Asheville and Buncombe County Defend DEI Policies Against GOP Allegations

Officials rebut claims that diversity initiatives unfairly favor Black residents, sparking heated debate in the state legislature.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Officials from Asheville and Buncombe County in North Carolina traveled to the state capital to refute allegations that their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies are racially biased and unfairly allocate resources based on race. The county chairwoman stated there have been no instances of race-based criteria being used in hiring, contracts or revenue allocation. However, Republican legislators remained skeptical, with one committee member telling the officials to "confess your faults." The debate centered around the city's Community Reparations Commission, which found disparities between Black and white residents in areas like education, health, and homeownership.

Why it matters

This controversy highlights the ongoing debate over DEI initiatives in government, with Republicans seeking to dismantle such programs while Democrats argue they are necessary to address longstanding racial inequities. The clash in North Carolina reflects a broader national battle over the role of race-conscious policies in public institutions.

The details

Buncombe County Chairwoman Amanda Edwards defended the county's Racial Equity Action Plan, stating it is used to ensure information reaches underserved communities, including public housing with a growing white population and rural areas. However, Republican legislators remained skeptical, with one asking the officials to "confess your faults." The debate centered around Asheville's Community Reparations Commission, which found disparities between Black and white residents in areas like education, health, and homeownership. Republicans criticized the commission's recommendations, with one legislator warning they may have to "revisit the issue 'when the payments start flowing out.'"

  • On Wednesday, officials from Asheville and Buncombe County traveled to the Legislative Building in Raleigh to respond to allegations.
  • In January, Asheville lawyer and unsuccessful Republican legislative candidate Ruth Smith told a House committee that the city and county were using 'equity' to allocate resources based on race.

The players

Amanda Edwards

Buncombe County Chairwoman who defended the county's Racial Equity Action Plan.

Esther Manheimer

Asheville Mayor who discussed the findings of the city's Community Reparations Commission.

Brad Branham

Asheville City Attorney who stated the reparations recommendations were aimed at community investment policies, not providing individuals money.

Ruth Smith

Asheville lawyer and unsuccessful Republican legislative candidate who alleged the city and county were using 'equity' to allocate resources based on race.

Josh Stein

Democratic Governor of North Carolina who vetoed a bill banning DEI initiatives in state and local government.

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What they’re saying

“We are here to correct the record and any misinterpretations.”

— Amanda Edwards, Buncombe County Chairwoman (NC Newsline)

“Go ahead and confess your faults.”

— Brian Echevarria, Republican Representative from Cabarrus County (NC Newsline)

“The moment you inject equity, you lose equality, because equity is going to give you the outcome that is desired by whatever group is setting the equity tolerance.”

— Keith Kidwell, Republican Representative and Committee Co-Chairman from Beaufort County (NC Newsline)

“How can we get it to be that infant mortality isn't so different by race across the state? Because that reflects poorly on us, and it is not getting better.”

— Phil Rubin, Democratic Representative from Wake County (NC Newsline)

What’s next

The legislature may still override Governor Stein's veto of the bill banning DEI initiatives in state and local government, though the outcome remains uncertain.

The takeaway

This debate in North Carolina reflects the broader national battle over the role of race-conscious policies in public institutions, with Republicans seeking to dismantle DEI programs and Democrats arguing they are necessary to address longstanding racial inequities. The clash highlights the deep divisions on these issues and the challenges in finding common ground.