Municipal leaders across Massachusetts have made it clear that they are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at the local level, even though President Trump’s executive order has put a stop to federal DEI programs.
In Massachusetts, cities and towns continue to move forward with DEI efforts, with the state’s local leaders choosing to focus on community-specific needs and ensuring fairness in public services. Faustina Cuevas, who is the DEI officer for the city of Lynn, expressed her commitment by saying, “We’re just going to keep full steam ahead, no matter what comes out of Washington.” She also leads a statewide coalition of DEI directors representing more than 50 municipalities in Massachusetts.
These DEI positions were created in response to the racial reckoning that followed George Floyd’s tragic death in 2020. At that time, many cities and towns across the United States, including Massachusetts, started focusing on diversity and inclusion efforts. However, there were many challenges. High turnover rates among DEI directors made it difficult to gain momentum, but many of these positions have since become essential parts of local government.
Despite challenges from the federal government, Cuevas and other DEI leaders in Massachusetts say they are determined to keep moving forward with their work. In fact, the state’s cities and towns have expressed continued support for their DEI officers. After Trump issued his executive order, Springfield’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Judith Crowell received an email from the mayor, assuring her that the city would continue to prioritize DEI under her leadership.
Crowell explained that some of the criticism against DEI programs stems from misunderstandings about what they actually do. DEI is not just about hiring people from minority communities. It’s a broader effort to ensure that all citizens have equal access to city services, regardless of their race, ability, or background. DEI work includes ensuring that people with disabilities have access to services, seniors are included, and city job postings are shared widely to reach people from diverse backgrounds.
Despite some concerns about how President Trump’s executive order might affect DEI funding, many Massachusetts cities and towns are undeterred. For example, Donna Walker, DEI Director in Provincetown, expressed concern about the possibility of losing federal grant money for DEI programs. She said that the town may need to find alternative funding sources to continue supporting these initiatives. Nevertheless, Walker emphasized that the core principle of DEI—ensuring fairness and inclusion—will not change. She said, “It’s all about inclusion and fairness. We want our town to be as fair as possible in everything we do.”
The Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA), which represents all of the state’s local governments, has also shown strong support for DEI work. In October 2024, the MMA announced the hiring of its first-ever Chief Equity Officer, a position designed to help cities and towns move forward with their diversity and equity initiatives.
The MMA’s Executive Director, Adam Chapdelaine, explained that local governments in Massachusetts have been working on DEI efforts because it is essential to provide equitable services and build more diverse and inclusive workplaces. He added that DEI efforts vary from town to town based on resources and the specific needs of the local community.
To further support DEI initiatives, the coalition of DEI directors led by Cuevas plans to release an updated guide later this year to help municipalities better implement diversity programs. This guide is expected to serve as a valuable resource for cities and towns across Massachusetts as they continue to prioritize DEI work.
As local governments in Massachusetts continue to lead the way, they remain focused on making sure all citizens have equal opportunities to thrive. Despite challenges from Washington, these municipal leaders are not backing down. Instead, they remain dedicated to fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and fair society, where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
(Source : wgbh.org)
