Arlington City Council to vote on reinstating anti-discrimination ordinance

ARLINGTON, Texas - The Arlington City Council on Tuesday voted not to reinstate the city’s anti-discrimination chapter, opting instead to continue its temporary suspension amid concerns about losing federal funding. The decision followed a packed, standing-room-only meeting where residents on both sides of the issue lined up out the door to speak.

Arlington's anti-discrimination chapter vote

What we know:

The anti-discrimination chapter, passed in 2021, allows the city to investigate claims of discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations for protected classes under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including the LGBTQ community.

The city suspended enforcement of the chapter in September after the Trump administration warned that federal grants could be stripped from cities with programs it considers "DEI." Arlington officials say roughly $65 million in federal funding could be at risk.

City staff initially recommended removing references to sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression to avoid conflict with federal guidance. That proposal did not move forward. On Tuesday, council members instead considered whether to keep the ordinance intact while only investigating claims that do not violate any new state or federal rules.

After hours of public comment, the council decided not to adopt the proposed changes and to continue the suspension.

Local perspective:

Residents turned out in force, with many expressing frustration and fear over the implications of keeping protections on hold.

"I really, really, really hope y’all have a heart and hear everyone, hear the pain," said Keegan Dees, who opposed changes to the ordinance. "These are our lives on the line and I don’t want to have to leave my home."

Another resident, Chris Dobson, told council members, "I don’t think anybody in this room is happy that their dignity is on the line for whatever federal grants y’all are talking about. Would those federal grants make you remove protections for your children?"

Supporters of removing the ordinance argued that federal and state laws already offer sufficient protections.

"It’s not necessary," said Jonathan Saenz. "State and federal already cover protections for discrimination."

Others echoed that sentiment. "I don’t see what the big deal is," said Elizabeth Gomez. "I hope you don’t reinstate it. Just let it be gone. We already have the federal protections."

What's next:

For now, Arlington’s anti-discrimination ordinance remains suspended. City officials say the council is likely to revisit the issue in future meetings as they evaluate potential conflicts with evolving state and federal rules.