Fountain Hills Takes Bold Stance Against DEI with New Resolution

By Matthew Holloway |

The Fountain Hills Town Council voted on Tuesday to adopt a resolution that bans all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This controversial policy was introduced by Councilman Allen Skillicorn with support from the Goldwater Institute.

“Tonight, I get to join major corporations like Amazon, Disney, and Ford in rejecting divisive DEI policies,” Skillicorn stated. He highlighted a recent Supreme Court ruling that deemed most forms of affirmative action unconstitutional, indicating that Fountain Hills aligns with federal priorities and many states in prohibiting such initiatives.

Skillicorn further added that the resolution includes a restriction on using non-traditional gender identity pronouns in town email signatures.

The measure sparked intense debate during a 45-minute segment of the council meeting, where tensions flared among council members. Councilwomen Peggy McMahon and Brenda Kalivianakis clashed with Skillicorn and Vice Mayor Hannah Toth over the implications of the ban.

Kalivianakis expressed skepticism about the resolution’s necessity, accusing Skillicorn of creating a solution to a non-existent problem. “I see mischief in this too and maybe for the sponsor of the bill,” she remarked.

Addressing concerns that the resolution might limit the town’s participation in civic organizations, Skillicorn explained that alignment with groups promoting divisive DEI policies would pose a problem for Fountain Hills.

The council voted with Councilmembers Gayle Earle, Rick Watts, Skillicorn, Vice Mayor Toth, and Mayor Gerry Friedel in favor, while McMahon opposed and Kalivianakis abstained.

For more details, watch the Town Council Meeting Section on the DEI Policy.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.