INDIAN TRAIL, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Todd Barber tried to follow the actions of many corporations and government agencies by ending their diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
But the Indian Trail Town Council member was instead met with plenty of pushback Tuesday night. In fact, others on the board suggested he wasn’t even familiar with the town’s policies on the topic.
“Just to make a motion without any discussion is very offensive to me,” said an emotional Councilman Clarence Alsobrooks, the lone African-American on the board.
Officials explained that the town requires all staff and council members to take a 20-minute DEI training required by the N.C. League of Municipalities; they must do the same on sexual harassment.
Other members shared their feelings on what was called “common sense” training.
“I did the training, it didn’t take very long,” said Councilwoman Crystal Buchaluk. “I think most was common sense. What negative did you feel you saw in it?”
To which Barber responded: “It’s not something I think we should require people to do.”
A Union County commissioner explained earlier in the meeting how they have ended their DEI policy. President Donald Trump signed an executive order last week for all DEI programs in the federal government to end.
But Mayor David Cohn noted the training didn’t just deal with racial topics, but also the elderly, people with disabilities and more.
Barber had not completed any of the training. He eventually changed his motion to instruct town staff to alert the council if any changes are made to the training, and a decision can then be made on whether to keep it.
“I’m taking a cautious approach,” he said.
Councilman Dennis Gay suggested that Barber take the training before a decision was made, even on the amended proposal.
“I think he should at least table this and go through training that we’re all required to do and then come back with sort of motion,” said Gay.
But the new version passed 4-1, with Gay opposing.
Alsobrooks gave his kudos.
“In the realm of politics, well done in presenting the motion in the way it was presented,” he told Barber. “I had situation where I (worked for bosses who said) never hire female to never hire female for maintenance or as a superintendent. We have to be sensitive in the things that we say and things that we do. That type of training is very appropriate.”
