The Controversy of DEI in Firefighting: A Case Study from LA

What do Elon Musk, raging wildfires, and Los Angeles Fire Department hiring policies have in common? It's a question sparking debate across social media as critics like Musk blame the city's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts for a perceived decline in firefighting efficiency. But is there evidence linking these initiatives to the spread of the flames—or is it all social media speculation?

As wildfires swept through Los Angeles, tech billionaire Elon Musk and hedge fund manager Bill Ackman took to social media, particularly Musk’s platform X (formerly Twitter), to criticize LAFD's DEI efforts. Musk amplified claims tying the department’s focus on diversity to a failure to prevent and control fires, sharing a post that read, “DEI means people DIE.” However, neither Musk nor Ackman presented evidence directly connecting DEI initiatives to the fire department's operational capacity.

The controversy also spotlighted LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley, who became the department's first female and LGBTQ leader when she was sworn in in 2022. That same year, the department established a dedicated DEI bureau. Critics have questioned whether these developments contributed to wildfire challenges, though no direct link between Crowley’s leadership or DEI efforts and the severity of the wildfires has been established.

On her podcast, Megyn Kelly harshly criticized Crowley, claiming she prioritized diversity efforts over operational firefighting measures. “She has made not filling the fire hydrants top priority, but diversity,” Kelly said in a now-viral clip that Musk and Ackman shared. However, multiple reports clarify that responsibility for maintaining water supplies, including fire hydrants, falls to the city’s Department of Water and Power—not the fire department.

The right-wing social media account Libs of TikTok also targeted Crowley, posting content about her participation in LGBTQ Pride events and criticizing her leadership. These posts gained millions of views, further fueling criticism. Libs of TikTok, which has faced prior suspensions for accusations of hate speech, asserted that their posts were factual despite the platform’s policy violations.

Commentators like Matt Walsh echoed similar sentiments, claiming the LAFD deliberately excluded white men from firefighting roles. Walsh offered no evidence to support this assertion, though the department has indeed voiced a commitment to hiring and retaining a more diverse workforce.

Some social media users pointed to a decades-old claim by radio host Adam Carolla, who testified before Congress in 2017 that he was denied a firefighting job in Los Angeles in the 1980s for not being “Black, Hispanic or a woman.” Carolla’s anecdote predated both Crowley’s tenure and the formation of the DEI bureau by decades, rendering it irrelevant to current LAFD practices.

The debate even spilled into televised political discussions. During a CNN segment, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) pushed back against conservative commentator Scott Jennings, who criticized the LAFD’s diversity efforts. Crockett expressed frustration over the persistent blame placed on DEI policies. “I am so tired of people acting as if white men are the only ones capable,” she said. CNN anchor Abby Phillip pressed Jennings further, questioning the connection between DEI initiatives and the department’s ongoing battle with what was described as a “historic fire.”

Despite the criticisms, there’s no indication that Crowley neglected fire prevention efforts in favor of diversity initiatives. Upon her appointment, Crowley told the Los Angeles City News Service that her “first priority” would be strengthening communication with her command staff. The LAFD’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan lists the department’s primary goals as maintaining operational readiness, enhancing firefighter safety and well-being, and improving workplace conditions. While promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion is also a goal, it ranks third on the list.