Barnstable council narrowly approves resolve removing DEI references to preserve federal grant eligibility amid public frustration over development

The Barnstable Town Council on June 25 voted 9–1 to pass a resolve directing the town to remove diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) language from the town strategic plan, rescind an outdated affirmative action plan and rescind the town's minority/women business contracting requirements as they currently stand, and to direct the town manager to bring forward new proposals intended to preserve federal grant eligibility.

Town attorney Karenova told the council that the federal government is requiring grant recipients to certify that they do not operate programs that the federal government interprets as providing preferential treatment in ways that could violate federal anti‑discrimination law. She warned that the federal government has signaled it could use the False Claims Act to pursue civil or criminal liability where it believes a recipient made a false certification. “If the town cannot make the required certifications, it will not be eligible to receive federal grant funds,” she said, and described the proposed votes as a mitigation step to maintain eligibility while the town develops a revised small‑business contracting approach.

The resolve prompted a strongly worded objection from Councilor Bloodkey, who said the measure conflicted with long‑held civil‑rights commitments: “I would never vote for this,” he said, arguing the language undermines the town’s longstanding support for equal opportunity. Other councilors expressed the need to secure federal grant funding while preserving civil‑rights obligations; the motion passed 9–1.

The council also heard forceful public comment earlier in the meeting from longtime resident Mr. Schwab, who criticized the council for permitting demolition of historic structures — notably 307 Main Street — and for not intervening to protect wetlands. “You’re destroying our history,” he said, urging the council to act to preserve what remains of Hyannis’s character. Council responses acknowledged past zoning errors and noted that several downtown zoning amendments have been adopted with more under consideration.

The town manager and legal staff said the resolve does not eliminate equal‑opportunity obligations; rather, they framed it as a procedural step to satisfy evolving federal certification requirements while the town develops new contracting policies that meet both legal and equity goals. The town manager was directed to return with proposals for a small business contracting program and related language for council review.