Sen. Moreno Questions DEI Policy in Cincinnati Procurement
Sen. Bernie Moreno from Ohio is challenging Cincinnati’s new city ordinance that reorganizes procurement under a Department of Economic Inclusion and Procurement. He argues that taxpayers should not support an expanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) bureaucracy that might be illegal.
In a letter to Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, Moreno stated, “Taxpayers should never foot the bill for DEI policies or initiatives.” Moreno believes the city’s government should reward competence instead of politically driven quotas based on race or ethnicity.
The heart of the controversy is a city ordinance approved in June by the Cincinnati City Council. This ordinance aims to create a Department of Economic Inclusion and Procurement. Moreno contends that this expansion could inject DEI considerations into the contracting process. According to city documents cited by Moreno, the new structure seeks to make the contracting process more efficient while maintaining a focus on DEI.
Moreno sent the letter, which was also addressed to the Justice Department, during a period when DEI programs faced scrutiny under President Trump’s administration. He argued that the ordinance ignores Justice Department guidance warning against unlawful discrimination.
Since President Trump’s return to office, he prioritized ending DEI initiatives. Executive orders have been signed to eliminate DEI programs, as well as related hiring and training practices. Agencies have been directed to review federal funding recipients.
Moreno shared his thoughts, saying, “The days of choosing public contract winners based on excellence are back.” He added that Cincinnati needs better stewardship of public funds.
Moreno highlighted the city’s intention to maintain a DEI focus in its contracting process. “The goal of this restructuring is not to reduce the city’s focus on inclusion. Instead, it is intended to strengthen it,” he quoted the city’s explanation. Moreno insists that taxpayer funds should be distributed based on merit rather than race or ethnicity.
Moreno requested that Mayor Pureval provide the exact amount of federal funding the city received during fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026. He also asked for the projected cost of the ordinance and an outline of the department’s review process for awarding contracts.
Additionally, Moreno wants information on how Cincinnati plans to comply with the Justice Department’s guidance and address its budget deficit and public safety challenges instead of expanding DEI initiatives. He wrote, “These public funds should be redirected to protecting Cincinnatians and restoring order to Ohio’s streets.” Moreno emphasized the need to focus on public safety amid recent violent crimes and a law enforcement recruitment crisis.
Fox News Digital reached out to Mayor Pureval’s office for comment.