The White House continues to stress that the Executive Order attacking DEI programs was intended to combat illegal discrimination. Additionally, it was titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.”
A federal judge also granted a nationwide injunction, finding that the DEI executive order is unclear and violates the 1st and 5th Amendments to the Constitution. Click here for more.
This is all in constant motion and there is no reason for Talbot County to jump to conclusions and get out over its skis on an issue that has yet to be resolved. There is no clear evidence that Talbot County could lose federal funding, as asserted by some. Unless you believe that the Talbot County DEI Statement violates standing discrimination laws, there is no reason to remove it: unless it is simply a political move to comply with the political agenda of the President and further the ongoing American cultural war.
There is nothing wrong and everything right with believing in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and in everyday life. “Liberty and justice for all”, remember? Take a pause. Do the right thing – reject the proposal to remove the statement.
Mr. Stepp, help us avoid a mess that pits Talbot County citizens against each other over a political non-issue that doesn’t need fixing – rescind your proposed resolution. Enough with division, we all live here TOGETHER with diversity, equity and inclusion!
Rick and Peg Hughes
Easton
Mary Hunt-Miller says
Excellent letter! Thank you!
Michael Davis says
Thank Rick and Peg. I hope everyone who is against the removal of the words will write the Tablot County Council and let them know. The words in the employee handbook in no way imply it is okay to discriminate against anyone, including White Men.
I read, I think, in the Star Democrat, that Mr. Stepp says that this has nothing to do with tolerating racism in Talbot County. Apparently, he is only concerned about Trump cutting off all funding to Talbot County.
Mr. Steopp should be aware that we have a secret resource to prevent that from happening: Congressman Andy Harris. Congressman Harris has supported Trump in every way possible, including trying to block the transfer of power away from Trump in 2021. He is head of the Freedom Caucus, a very powerful Republican group in Congress. And, Congressman Harris claims to support those of us on the Eastern Shore. Surely, he will not allow Trump to bankrupt Talbot County over a few words in the employee handbook that encourages people to treat each other well.
Darrell Parsons says
Yes!
Eva M. Smorzaniuk, MD says
Amen to that! At least for now, we have nothing to fear from doing what is right. The fear-mongering raised by this issue is frightening as it shows how readily people will compromise our community values and succumb to this perceived pressure.
Robert Douglass says
Rick and Peg Hughes,
Perfect! Thank you for keeping this important topic front and center to ensure our Talbot County does not fold to the whims or bullies of Washington DC. Great link that has the details of the judicial pushback. Details, not just sound bites, matter.
Just because a President signs an Executive Order, does not make it law, or does it even satisfy laws on the books, like our Constitution.
Great to see that the issue is getting due process from an equal and separate branch of our government, less we forget, the Executive is not the King or a Dictator.
Appreciated!
Bob Parker says
The Talbot County DEI statement harms neither the residents. Or fabric of our community, ut re.oval of the statement sends a message that all residents of Talbot County will no longer be treated on equal footing. Such a message will be damaging to all individuals in our County and engender distrust and disunity. These are consequences we all should work to avoid. I for one support efforts to maintain the Talbot County DEI statement as its presence harms no one while its removal holds the potential of causing harm to all.
Totch Hartge says
Fear of not getting Federal dollars is shameful. It is dirty money from a dirty mob.
Totch Hartge
Easton
Doris Moore says
Agree!
Margot McClellan says
Thank you for keeping this important issue in the spotlight. Removing the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion statement from the Talbot County Handbook is not merely an administrative change, it is one that has the potential of changing the character of our community and the lens through which we view ourselves and our neighbors.
Michelle Fisher says
Thank you Rick and Peg for speaking out and holding the Talbot County Council accountable for doing what is right for all residents of Talbot County.
Bishop Joel Marcus Johnson says
Thank you for your first rate letter. The passage of the resolution is tantamount to returning the Confederate statue to the court house green.
Kenneth Dodson says
This is good time to rewatch the Spy YouTube interview with Dave Stepp from two years ago. I mostly enjoyed hearing Dave Stepp say “ I got involved because of the government saying you must do this and must do that. The censoring of speech, the division he seen in Talbot County” lol.
Stepp even uses the D word in trying to sell him self. He stated “Talbot County is so Diverse and in so many wonderful things to celebrate that get lost in today’s world”.
So Mr. Stepp what’s changed in the two years that you no longer support the same words out your mouth ? Lol first word out your mouth was Talbot is full of Diversity play the you tube video below spy interview.
But one would think you’re full of DEI being that your only job was secured by your uncle in Salisbury’s telecom business. Also do not forgot your executive merger of Talbot little league teams.
Focus on the real issues in Talbot. Your past statements contradict your so call push to remove DEI.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APQq87pMWew&pp=ygURRGF2ZSBzdGVwcCB0YWxib3Q%3D
Thank you Spy keep up the good work!