Following President Donald Trump's dismantling of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) departments at the federal level, the Huntsville City Council voted Thursday to rename the city's Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, to its previous title, Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Council members Michelle Watkins and Jennie Robinson co-sponsored an ordinance during Thursday's council meeting to rename the office to its previous title, which was used from 2008 to 2021, according to a city press release.
However, while the office's name has changed, its mission remains the same.
Robison emphasized that Huntsville is an "inclusive community that embraces many different cultures" and that the name change "provides an opportunity to ensure the mission of the department and to create a broad and intentional focus on inclusion that unites the community and strengthens neighborhoods."
According to the release, the office partners with local organizations to "promote community involvement," such as offering educational programs about city government, overseeing youth and internship programs, hosting Jazz in the Parka and consulting with "various councils."
"Additionally, it serves on the Human Relations Commission, Interfaith Mission Council and provides City employee training. This year, it will also work with the Special Olympics, senior citizens and establish a youth leadership council," the release stated.
When Alabama's statewide DEI ban went into effect last October, Huntsville's senior communication specialist, Adam Smith, told 1819 News the city had "no plans to eliminate its Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion," as the new law did not apply to municipalities.
State Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville), who co-sponsored the state's DEI ban, said the renaming was a sign that "DEI is on the run."
"[Mayor] Tommy Battle is a conservative, and he's smart. I can't speak for the Mayor, but I suspect he's riding the pendulum as it swings to the right," Oliver told 1819 News. "With the election of Donald Trump and the elimination of DEI in the federal government, safe spaces for the Left are getting smaller by the minute. Yes, name changes and personnel transfers are taking place, but DEI is on the run in Huntsville and everywhere else."
Oliver added that the renaming was likely a move to avoid needless controversy and that "DEI is nearing extinction regardless."
RELATED: State Rep. Ed Oliver on DEI ban implementation: 'We're watching very closely'
Mayor Battle stated in the press release that the department's mission has remained the same for over a decade, regardless of its title.
"The mission hasn't changed since we first established the Office of Multicultural Affairs in 2013 – to build an inclusive community and provide opportunities for everyone," Battle said. "Four years ago, in response to community feedback, we renamed it to the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what we call it. What matters is that we are committed and true to our mission."
To connect with the story's author or comment, email daniel.taylor@1819news.com or find him on X and Facebook.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
