Possible DEI changes to Topeka ordinances are on hold

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Potential cuts to the City of Topeka's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office are on hold.

At the Topeka City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 6, councilmembers voted unanimously to send these cuts back to the Policy and Finance Committee for review. At this time, it is unclear when the item will be back in front of the city council.

Cuts to the city's DEI office were originally proposed in order for the city to continue receiving $45 million in federal funding, following recent executive orders from President Trump. Those funds would go towards homelessness, affordable housing, domestic violence and infrastructure.

Topeka City Manager Robert Perez said at Tuesday's meeting these proposed ordinance changes will not remove the city's requirements to meet other federal laws such as American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, Equal Opportunity Employment, Title VII, the Immigration Reform Act or the Age Discrimination Act.

Below is a copy of the proposed ordinance:

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