Questions still remain regarding Lexington's DEI position, initiatives
Two weeks after we submitted questions to the City of Lexington regarding a proposal submitted by Keep Evolving (KE) Consulting regarding the City’s DEI position and initiatives, questions still remain.
In our article on November 22, it was noted that KE recommended on November 14 that the “current DEI officer role be split into two functions: 1) DEI strategy; and 2) DEI-Community Engagement. The DEI-Community Engagement role and public relations function should be consolidated under the City’s existing Community Development.” Additionally, it was suggested the City hire a consultant, in the interim, to lead mandatory DEI training throughout the City and to implement workforce recruiting concepts. The council voted, unanimously, to proceed with hiring a consultant to begin implementation.
However, at the city council meeting on Monday, November 28, the decision was reversed. Councilor Garrett Holloway made a motion to dismiss their previous motion on the basis of them not hearing a plan from the City’s DEI Manager, Dr. Patricia Smyre. Holloway questioned why a consultant would be hired to implement training and hiring initiatives instead of Smyre. With the backing of additional councilors, he presented his case as to why Smyre should have an opportunity to present a plan regarding the next steps in the DEI strategic plan.
Prior to the discussion, City Manager Terra Greene presented to the council her report detailing her search for a DEI consultant. Greene stated she hadn’t had a lot of time to gather information due to the Thanksgiving holiday and asked for additional time to conduct more research. She did state a consultant would cost approximately $50,000.
The motion was overturned, unanimously. Smyre will present her plan at the city council meeting on Monday, December 12 at 6:00pm.
After the November 14 meeting, Davidson Local submitted the following questions to the City of Lexington. The answers are in bold lettering.
1) When was Keep Evolving hired? At its June 13 meeting, the Lexington City Council directed the City Attorney to engage Keep Evolving Consulting to provide services related to both a personnel matter and a DEI evaluation and recommendations to the incoming council for consideration. This is a services contract, and there was no RFP.
2) At what cost? Keep Evolving Consulting was paid $23,638.43 for its professional services related to the DEI evaluation.
3) How long was their evaluation of the initiatives? The consulting services were performed from June 13, 2022 through November 14, 2022.
As a result of these answers, additional questions arose and have been submitted to the City. They are: 1) Why was there no RFP for the DEI evaluation and 2) How was Keep Evolving Consulting chosen since there was no bid?
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to Davidson Local for more details as they become available.
