Criticism Emerges Over San Diego County’s DEI-Focused Fourth of July Celebration

San Diego County’s officials and its Democratic-led Board of Supervisors face backlash concerning the America 250 Fourth of July celebration. Originally pitched as a tribute to the Declaration of Independence, the event now includes DEI-focused sponsorship rules.

The celebration’s program will feature a tribal blessing, land acknowledgment, and community-story segments highlighting “historically underserved populations.” Bill Wells, the mayor of El Cajon, and other critics argue that America’s founding is marginalized in the event’s tentative plans. Scheduled for the San Diego-area waterfront, the event lacks funds for a complete setup. At least one sponsor has withdrawn due to DEI principles required for participation, according to county board materials and internal emails obtained by Fox News Digital.

“I have an alternative plan: 1. Acknowledge America and its greatness. 2. Celebrate with fireworks and the American National Anthem,” Wells stated on X, alongside the planned schedule, matching an internal county “run of show” accessed by Fox News Digital.

The event’s rundown shows a “Tribal Intimate blessing welcoming to land” shortly after guest arrival and sound check. This is followed by a “Welcoming and Land Acknowledgment” by the emcee, then a “Tribal Invocation,” the Black national anthem, the regular national anthem, and nearly two hours of community-story segments focusing on various local communities.

The event will also include music, food trucks, booths, and “cultural presentations,” before concluding with remarks, fireworks, and clean-up. David McIntosh, President of the conservative advocacy group Club for Growth, likened the schedule to the Democratic Socialists of America convention opening ceremony.

Jim Desmond, a Republican County Supervisor, previously introduced a proposal for a Fourth of July event aligned with the area’s “deep-rooted relationship to America’s defense and civic institutions.” Later, the Democratic-majority board amended the proposal, directing the county administrative officer to incorporate community engagement with tribal nations, immigrant communities, LGBT communities, and “historically underserved groups.” The amendments tied the celebration to county goals on “equity, inclusion, and racial justice.” Wells shared meeting minutes and explained that these amendments were offensive, given the use of taxpayer money.

Changes also required event donors and sponsors to adhere to DEI principles. This requirement led at least one sponsor to withdraw, according to internal emails. The sponsor’s pending $2,500 donation was canceled as they declined to align with DEI values. Additionally, emails revealed the event lacks thousands of dollars for stage, lighting, and sound setup.

Robby Starbuck, an anti-DEI activist, criticized the event’s focus on “underserved populations,” stating it essentially excluded White community members from the Fourth of July celebrations.

Fox News Digital reached out to San Diego County and its Department of Parks and Recreation for comment, but replies were not received.