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Greenbelt council adopts diversity, equity and inclusion resolution after heated debate
Summary
The Greenbelt City Council adopted a resolution reaffirming its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) after more than an hour of debate and public comment. The measure passed with one no vote and one abstention.
The Greenbelt City Council on second reading adopted a resolution reaffirming the city’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, a measure its sponsor said was intended to make a stronger public statement about the city’s values.
Councilmember Nita Pompey introduced Resolution No. 2,118, which states the city “proclaims our continuing commitment to promote a municipal work environment, city government, and community that reflects diversity, equity, [and] inclusion.” The resolution passed on a roll-call vote: Niessell, McKinney, Pompey, Pope and Weaver voted yes; Roberts voted no; Mayor Jordan recorded an abstention.
Supporters said the resolution was a clear affirmation of the city’s longstanding commitments. “When faced with potential injustice, I feel that we on this dais are supporting our residents by being loud and proud about our inclusionary efforts,” Councilmember Niessell said during debate.
Opponents and skeptics raised concerns about implementation and practice. Councilmember Roberts said he opposed the measure because, in his view, the city lacks “real DEI” and he said some employees and appointees have been treated unfairly; council leadership repeatedly said personnel concerns must be handled through the city manager or in closed session under council rules. Mayor Jordan said she would abstain, citing a concern for the city’s institutional interests and potential reprisals outside city control.
Public commenters spoke both for and against the resolution. Michael Hartman, calling in from online, urged the council to include protections against bias toward apartment dwellers and said the council should “be loud and proud” in support of affected residents. Another speaker invoked historical warnings about failing to speak up for vulnerable groups.
The council returned the resolution to the public record and took the vote after an extended round of remarks. The standing rules (Section 6.2(b)) were cited during debate when council leadership warned members not to raise alleged personnel matters in public.
The resolution takes effect immediately. It is a policy statement and does not itself create new staff procedures or funding; council members and staff said implementation and operational follow-up would be addressed separately where appropriate.
The meeting adjourned to a closed session later in the evening to consult with counsel on an annexation legal matter; council said it would not return to open session after the closed session.
