Rancho Cucamonga’s HealthyRC Initiative

Mayor Dennis Michael and Councilmembers: Ryan Hutchison, Kristine Scott, Lynne Kennedy and Ashley Stickler have voted to make HealthyRC central to implementing social justice and climate justice

The city of Rancho Cucamonga, California, through its HealthyRC initiative, aims to promote multiculturalism, capacity-building, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - Promoted by the Paris Climate Agreement* - by addressing health disparities and fostering community engagement. Modeled on Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" initiative, HealthyRC focuses on addressing health disparities in underserved communities, by encouraging physical activity, healthy eating, and community involvement. However, the initiatives ulterior agenda, and broader effort, aligns with SDGs:

• Goal 3: good health and well-being. This means government control of where we are allowed to live and what to eat.

• Goal 10 & 11: reduced inequalities and sustainable communities. The means redistributing wealth from one class of people through increased taxes and fees, to government protected classes to provide “equity”, and changing suburban cities to dense urban areas.

These goals are antithetical to the Constitution because they are collectivist in origin.

The collectivist, philosophical and political origins of these efforts, particularly their ties to Marxist thought and Critical Race Theory (CRT), remain contentious. While some view DEI initiatives as essential for achieving equity and justice, others criticize them for perpetuating victimization in underserved communities and undermining traditional merit-based systems.

Multiculturalism and Capacity-Building

Multiculturalism, as a concept, emphasizes the coexistence and mutual respect of diverse cultural groups within a society. Its origins can be traced to various philosophical and political traditions, including Marxist thought, which critiques systemic inequalities (systemic racism and white privilege) and advocates for the empowerment of marginalized minority groups. Marxist theory emphasizes the role of social structures in perpetuating inequality and calls for collective action to challenge these structures. In this context, multiculturalism and community organizing are seen as tools for increasing political power, called capacity-building, among minorities and youth groups, enabling them to advocate for systemic change.

Nonprofit organizations like Black Lives Matter, La Raza, and the NAACP have embraced these principles, using community organizing and capacity-building strategies to address racial and social injustices. These groups often work with other nonprofits and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to mobilize communities, advocate for policy changes, and promote equity through Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI).

Critique of DEI and Let's Move

Critics of DEI initiatives, such as "Let's Move," argue that they promote critical race theory (CRT) and emphasize victimization in disadvantaged communities. CRT examines how systemic racism is embedded in legal and social structures, and some critics claim that this focus can lead to increased mental health issues and low self-esteem by framing individuals as perpetual victims of systemic oppression. They argue that this narrative undermines personal agency and resilience.

Additionally, DEI policies, including affirmative action, have been criticized for prioritizing demographic characteristics over merit-based hiring practices. Critics argue that such policies can lead to reverse discrimination and overlook qualified candidates, ultimately reinforcing a sense of victimhood rather than empowering minority individuals.

Shifting Public Opinion*

During the Trump administrations first term, there was a notable pushback against DEI initiatives and programs like "Let's Move." Critics argued that these programs were overly focused on identity politics and failed to address root causes of inequality. By 2025, as public opinion continues to shift, initiatives rooted in DEI principles may face declining support, particularly among those who favor merit-based approaches and individual accountability over systemic interventions.

Rancho Cucamonga City Manager’s Office

The City Manager's Office (CMO) oversees the administration of HealthyRC, which includes reinforcement efforts: Outcome based Quality of Life and Community Engagement surveys; Capacity-building for Healthy RC Youth Leaders and Community Champions; Public Art for multicultural identity and Climate Action SDGs.

Page 97 of the 2024/25 city budget states, “The CMO plays a pivotal role in implementing the City Council’s policy objectives and managing a diverse range of multi-departmental programs and initiatives that enhance the community’s quality of life. These programs include occasional capital improvement projects and grant management, the

1. Community Affairs/Advancement Network (CAN)

2. Healthy RC initiative

3. Public Art and Placemaking Program

4. Legislative Advocacy Program

The Community Advancement Network, Public Art and Placemaking Program, and Legislative Advocacy Program are vital for advancing the SDGs and principles of DEI. These programs aim to create sustainable, inclusive communities by addressing systemic inequities, fostering cultural expression (identity politics), and advocating for policies that promote (woke), social and environmental “climate change” justice.

Pushback

These programs face significant challenges in the current political and legal climate, particularly following the Supreme Court's Harvard decision and the conservative backlash against "woke" policies. Corporations, universities, and jurisdictions are increasingly canceling or scaling back these initiatives to avoid litigation, political pressure, or financial losses. This trend highlights the ongoing tension between progressive sustainability and DEI efforts and the legal and cultural pushback they face.

