Analysis: FEMA is more focused on "equity and diversity" than saving hurricane victims

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Biden-Harris Administration is taking heavy criticism after the marching orders handed down to the Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) agency by the White House. Further, Americans are outraged as the death toll from Hurricane Helene increases daily.

The criticism has come from what can objectively be termed the politicization of what should be an agency that was created to address emergencies. In the 2022–2026 FEMA Strategic Plan, the agency's goals rather than referring to Hurricane Response, Wildfire Control or something resembling actual emergency management refers instead to two of its three goals: "Goal 1: Instill Equity as a Foundation of Emergency Management;" and "Goal 2: Lead Whole of Community in Climate Resilience."  

To "Instill Equity," FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell writes the agency "must instill equity as a foundation of emergency management. Systems that foster inequality serve no one, especially in times of crisis. We must recognize that disasters affect individuals and communities differently, commit ourselves to reducing barriers to access, and deliver equitable outcomes for all whom we serve."

According to the plan, "Diversity, equity, and inclusion cannot be optional." 

"This requires that FEMA’s leadership and workforce demonstrate an increased commitment to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion in delivering the agency’s mission. FEMA must draw upon its staff’s diversity and range of experiences to consistently inform programming, policy, and decision-making," the plan prescribes. "Through investment in diversity and inclusion efforts – including Employee Resource Groups and multicultural training – FEMA can increase its employees’ involvement and participation in cultivating a culture of inclusion."

On so-called "Climate Resilience," she adds a doctrinal requirement for her department saying,"We must recognize that we are facing a climate crisis and educate ourselves and the nation about the impacts our changing climate pose to the field of emergency management." This means that despite the national disagreement on the climate, the agency has to operate from the position that humanity is responsible for climate change.

As reported by Fox Weather, the death toll from Hurricane Helene is up to 160 people, and as of October 1st, the city of Asheville, NC was still only accessible by air or mule per the Associated Press. Documentarian Robby Starbuck wrote in outrage to X, "I’m sure people who’ve lost loved ones, lost their homes and now see their town underwater feel really great knowing that FEMA’s #1 goal is to be woke. Everything about their terrible response makes sense now. What an embarrassment."
 

I’m sure people who’ve lost loved ones, lost their homes and now see their town underwater feel really great knowing that FEMA’s #1 goal is to be woke. Everything about their terrible response makes sense now. What an embarrassment. pic.twitter.com/ghwe0Cx2Tu

— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) September 30, 2024

In the text of the plan, FEMA outlines that "Executive Order 13985 (Jan. 20, 2021) defines equity as 'the consistent and systematic fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied such treatment, such as Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.'"

It also notes, “underserved communities refers to populations sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life.”

It then goes on to state without citing evidence, "Underserved communities, as well as specific identity groups, often suffer disproportionately from disasters," with the mandate, "By instilling equity as a foundation of emergency management and striving to meet the unique needs of underserved communities, the emergency management community can work to break this cycle."

Effectively, this states that these communities and groups must be prioritized over others. FEMA under this doctrine would effectively set resource priority by race, sexual preference, gender, and socioeconomic status, rather than need.

Speaking with Fox News, author and scientist Robert Malone, M.D., wrote, "Our government is broken. I heartily disagree – the first priority of FEMA should be emergency response management."