Washington County revises DEI policies for new federal requirements

Washington County is revising how it implements diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in order to comply with new federal grant requirements tied to executive orders from President Trump. Local officials say the move is necessary to protect access to $135 million in federal funding that supports housing, infrastructure, and critical services for thousands of low-income residents in the county.

While the move has drawn criticism from community members who worry it signals a retreat from equity commitments, those involved say the change is necessary to avoid potential civil and criminal liability under the federal False Claims Act. The county commission is scheduled to take a final vote to affirm the policy changes Tuesday, July 22. Washington County Board Chair Kathryn Harrington joins us to talk more about the changes that come amid broader questions about how local governments navigate new federal policies.