As the Los Angeles wildfires continue to rage uncontrollably into their second day, discussions are intensifying around the city’s political push towards diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within its fire department. The LAFD, one of the largest fire departments in the nation, is at the center of this debate.
Scott Jennings, a prominent conservative commentator on CNN, sparked a heated exchange with Dem. Congresswoman Jamie Crockett, a member of the “Squad”. Jennings pointed out recent reports suggesting that the Los Angeles mayor aimed to appoint an entirely LGBTQ leadership team for the fire department. He recalled past news stories criticizing California’s firefighting workforce as being too dominated by white men and suggested there was a push to change that demographic makeup. During a live panel discussion, Jennings questioned whether DEI initiatives and budget cuts were taking precedence over essential firefighting capabilities, wondering aloud if residents cared about firefighters’ backgrounds when their homes were burning.
Conservative voices have specifically targeted L.A. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, who identifies as lesbian, along with Mayor Karen Bass. Critics argue that these leaders prioritize DEI policies over effective fire prevention strategies amidst devastating wildfires that have claimed five lives and destroyed over 2,000 structures in Los Angeles County. Megyn Kelly joined Jennings in criticizing the LAFD’s focus on diversity during her show Wednesday. She expressed disbelief that diversity appeared to be prioritized over ensuring operational readiness like filling fire hydrants with water—a critical issue highlighted by local news reports where firefighters encountered dry hydrants. Kelly’s frustration was palpable as she questioned whether personal attributes such as sexual orientation should overshadow core competencies like fighting fires and maintaining basic firefighting infrastructure.
Crockett dismissed criticisms of DEI at LAFD as distractions from more pressing issues. She emphasized that focusing on qualifications rather than demographics has always been at the heart of DEI efforts—encouraging broader opportunities beyond just white males. Crockett highlighted an article stating Black women are currently among America’s most educated demographics to underscore her point about opening doors based on merit rather than ethnicity or gender alone.