1. Community Advancement Network (CAN)

• Purpose: CAN focuses on fostering sustainable communities by addressing systemic inequities, promoting economic development, and ensuring access to resources for marginalized groups. It aligns with SDGs such as SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

• DEI Connection: CAN emphasizes equitable access to opportunities, resources, and services, particularly for historically underserved populations.

• Potential Pushback: Critics may argue that CAN's focus on equity and inclusion violates the Civil Rights Act by prioritizing certain groups over others, especially in light of the Supreme Court's Harvard decision, which deemed affirmative action unconstitutional. Local citizens might challenge CAN initiatives as reverse discrimination or unfair allocation of resources.

2. Public Art and Placemaking Program

• Purpose: This program uses public art and community-driven design to create inclusive, culturally rich public spaces. It supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by fostering community engagement and cultural expression.

• DEI Connection: The program often highlights the histories and contributions of marginalized communities (tribalism), promoting diversity and inclusion through art and placemaking.

• Potential Pushback: A growing number of citizens oppose the program's focus on DEI, arguing that it excludes or marginalizes other cultural narratives. Litigation could arise if public funds are perceived as being used to favor specific groups, potentially violating the Civil Rights Act.

3. Legislative Advocacy Program

• Purpose: This program advocates for policies that advance sustainability, equity, and inclusion, aligning with multiple SDGs, including SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

• DEI Connection: The program pushes for legislation that addresses systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities, such as housing discrimination, environmental racism, and unequal access to education.

Opponents may argue that such advocacy creates preferential treatment for certain groups, violating the Civil Rights Act. The Supreme Court's Harvard decision could embolden legal challenges against DEI-focused policies, framing them as unconstitutional or discriminatory.

Supreme Court's Harvard Decision and Its Impact on DEI

The Supreme Court's decision to deem affirmative action illegal in college admissions has broader implications for DEI and sustainability programs. Critics may argue that these programs similarly prioritize certain groups over others, leading to potential litigation under the Civil Rights Act. This decision has already influenced corporations, universities, and jurisdictions to reevaluate or cancel their DEI and sustainability initiatives.

Corporations, Businesses, Universities, and Jurisdictions Canceling DEI and Sustainability Programs

Several entities have scaled back or canceled their DEI and sustainability programs due to legal, political, or financial pressures:

1. Corporations and Businesses:

   • Tesla: Elon Musk has criticized DEI initiatives, calling them "divisive" and "unfair."

   • Starbucks: Faced backlash for its DEI training programs, leading to a more cautious approach.

   • Google: Reduced funding for some DEI programs amid internal and external criticism.

   • Disney: Faced political pressure in Florida, leading to a reevaluation of its DEI and sustainability initiatives.

2. Universities:

   • University of North Carolina (UNC): Scaled back affirmative action programs following the Supreme Court decision.

   • Harvard University: Adjusted its admissions policies to comply with the ruling, potentially impacting broader DEI efforts.

3. Jurisdictions:

   • Florida: Under Governor Ron DeSantis, the state has banned DEI programs in public institutions, citing violations of the Civil Rights Act.

   • Texas: Several state universities have canceled DEI initiatives due to political pressure and legal concerns.

Corporations Canceling "Woke" Policies Due to "Go Woke, Go Broke" Campaign

The conservative campaign "Go Woke, Go Broke" has pressured companies to abandon progressive policies. Specific examples include:

1. Bud Light: Faced significant backlash and boycotts after partnering with a transgender influencer, leading to a decline in sales and a reevaluation of its marketing strategies.

2. Target: Removed some LGBTQ+ merchandise from stores after conservative pushback and threats to employees.

3. Kellogg's: Faced criticism for its DEI initiatives and has since scaled back public commitments to such programs.

4. Nike: While still committed to DEI, Nike has faced boycotts and criticism from conservative groups, impacting its brand image.

Resident Activism

Residents in Rancho Cucamonga should strive to cancel the HealthyRC Initiative, including, but not limited to: all Outcome based Quality of Life and Community Engagement surveys; Capacity-building Healthy RC Youth Leaders and Community Champions; Public Art for multicultural identity and Climate Action. Further, cancel involvement with the Community Affairs/Advancement Network (CAN), Public Art & Placemaking and the Legislative Advocacy Program.

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*The Paris Agreement and DEI Training in the Federal Government

In January 2025, President Trump removed the Paris Climate Agreement from all agencies and departments of the Federal Government.

In September 2020, President Trump issued Executive Order 13950, which sought to restrict federal agencies, contractors, and grant recipients from conducting diversity training that addressed concepts like systemic racism and white privilege. Critics argued that this order undermined DEI efforts in government agencies, nonprofits, and NGOs. On January 21, 2025, President Trump issued an additional E.O. titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,” which, among other things, revokes numerous DEI-related executive orders issued by previous Administrations