July 4th celebration in San Diego sparks controversy with DEI-focused planning

San Diego County’s July 4 celebration for America’s 250th anniversary, organized around DEI principles, has drawn backlash from Republican officials and critics.

Scraper SystemJuly 02, 2026, 10:36 AM

July 4th celebration in San Diego sparks controversy with DEI-focused planning

The Democrat-majority Board of Supervisors in San Diego County reshaped the July 4th celebration planned for America's 250th anniversary with sponsorship rules focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The event, proposed as a tribute to the Declaration of Independence, centered on community story segments focusing on 'historically underserved populations.'

El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells and other critics pointed out that America’s founding had been sidelined in the event's tentative plans. Wells shared the program on X, which matched the internal event flow obtained by Fox News Digital, and proposed an alternative plan: 'Recognize America and its greatness. Celebrate with fireworks and the American National Anthem.'

What’s on the program?

According to the event flow obtained, the program begins with a 'Tribal Blessing and Welcome to the Land' segment after guest arrival and sound check. Following the host's 'Welcome and Land Acknowledgment' speech, the 'Tribal Prayer,' the black national anthem, and the regular national anthem take place. The program continues for about two hours with community story segments focusing on local tribal, Latino, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, LGBT, and Black communities.

David McIntosh, president of the conservative political advocacy group Club for Growth, mocked the program, stating: 'San Diego’s official government July 4 program reads like the opening ceremony for a Democratic Socialists of America convention.'

Amendment process on the board

Republican Board of Supervisors member Jim Desmond had introduced an agenda item in February to organize a July 4 event commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, citing the county's deep ties to national defense and civilian institutions. However, the board, with a 3-2 Democratic majority, introduced and passed an amendment weeks later. The amendment directed the chief administrative officer to coordinate with the Office of Equity and Racial Justice and the Tribal Liaison to ensure community engagement encompassing tribal nations, immigrant communities, LGBT communities, and other 'historically underserved groups.'

Sponsor withdrew due to DEI requirement

Among the amendments was a requirement that event donors and sponsors commit to supporting the administration's DEI principles. This led to at least one sponsor pulling out. Emails showed the sponsor's $2,500 donation did not proceed after the donor refused to fill out a form requiring alignment with the administration's values on supporting DEI and immigrant communities. In the same emails, staff also indicated the event lacked thousands of dollars needed for a full stage, lighting, and sound setup.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Mayor Wells said: 'This Independence Day in particular is about celebrating and honoring America. What San Diego County has created ignores that, preferring the feeling and grievance that our country is not great or worthy of pride. It’s disturbing, especially in light of the fact that they’re using taxpayer money to do it.'

Anti-DEI activist Robby Starbuck reacted to the event’s planned program and its 'equity' focus on 'underserved populations,' claiming: 'Democrats are essentially excluding white community members from the 4th of July.'

July 4th celebration in San Diego sparks controversy with DEI-focused planning

San Diego County’s July 4 celebration for America’s 250th anniversary, organized around DEI principles, has drawn backlash from Republican officials and critics.