Sen. Bernie Moreno Challenges Cincinnati’s DEI-Focused Ordinance

Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio is pressing Cincinnati’s mayor for clarity on a newly enacted city ordinance. The ordinance reorganizes procurement under a Department of Economic Inclusion and Procurement, raising concerns about taxpayer funding for expanded DEI bureaucracy.

Moreno expressed opposition to the initiative, stating, “Taxpayers should not fund woke DEI policies or initiatives.” In his letter to Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, Moreno asserted, “Cincinnati’s taxpayers deserve a government that rewards competence and merit, not politically driven quotas based on race or ethnicity.”

The ordinance, approved by the City Council in June, aims to streamline the contracting process while maintaining its focus on DEI. City documents indicate that the restructuring seeks efficiency without reducing the focus on inclusion.

Moreno’s letter, also addressed to the Justice Department, arrives amid efforts by the Trump administration to curtail DEI programs. He argues that the ordinance disregards guidance from the Justice Department warning against “unlawful discrimination.”

President Trump, since returning to office, has emphasized eliminating DEI initiatives, including the signing of executive orders to terminate DEI programs. Moreno noted, “The days of choosing public contract winners based on excellence are back,” urging the City of Cincinnati to manage public funds responsibly.

The city insists on incorporating DEI into its contracting process. Moreno highlighted the city’s stance, quoting, “The goal of this restructuring is not to reduce the city’s focus on inclusion. Instead, it is intended to strengthen it.”

Ohioans, according to Moreno, deserve transparency in the allocation of taxpayer dollars based on merit rather than race or ethnicity.

Moreno requested the mayor to provide details on federal funding received during fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026, as well as the projected costs of the ordinance. He called for an outline of how the new department will review applications and award contracts.

He also asked for information on Cincinnati’s compliance with Justice Department guidance and recent law enforcement staffing data, emphasizing that the city should focus on its $30 million budget deficit and public safety concerns.

“The adoption of the Ordinance misallocates resources amid a surge in crime,” Moreno stated. “Public funds should be redirected to protect residents and restore order to Ohio’s streets.”

Fox News Digital contacted Mayor Pureval’s office for comments. Reporter Andrew Mark Miller covers this story and is available for tips via email and Twitter.