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Battle in Bend: Conflict over the city's DEI program

Bend, Oregon
Pexels
Bend, Oregon

On this edition of Oregon On The Record, you'll hear from OPB's Emily Cureton Cook about her recent story detailing with racist and hateful comments at the City of Bend's Human Rights and Equity Commission meeting. You'll also hear from the city's Equity and Inclusion Director Andrés Portela III, who was there.

During an online public comment period, several individuals used their time to rail against DEI, and worse, make overtly racist, anti-Semitic, and anti-LGBTQ comments.

The City and the Human Rights Commission are now dealing with the fallout.

Michael Dunne is the host and producer for KLCC’s public affairs show, Oregon On The Record. In this role, Michael interviews experts from around Western and Central Oregon to dive deep into the issues that matter most to the station’s audience. Michael also hosts and produces KLCC’s leadership podcast – Oregon Rainmakers, and writes a business column for The Chronicle which serves Springfield and South Lane County.