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Tamarac Will Rename and Suspend DEI Board Amid Legal, Political Concerns 2

Tamarac DEI Advisory Board Chair Judy Hunter, seated at table at right, speaks with commissioners at Monday’s meeting.

Tamarac city commissioners on Monday agreed to rename and halt all activities of the city’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Board over potential legal and political risks tied to continuing DEI initiatives in Florida.

During a commission workshop, DEI Advisory Board Chair Judy Hunter presented the board’s proposed name change to the Culture, Accessibility, Engagement and Representation Advisory Board, using the acronym “CAER,” before commissioners decided to rename it “CARE.”

But Vice Mayor Marlon Bolton warned that changing the DEI board’s name without altering its function could expose the city to legal and political fallout. He said he was particularly concerned about the board’s apparent intent to continue its existing work under a different name, which he said could be used against the city.

“The ideology has not changed, your activity has not changed, your mindset has not changed, but the name of the board has changed,” Bolton said. “And I’m not convinced that the state would leave us alone if we have a board that does exactly what the DEI board did, but under a different name.”

Hunter said that after “several months and many hours of discussion,” the DEI board had recently voted to adopt the name CAER to reflect “clarity and accessibility,” “community input,” and “political and social sensitivity.”

“The acronym CAER is powerful, positive, and easily remembered,” Hunter said.

According to Tamarac’s website, the DEI committee consists of Hunter, Isabel Kellem, Mike Jeknavorian, Stewart Webster, and Wilfredo Ruiz. Ruiz is an anti-Israel activist who serves as communications director for the Muslim nonprofit CAIR Florida, recently designated a terrorist organization by Gov. Ron DeSantis through an executive order.

It was not clear whether the DEI board’s choice of the acronym CAER was a nod to the organization CAIR.

“If we’re changing the name because we want to be politically correct or be in line with state law, or what is happening with state law, I’m not sure that this does that,” Bolton said of the proposed name change Monday.

He said he was acting in “an abundance of caution,” noting he had long supported inclusion efforts in the city, but believed the current political environment required a different approach.

“It’s tough times, crazy times, scary times, so we just have to be careful,” he said. “I think that coming before a body like this in public and saying, ‘We’re changing the name, but we’re doing all the things that we used to do,’ is yet more scary.”

He warned that the city could become a target.

“I’ve seen the governor in action. I’ve seen the president in action. I’ve seen politicians in action,” Bolton said. “Political leaders, wherever they are, sometimes are petty, and they can make an example out of us, and I think that’s where we’re headed. And people are watching, and they’re looking for the perfect opportunity, and I don’t want us to be that opportunity that they take.”

Bolton suggested that even maintaining the board under a new name could pose a risk if its purpose remained tied to DEI concepts.

“In my opinion: same pig, different lipstick,” the vice mayor said

He ultimately urged the commission to pause the board’s work altogether.

“My opinion would be, stop the bus where it’s at, and pause and watch and see what’s happening,” Bolton said. “It’s not worth the headache.”

He added, “Change the name and immediately cease all activities. That’s my opinion.”

A majority of commissioners agreed, as did Butler.

Commissioners said the city would draft legislation to formally change the board’s name to CARE and then cease its activities for between one and three years, after which a future commission will reexamine the issue. They are expected to approve the changes at an upcoming meeting.

Tamarac’s DEI Board was created in 2021 amid a wave of DEI initiatives enacted in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. The city board is tasked with providing recommendations on strategies that promote acceptance and respect for cultural and ability differences, and that strengthen connections among diverse community groups.

DeSantis and Republican state legislators, along with President Donald Trump’s administration, have systematically dismantled DEI programs in higher education and other parts of civic life at both the state and federal levels. Democrats have overwhelmingly supported DEI initiatives, saying they boost diversity and opportunities for people of color. But Republicans and other critics argue DEI programs focused on equity and demographic outcomes undermine meritocracy by emphasizing one’s gender, race, or other identity category in hiring and admissions, instead of individual qualifications and achievements.

Florida lawmakers are currently considering legislation that would restrict counties and cities, including Tamarac, from funding, promoting, or taking official action related to DEI. Florida has previously banned DEI programs across the state college system.

Tamarac Mayor Michelle Gomez and other commission members said the city’s diversity, as evidenced by the makeup of the commission itself, spoke to the success of diversity efforts citywide.

“I’m hoping that there’s a feeling of accomplishment,” Gomez told Butler.

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Author Profile

Kevin Deutsch

Kevin Deutsch is an award-winning journalist and author of two nonfiction books. He covers general assignment news and Jewish community issues for Talk Media. He has also worked as a staff writer at The Miami Times, the Rio Grande SUN, the New York Daily News, Newsday, The Miami Herald, The Palm Beach Post, The Riverdale Press, and Bronx Justice News.