Los Angeles City Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley participated in a ceremony to honor the 239 police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty at LAPD Headquarters on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 in Los Angeles, CA. Credit – Irfan Khan—Los Angeles Times/Getty Images
Elon Musk, conservative journalists, commentators, and many social media users are attributing the L.A. fires to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts without providing any evidence to support their claims. Instead of focusing on fire suppression and disaster recovery, critics of DEI are using this moment to push an agenda that aims to divide Americans. As a resident of Los Angeles, I believe it is crucial to combat misinformation about DEI, especially during this time.
Scientists have shown that the Santa Ana winds and dry conditions are primarily responsible for the fires’ destruction. Instead of addressing the connection between the fires and climate change, conservatives are pointing fingers at individuals who contribute to the diversity of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
For example, Karen Bass, the city’s first female and second Black mayor, has been wrongly accused of cutting the fire department’s budget by 17%. The inaccurate claim circulating on Fox News and social media suggests that Bass and LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley diverted funds from the budget to DEI initiatives. In reality, while Mayor Bass initially proposed a 2.7% reduction in LAFD spending in her 2024-25 budget, the department’s operating budget ultimately increased by 7% after the City Council approved additional funds for firefighter salaries and equipment.
Unsubstantiated assumptions are also being made about Crowley prioritizing DEI over essential firefighting tasks. Conservative host Megyn Kelly, for instance, criticized Crowley for emphasizing her identity as a gay woman in her bio, claiming that it detracts from her responsibilities. However, Crowley’s focus has consistently been on emergency response, firefighter well-being, and creating a positive work environment, as highlighted in a CBS Evening News interview.
Despite claims from critics like actor James Woods that Crowley’s DEI efforts detract from crucial tasks like managing the city’s water reservoirs, it is important to recognize that she has successfully balanced multiple priorities. Crowley, who made history as the first woman and openly queer person to lead the LAFD, has been commended for her dedication to equity and human resources within the department.
It is essential to consider the chief’s accomplishments and experience in serving the LAFD for decades before making assumptions about her leadership priorities.
The leader of the fire department, who progressed through the ranks from spector to chief deputy, has been accused of prioritizing “wokeness” over public safety. Allegations suggest a significant shift away from emphasizing the core mission of ensuring public safety in favor of what critics describe as the pursuit of “DEI” – diversity, equity, and inclusion. This perceived focus on DEI has sparked a wave of criticism, with individuals in leadership roles facing unwarranted scrutiny and criticism.
The pattern of attacking individuals based on their involvement in DEI efforts is evident in cases such as that of Kamala Harris, a former Attorney General and the first female Vice President of the United States. Despite her extensive experience in law enforcement and public service, Harris has been reduced to being labeled a “DEI hire.” Similarly, when faced with a crisis like the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Brandon Scott, the Mayor of Baltimore, was branded as the “DEI Mayor.” This trend extends to other accomplished professionals like Bass and Crowley, who find themselves unjustly labeled as DEI hires, facing unwarranted skepticism regarding their qualifications and abilities.
The insidious nature of the DEI-hire label lies in its underlying assumptions – that individuals were appointed based solely on their race and gender, that their focus is solely on DEI initiatives to the detriment of other responsibilities, and that they lack the necessary skills to lead effectively, particularly in times of crisis. These assumptions are not only unfounded but also perpetuate racist, sexist, and homophobic stereotypes, unfairly targeting women, people of color, and LGBTQ leaders.
Critics have gone so far as to suggest that the prioritization of DEI initiatives over emergency response efforts has dire consequences. Elon Musk, a prominent figure, went on record claiming that DEI efforts lead to loss of life and property, stating, “DEI means people DIE.” Such assertions not only misrepresent the core values and priorities of organizations like the LAFD but also spread baseless fear and misinformation. Using tragic events like the devastating fires in Los Angeles to further an anti-DEI agenda is deemed opportunistic, divisive, and ultimately harmful to the community affected by such disasters.
Fire departments across America, including the LAFD, are characterized by their unwavering commitment to responding swiftly and effectively to emergencies, prioritizing the safety and well-being of their communities above all else. Accusations that suggest otherwise not only undermine the dedication and sacrifices of firefighters but also detract from the crucial issues impacting residents affected by crises like wildfires.
It is essential to uphold journalistic ethics and standards when addressing complex and sensitive issues such as these. By critically examining the motives and implications of such accusations, we can foster a more informed and respectful dialogue that centers on the core values of public safety, inclusivity, and effective leadership.
