Gainesville mayor responds to proposed Florida DEI restrictions; ‘It puts us in a weird spot’

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward is responding to proposed state legislation that would restrict diversity, equity and inclusion programs in local governments, saying the city will comply with the law if it is enacted while continuing to represent the values of the community.

The measure, recently passed by the Florida Legislature, would prohibit local governments from funding or operating diversity, equity and inclusion offices or programs. The bill has not yet become law and must still be signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis before taking effect.

Ward said he is unsure why Gainesville is often referenced in conversations about DEI policies, noting the city does not operate many programs that would fall under the legal definition described in the legislation.

“We’ll defend it if somebody sues us, you know, that’s how it works,” Ward said. “It puts us in a weird spot because we are also here to represent the values of our community and we’ll find a way to keep representing the values of our community but we’re not going to break the law.”

Ward said the city’s actions largely involve recognizing national observances, such as Juneteenth, rather than operating formal DEI programs. He said city leaders are reviewing the legislation and waiting to see whether the governor signs it into law.

During the same interview, Ward also discussed a separate proposal that would shift control of Gainesville Regional Utilities away from the city.

RELATED: GRU Bill Takes Another Step Forward

That bill, also passed by the Legislature and awaiting the governor’s signature, would establish a state-appointed board to oversee the utility, removing governance authority from the Gainesville City Commission.

The proposal comes after Gainesville voters approved a referendum aimed at keeping GRU under city oversight. Ward said more than 39,000 residents voted in support of that measure.

Ward said he was personally disappointed with the Legislature’s decision and raised questions about whether the courts would uphold a retroactive change affecting local governance.

For now, he said GRU will continue operating as it currently does.

In a statement, Ed Bielarski said:

Ward also addressed the Alachua County School Board’s recent vote approving school rezoning changes affecting several elementary schools, including Stephen Foster and Williams.

RELATED: Alachua County School Board votes to move forward with rezoning plan, closing two elementary schools

He said the city is concerned about how the changes could impact families, as well as traffic patterns and pedestrian safety near schools.

Ward said city leaders plan to work with the community to better understand the impacts and determine how the city can respond as families adjust to the new school boundaries.

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