(FOX40.COM) — Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee is calling for an investigation into what he says was an unauthorized move to defund diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the city. Video Above: Stockton mayor and vice mayor have heated exchange amid DEI discussion
On Tuesday, Lee held a press conference in front of Stockton City Hall, where he addressed his concerns about what he called a misuse of funds. He was accompanied by councilmember Mario Enriquez, who was in agreement with him.
South Stockton’s McKinley Park, swimming pool reopens after $15.7 renovation
Lee, who assumed office in 2025, said a resolution was passed in 2022 that declared racism a crisis in Stockton. Because of this, he said the city council agreed to support DEI initiatives and allocate funds for them. However, instead of using designated money for DEI programs, Lee said unbeknownst to him and the city manager, it was recently discovered that the funds went to paying consulting fees to the Lathrop city manager.
“It’s one thing to say that we support this or we support that, but you have to lead by actions,” Lee said. “I called for an investigation to figure out what staff approved defunding DEI,” Lee said.
Changing Stockton: A discussion with Mayor Christina Fugazi and Vice Mayor Jason Lee
Additionally, Lee said that a review of funding from the previous administration revealed that at least $40,000 from taxpayers that were supposed to be used for DEI programs went to food and other “non-important things.”…