By Victoria Kauzlarich, Scottsdale Resident
First, it was Scottsdale’s Sustainability Plan. Now, the Council has the city’s DEI Department in its crosshairs. A new ordinance is on next week’s city council agenda to end city funding for the DEI Department and all related training. You can find the council agenda here. The DEI ordinance is at item 14.
We need to make our voices heard. The council needs to know that eliminating DEI is not what residents want and it isn’t in the city’s best interest, either.
You may submit comments in writing or attend next Tuesday’s council meeting to speak in favor of retaining the city’s DEI program. The city pays attention to our comments. The more, the better - in whichever form suits you.
Learn More about DEI in Scottsdale
Read Solange Whitehead’s newsletter here and then dive into Solange’s link to former Councilwoman Linda Milhaven’s letter. Milhaven describes why the DEI ordinance is unnecessary, suggests what the council should look into before voting to withdraw its funding and the irony that could only be Councilman Adam Kwasman.
How to Make a Public Comment
Read Solange’s newsletter at the link above and put your thoughts in your own words based on her newsletter and Linda Milhaven’s, too.
Submit your request to speak at the city council meeting here.
Keep your comments to no more than 2 minutes; that’s about 240 words. Write these out and practice your comment at home. The council allows 15 minutes before the meeting and 15 minutes AFTER the meeting for public comments.
Start your comment with a self-introduction. Follow that with your street address and how long you’ve lived in the city.
Keep your comments to no more than 3 key points. Be concise.
Describe how you want to see the city move forward and be welcoming to everyone.
How to Make a Written Comment
Similar guidelines, longer format… Keep to three points or fewer; be brief and direct. You can make your on-line comment directly to the city's website here or send an email to citycouncil@scottsdaleaz.gov.
Submit your comment no later than close of business Monday afternoon. Someone at city hall will be tallying these. You'll want to make sure your voice is heard.
Please consider giving the city feedback on withdrawing its support for DEI and share this widely with your likeminded Scottsdale friends and family. Thanks.
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