Wilmington Riverwalk (Photo: City of Wilmington)
With state and federal attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion programs as a backdrop, the Wilmington City Council recently affirmed its commitment to the Community Relations Advisory Committee, which was established by city and county officials in 2016 to address prejudice and discrimination.
But the council’s affirmation highlights a growing divide between the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County over government’s role in fostering diversity, equity and inclusion. The conflict is playing out in real time as state and local government officials await a possible veto override of House Bill 171, which targets DEI initiatives in state and local government.
The measure prohibits state agencies and local governments from using state funds to “promote, support, fund, implement, or maintain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives or programs.” It passed along party lines with Republicans voting for the bill and Democrats against it. Gov. Josh Stein vetoed the legislation but it could face an override attempt…