On Monday, September 16, 2024, the Commissioners of the city of Fargo, including Mayor Tim
Mahoney, except for Commissioner John Strand, voted to eliminate the Department of Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as part of a proposed budget cut aimed at saving $1.2 million for the
2025 fiscal year. This decision was made following a discussion about the need for budget
adjustments to allow for necessary staff raises. In conjunction with this action, the Fargo Cass
Public Health Department also saw a reduction of 4.2 positions, which aimed to ensure equity in
budgetary measures.

It is essential to recognize that the DEI department represents a broad array of groups, including
women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community, and various minority
populations. The representation of DEI has been a matter of contention, and there are concerns
that its portrayal primarily focuses on the black community, which only constitutes about 8.8%
of Fargo’s population, according to the 2020 Census. Despite the growing diversity of the city,
historically, there has been a lack of black representation in the city commission.
The decision to eliminate the DEI department has raised questions about the intentions behind
the budget cuts. Many believe that the move signals a disregard not just for the black community
but also for other marginalized groups. There is a growing sentiment that the elimination of DEI
was premeditated, as the actions taken appeared to prioritize minimizing impact on specific
demographic groups.

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Considering these developments, inclusivefargond.com is dedicated to fostering community
engagement and amplifying the voices of citizens who advocate for the reinstatement of the DEI
department. The goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that respects the
diversity of Fargo’s residents. We invite everyone to join in this critical dialogue, as working
together is essential for building a thriving and safe city for all. Will you consider signing up
today to support this initiative?