Name: Unified Government takes vote on EDI programs
Uploaded: 2025-11-15T03:52:40.518Z
Duration: 2 min 23 s
Description: KSHB 41 Wyandotte County reporter Rachel Henderson reports on a recent Unified Government vote on its EDI programs.

KSHB 41 Wyandotte County reporter Rachel Henderson reports on a recent Unified Government vote on its EDI programs.

Kansas

The Unified Government's Board of Commissioners in Kansas City, Kansas, voted to suspend diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) language in its policies following warnings from the federal government. The decision was made to prevent the loss of nearly $81 million in federal funding and over 100 jobs, as the county's AmeriCorps program was found out of compliance due to terms like 'health equity.'

Mayor Tyrone Garner and five other commissioners supported the suspension, while two commissioners voted against it. The move has drawn concern from local advocates and the ACLU of Kansas, who warn it sets a dangerous precedent for diverse communities. Incoming Mayor Crystal Watson expressed a desire to find solutions that maintain DEI values despite federal restrictions.

Unified Government takes vote on EDI programs

The Unified Government's Board of Commissioners had a difficult decision to make recently. Did they suspend diversity, equity and inclusion language, or risk losing jobs and millions of dollars worth of federal funding? I'm Rachel Henderson, our stations Wyandotte County reporter and I'm going in depth on a decision that cities nationwide are facing. Diversities woven into the fabric of Kansas City, Kansas, but its leaders have to thread the needle to protect it. It didn't feel good. Mayor Tyrone Garner joined five other commissioners who voted yes to suspend diversity, equity and inclusion language. In UG policies, their AmeriCorps program was out of compliance because it contained words such as health equity. The UG's legal department brought forth this resolution, which a committee discussed and tabled before Garner approved its return to the full commission agenda. I don't necessarily feel like jumping over the committee process and doing this has been helpful. Commissioners Andrew Davis and Melissa Bynum were the only two no votes. The county's lawyers argued that the UG, which is already millions of dollars in debt. Stands to lose nearly $81,000,000 in federal funds and over 100 jobs. This is not a theoretical threat. The county's lawyers said the federal government has notified the UG twice in the last nine months that language in its program documents did not comply. This sets a very dangerous precedent for the unified government. Logan demand is with the ACLU of Kansas. He works in Wichita, a city that suspended its DEI board this year. We know that Kansas City, Kansas is the most diverse community we have in our great state, and I think that it's important to put up safeguards to protect that Garner only has a month left in office. I asked the incoming Mayor Crystal Watson about her stance earlier this week. I don't want people to get hung up on what the federal government says you can and can't do. Just find a way, figure it out because. My ancestors had to do it. Garner echoed this sentiment, saying he still champions DEI. Is it frustrating to even be in this position in the first place? It is, but that's our reality. Rachel Henderson, KSHB 41 news. Thank you, Rachel. And of course, as you know, Rachel is our dedicated Wyandotte County reporter. She's committed to telling stories that impact that county. So if you have one for her, scan the QR code right now you see on your screen or send an email to rachel.henderson at kshb.com. Again, if you have a story you want her to look into.

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