The Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) is making headlines by urging the Trump administration to eliminate race from the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). The conservative group argues that the SVI is manipulated by local governments to allocate resources based solely on racial demographics, rather than addressing the overarching issues of poverty or need. This practice, which WILL labels as “DEI redlining,” raises significant concerns about fair resource distribution.
According to WILL, the current application of the SVI allows localities to prioritize funding for Black and Hispanic neighborhoods while neglecting predominantly White areas. In their letter to officials at the CDC and Health and Human Services, the group states, “In the name of ‘racial equity,’ local officials prioritize certain geographic areas for public safety, parks improvements, public swimming pool closures, broadband access, safe drinking water, and disaster assistance.” This assertion lays bare the contention that issues like community safety and infrastructure are now taking a back seat to demographics.
One glaring example cited by WILL is the Milwaukee County Parks Department. The department highlights on its website a commitment to reducing racial disparities in park investment, using the SVI as a guiding metric. In their letter, WILL argues that this creates a harmful precedent where parks in White neighborhoods are deprioritized. They assert that this practical application of the SVI leads to tangible consequences, such as the ongoing closure of a community swimming pool in a town with a 90% White population, which requires nearly $600,000 in repairs.
The letter points out that the affected pool, a local fixture since 1968, may face permanent closure due to its low ranking on the Parks Equity Index. “According to Milwaukee County, Hales Corners ranks 128 out of 153 parks in Milwaukee County,” they argue, suggesting that residents’ needs are being overlooked because of their racial makeup. This raises troubling questions about how race is leveraged in public policy and the life-and-death consequences it may have for community resources.
WILL’s criticisms are not without legal backing. The group references recent case law, including the Students for Fair Admission case, which has significant implications for affirmative action policies. These developments point to a growing movement to scrutinize and possibly dismantle race-based metrics that govern funding allocation and resource management across the country.
Moreover, the concern extends beyond Wisconsin. WILL also points to California’s Community Development Block Program, Connecticut’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, and Cook County’s broadband initiatives as other examples where the SVI is utilized to guide funding decisions based on racial composition. In doing so, they highlight a pattern of localities using the SVI to administer disaster resources, often sidelining White communities in favor of those deemed higher risk due to demographic factors.
This issue raises broader questions about fairness and equity in public spending. By framing funding decisions around race, the potential for discrimination against non-minority neighborhoods emerges, ultimately impacting residents’ access to essential services. The implications of such policies could reshape community development and support, potentially leading to increased division and resentment among various demographic groups.
As WILL continues to advocate for changes to the SVI, it underscores a pivotal moment in how race and equity are addressed in government initiatives. The push against “DEI redlining” may not only influence funding patterns but could also ignite a larger conversation about how communities confront inequality, prioritize resources, and create equitable standards for all residents, regardless of race.
"*" indicates required fields
