In a controversial move, a city agency in Austin, Texas has come under fire for organizing racially segregated “anti-racist” meetings. The meetings, organized by Austin’s Parks & Recreation Department’s equity and inclusion coordinator, invited employees to attend “Antiracist Affinity Spaces” that were segregated by race as part of an “Equity and Inclusion program.”
According to an email obtained by Digital, the meetings were divided into separate sessions for “people of color” and “white folks.” The email explicitly stated that the February 22nd meeting was only for “people of color,” while the February 26th meeting was for “white people.” The email also included a disclaimer asking individuals who did not belong to a specific racial group to refrain from attending the corresponding meeting.
The segregation of these meetings has sparked outrage among staff members of all races, as well as citizens of Austin. Critics argue that the division based on race is racist and goes against the principles of equality and inclusivity. Austin area attorney Adam Loewy condemned the practice, stating, “It is terrible that the City is splitting up employees by race and telling White employees they cannot attend certain meetings. That is racism and should be condemned.”
Dennis Farris, President of the Austin Police Retired Officers Association, expressed similar sentiments, stating that the city agency missed an opportunity to bring everyone together and instead proposed a divisive and potentially racist approach. Farris highlighted the pressing issues faced by the city, such as homelessness and recent violent incidents, suggesting that the agency’s focus should be directed towards addressing these concerns rather than organizing segregated meetings.
The concept of segregated “Affinity Groups” has become increasingly popular as part of a larger push for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from the progressive left. However, opponents argue that such practices promote exclusion rather than inclusion. Similar controversies have arisen in other cities across the country, leading some states, including Florida, to ban DEI funding altogether.
In response to the backlash, a spokesperson for the Austin Parks and Recreation Department issued an apology, acknowledging that the email did not reflect the department’s values and expressing a commitment to inclusivity. The department stated that the intent of the segregated meetings was to create a supportive environment for sharing lived experiences and improving the department’s relational culture.
The incident in Austin raises important questions about the appropriate approach to promoting diversity and inclusion. While the intentions behind segregated meetings may be well-meaning, the practice itself has sparked a heated debate about the potential consequences and implications of such actions. Moving forward, it remains to be seen how cities and organizations will navigate the delicate balance between addressing systemic issues and promoting unity among employees and communities.
