Palm Beach County Suspends DEI Programs to Preserve $600 Million Funding

Palm Beach County commissioners voted to suspend all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs to comply with President Donald Trump's executive orders prohibiting the use of federal funds for programs promoting gender ideology or race- and sex-based diversity. This suspension includes ending the county's Equal Business Opportunity program that required contractors to allocate work to women- and minority-owned businesses, potentially affecting millions in contracts awarded to these groups. County officials emphasized that the action was necessary to avoid losing over $600 million in federal and state funding used for infrastructure and capital projects, despite concerns from Commissioner Bobby Powell, who opposed the move and highlighted the importance of DEI efforts to level the playing field. The county attorney’s office warned that continuing DEI programs could expose the county to legal liabilities and jeopardize federal grants totaling nearly $330 million for the 2025 fiscal year. The decision also involved eliminating the county’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, although it had never been staffed. Officials believe the suspension will reduce legal risks and preserve crucial federal funding, even as critics argue it will shut out opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses.