in the context of disaster recovery.
As the landscape of federal disaster relief continues to evolve, communities across the nation will be watching closely. The emphasis on merit-based assistance may reshape how aid is distributed, potentially leaving behind those who do not fit the new criteria. As Turner and HUD move forward, the challenge will be to balance efficiency and equity in a way that truly serves all affected individuals.
