North County Transit District Curtails DEI Language Amid Federal Funding Concerns
CARLSBAD, CA – The North County Transit District (NCTD) has revised its policies to remove specific language related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), a move officials say was necessary to protect approximately $62 million in federal funding. The decision, made following a federal directive scrutinizing DEI initiatives, has drawn criticism from board members and the public despite assurances from transit officials that the district’s core values remain unchanged.
The NCTD board voted to scale back the DEI language in October,responding to concerns raised about potential violations of what some consider “unconstitutional DEI principles,” as highlighted in a recent social media post (src%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1973386129320665329%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnbc.com%2F2025%2F10%2F01%2Ftrump-new-york-funding-infrastructure-vought.html). The district relies on $52 million in noncompetitive federal grants and a further $10 million competitive grant slated for 2026.
Specifically,the NCTD removed a section of its policy that committed the district to environmental justice,which officials traced back to a Clinton-era executive order. The removed policy stated: “Environmental justice at NCTD includes incorporating environmental justice and nondiscrimination principles into transportation planning and decision-making processes. Environmental justice requires equitably providing to all residents,nonetheless of age,race,color,national origin,income,or physical agility,opportunities to work,shop,study,be healthy,and play.”
The district also amended its disadvantaged buisness enterprise program, adding a line stating the program “operates in a nondiscriminatory manner and without regard to race or sex, while maximizing efficiency of service.”
While several board members voiced opposition to the changes, officials emphasized the necessity of compliance with federal guidelines. “Although I’m horrified that we’re doing this, I feel like we have no choice,” said jill MacDonald, Solana Beach councilmember and board alternate. “Perhaps at a later date we’ll be able to come back with clarifying language that will make us happier than the action we’re going to take today.”
Lori Winfree, the district’s deputy chief executive officer, reassured the public that the removal of the language doesn’t signify a shift in the NCTD’s priorities. “Just because you don’t see this language … doesn’t meen that these things aren’t being considered as part of our processes,” she stated.
The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) also recently ended its commitment to enforcing contracts related to the disadvantaged business enterprise program, following the same federal order, as reported by Times of San Diego.
The NCTD’s decision reflects a broader trend of public agencies reassessing DEI initiatives in response to increased federal scrutiny and potential funding implications. The district maintains it remains committed to equitable service, even as it navigates evolving federal regulations.
content Type: News – Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.