The DEI Divide: Navigating Public Service in an Increasingly Divisive World

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) professionals and policies have been the subject of recent court challenges and executive orders. In some cases the existence of a DEI program or policy has been cited as potential cause for repealing federal, state, and local funding. These potential roll backs of policies and practices come at a time when ideology driven attacks on government officials have been increasing, some even sparking new legislation in Maryland to extend protections to certain employees and elected officials and their families.

DEI professionals are uniquely capable of and tasked with helping to ease these types of tensions in the workforce and broader community. According to recent surveys these policies are even a major factor in recruiting and retaining young professionals. With significant benefits and challenges associated with DEI programs, this panel of experts will explore programs and policies in Maryland as well as what is at stake for local governments if DEI efforts loose traction or go away.

Title: The DEI Divide: Navigating Public Service in an Increasingly Divisive World

Description: As political divisions deepen, DEI officers are working to bridge ideological and cultural gaps within communities and government. County governments and employees are no strangers to the challenges that materialize from shifts in political temperament. However, these shifts affect the workforce of some of county government’s most vital public services, with local election officials, law enforcement, health officers, DEI directors, and school administrators specifically feeling the pressure of increased division and aggression in the wider community. This forum will explore the DEI efforts that have helped at all levels of local government, what strategies have worked (and what haven’t), and how counties can move forward—even if formal DEI policies are rolled back or eliminated.

Speakers:

    • Everett Sesker, Sheriff, Anne Arundel County, Member of Maryland Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention
    • Tiffani Kenney, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer, Frederick County
    • Cleveland L Horton II – Executive Director, Maryland Commission on Civil Rights
    • Duane Yoder, Former President, Garret County Community Action

Moderator: The Honorable Sheree Sample-Hughes, MD House of Delegates

Date/Time: Wednesday, August 13, 2025; 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

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