California lawmakers are requesting an audit of Stockton’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program following Vice Mayor Jason Lee’s claims that the program director was removed without proper city council approval. Lee brought the request for an investigation to Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom and State Sen. Jerry McNerney.In a letter, the lawmakers said the city formally investigated the removal of the program director after the position was eliminated in 2023, but they noted that the funding for the position was redirected without a clear plan or reason. The lawmakers claimed the former director was shut out of meetings and emails needed to do her job.Ransom and McNerney said the city’s investigation found her removal was not supported by data and that unauthorized movement of DEI funds was not prevented. Lee had previously demanded an investigation into the use of city funds in August, claiming money that should have gone toward expanding the DEI program was not used properly.Mayor Christina Fugazi disagreed, saying no funds were earmarked specifically for DEI efforts. KCRA 3 reached out to Fugazi for comment on this latest audit request but has not yet heard back.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
California lawmakers are requesting an audit of Stockton’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) program following Vice Mayor Jason Lee’s claims that the program director was removed without proper city council approval.
Lee brought the request for an investigation to Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom and State Sen. Jerry McNerney.
In a letter, the lawmakers said the city formally investigated the removal of the program director after the position was eliminated in 2023, but they noted that the funding for the position was redirected without a clear plan or reason. The lawmakers claimed the former director was shut out of meetings and emails needed to do her job.
Ransom and McNerney said the city’s investigation found her removal was not supported by data and that unauthorized movement of DEI funds was not prevented.
Lee had previously demanded an investigation into the use of city funds in August, claiming money that should have gone toward expanding the DEI program was not used properly.
Mayor Christina Fugazi disagreed, saying no funds were earmarked specifically for DEI efforts. KCRA 3 reached out to Fugazi for comment on this latest audit request but has not yet heard back.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel