NEWS GLEAMS | Large Local Corporations in Seattle Area Abandon DEI Initiatives; 4 Shuttered CID Bus Stops to Reopen March 3

In a reversal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which were popularized following the 2020 death of George Floyd, a number of corporations nationwide have rolled back their DEI initiatives, including local heavyweights Amazon, Starbucks, and Boeing. On a national level, companies that have rolled back DEI efforts or changed language related to their DEI programs include Meta, Target, Disney, Google, Walmart, Coke, and Pepsi. Companies like PBS, the Smithsonian Institution, and Forbes have shuttered their DEI offices.

The rollback of their DEI initiatives is likely a response to President Donald Trump's executive order "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity," which was signed the day after he took office. It is primarily focused on the federal government and bans its departments from "promoting diversity" or "allowing or encouraging Federal contractors and subcontractors to engage in workforce balancing based on race, color, sex, sexual preference, religion, or national origin." It also bans any federal efforts that address "environmental justice," which is environmental work that aims to resolve systemic challenges that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.

The executive order does, however, have implications for private companies, nonprofits, and universities, because it calls for the heads of all government agencies to work with the Office of the Attorney General on identifying "the most egregious and discriminatory DEI practitioners in each sector of concern" as well as creating "a plan of specific steps or measures to deter DEI programs or principles." A subsequent memorandum issued by the Attorney General's Office on Feb. 5 reasserts that the federal government will seek potential "criminal investigations" for any parties that have a "use of DEI and DEIA programs or principles that constitute illegal discrimination or preferences."

The Seattle Times reported changes in language on the websites of Amazon, Starbucks, and K&L Gates, which is one of the largest law firms in Seattle. Starbucks renamed its "Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging" focus to "Belonging at Starbucks," while K&L Gates removed large sections of its website that were centered around diversity or pledging to incorporate diversity practices into hiring or promotions. 

Likewise, Amazon changed or eliminated sections of its website that uplifted minority communities or transgender individuals. During the company's annual report, filed on Feb. 7 of this year, it had removed a section focused on "inclusion and diversity" in its hiring practices, which was included in its previous annual report.

Boeing had already dismantled its global DEI department as of Nov. 1, 2024, just prior to Trump taking office.

In contrast to Trump's actions, former President Joe Biden had issued an executive order, "Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government," on his first day in office. It called for the federal government to "pursue a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality."

Costco has publicly defended its DEI efforts with the support of its shareholders.

In December, King County Metro closed four bus stops along South Jackson Street and 12th Avenue South in the Chinatown-International District's Little Saigon area, citing "safety concerns" and "frequent illegal activities." Affected routes included the 1, 7, 9, 14, 36, 60, and 106 bus lines, which have impacted riders traveling from downtown or Capitol Hill to numerous neighborhoods in South Seattle and Renton.

King County Metro has now announced that the bus lines will reopen on March 3.

The decision for the closures was originally made by King County Metro without the knowledge of the Seattle Police Department (SPD). In the two months since the closures, King County Metro has worked with SPD, the King County Sheriff's Office, and Metro Transit Police to monitor circumstances around the bus stops, in an effort to remove the number of individuals congregated around the bus stops who are not intending to ride buses.

According to the King County Metro blog, "Law enforcement conducted several targeted investigations and made necessary arrests for unlawful conduct to improve the conditions for transit operators, transit facilities employees and riders waiting for bus service."

King County Metro has stated that it will continue to monitor safety conditions in the area and encourage the public to report any safety concerns.

Notifications will be posted at or around bus stops to notify riders of bus updates and schedules. Up through March 3, a service advisories table will show alternate stop locations that riders can use until the four bus stops are back in service.

In 2024, Washington State was one of 12 states that participated in the first-year pilot program for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Direct File program, which has expanded to 25 states this year. The IRS Direct File program is a free tax filing service offered by the IRS.

The program is a good option for anyone who has lived in Washington State for the entirety of 2024, earned all of their income in Washington State, and aren't using the filing status "Married Filing Separately."

The office of Washington State Rep. Pramila Jayapal will be hosting a virtual Zoom webinar on the IRS Direct File program. IRS representatives will be present to answer questions related to the program.

The webinar will take place Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Space is limited to constituents of Washington's 7th Congressional District. RSVPs must be made via Zoom.

Direct any questions to the office of Representative Jayapal at 206-674-0040 or email Jayapal.Grants@Mail.House.gov.

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