Faith leaders across Dallas took to City Hall demanding answers after the City paused some Diversity Equity and Inclusion, or DEI, programs under threat of federal funding cuts.
Dr. George Mason is the President of Faith Commons in Dallas. He says just because someone lives in a different zip code, they should not have to have a shorter life expectancy than someone who lives nearby.
"Those zip codes are only separated by 1.1 miles at the nearest point, something is deeply wrong in our city," Mason said.
A Dallas City Council member at the news conference said there has been no official vote. The city manager's office chose to pause the programs and will work to be in compliance with federal guidelines.
Regardless, Royal Lane Baptist Church Senior Pastor Victoria Powers says the city is under threat.
"This is political extortion. This is the abuse of power to coerce our city to betray its own moral commitments," Powers said. "It is unjust, it is unholy, and it will not go unanswered."
Many of the faith leaders spoke of the dangers of the funding cuts as well and hope the city can find a compromise where many of the programs can still exist using different language.
Over $300-million is at stake for the city to stay within Trump administration guidelines.