Scottsdale City Council Takes Bold Step to Eliminate Discriminatory DEI Policies

By Matthew Holloway |

In a decisive move on Tuesday, the Scottsdale City Council voted 5-2 to shift its hiring and promotion policies toward a merit-based system, sidelining what it termed “unlawful and anti-meritocratic forms of discrimination.” This resolution also mandates the cessation of city funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

The council’s decision came amidst vocal opposition from 45 activists and various current and former city employees, demonstrating a clear divide between community perspectives and newly elected officials responding to a direct voter mandate from November.

In a parallel vote, council members also passed an ordinance requiring all city employees to return to in-person work. Councilwomen Maryann McAllen and Solange Whitehead opposed both measures, while Mayor Lisa Borowsky supported the majority stance. According to the City Council Meeting Agenda, Ordinance No. 4662 outlines several key points:

“1. Ensure city employees are hired, evaluated, and promoted based on merit, protecting City of Scottsdale employees from unlawful and anti-meritocratic forms of discrimination, and ensuring that residents and taxpayers are served by the most qualified city employees.

2. Discontinue the use of city funds for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) systemic programming, which includes the Office of DEI, DEI programming and trainings, and other initiatives that could arguably violate A.R.S. § 41-1494. Training and prevention of unlawful discrimination remains encouraged and shall continue.

3. Direct the City Manager, or designee, to reassign the Diversity Program Director and ADA/Title VI Compliance Coordinator to an appropriate department and position; reflect these changes in the city’s organizational chart; and make the necessary budget transfers and amendments necessary to carry out the intent of this Ordinance.”

Councilman Adam Kwasman, a key supporter of the new ordinances, articulated a belief that equity in government undermines equal justice under the law. He criticized the “racial hierarchy” he perceives to be fostered by DEI initiatives, emphasizing a vision of equality that transcends race and creed.

Kwasman stated, “You can’t walk into Scottsdale City Hall without being bombarded with DEI. This poison will be rooted out of our beautiful city. No matter one’s race, orientation or creed, we value the content of character.”

Two council members proposed a delay to conduct a study on the city’s DEI practices, but this motion was defeated. Kwasman reassured the audience that compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and anti-discrimination policies would remain intact post-ordinance implementation.

He argued that while concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion are commendable, the practical application of DEI may contradict its intentions by prioritizing identity categories over a diversity of viewpoints. The councilman cited several major companies that have moved away from DEI frameworks, including Disney, Amazon, and Walmart, as part of his broader argument against such policies.

“Scottsdale must be a city where all are welcome… to build a future and a flourishing future for themselves and their families, a place where everyone is treated equally and fairly under the law,” Kwasman asserted, emphasizing that the ordinance does not negate existing ADA compliance or anti-discrimination measures.

The ordinance’s enactment will specifically influence the roles of the city ADA coordinator and the Diversity Director, both of whom may face reassignment as part of the restructuring.

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.