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From the Director's Desk for April 11, 2025
Another hot topic in the news is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). So, I thought that we’d take a look at what this discussion may mean for Wetzel and Tyler Counties.
Recent state-level decisions in West Virginia have put DEI policies front and center. Governor Morrisey’s executive order and the passing of Senate Bill 474 are prompting questions in our local business and nonprofit communities: What does this mean for us? Do these changes affect how we work, hire, apply for grants, or serve our communities?
Here in Wetzel and Tyler Counties, where the population is over 97% white, DEI may not always look like it does in big cities or on college campuses, but that doesn’t mean the concept is irrelevant. In fact, it may be more important than ever to understand how we talk about inclusion, opportunity, and fairness, especially if we rely on public partnerships or outside funding.
What is DEI, Exactly?
Diversity means representation of different experiences—race, age, ability, background, and more.
Equity is about recognizing barriers and working to ensure everyone has fair access to opportunities.
Inclusion means making sure people feel welcomed, heard, and able to contribute.
In our counties, DEI has often looked like this:
Connecting low-income families to job training
Providing ramps or translation services at public events
Supporting women-owned or veteran-owned businesses
Offering scholarships or mentorships for local youth
What’s Changing with the Law?
Under the recent state policies:
Public institutions (like schools and state agencies) must remove formal DEI mandates or offices
Certain DEI training requirements are no longer allowed
Instruction or funding related to identity, race, or “critical theory” is being reexamined
Businesses and nonprofits are not banned from promoting inclusion. But if you work with state entities or apply for public grants, it’s wise to review how your programs are framed and ensure they align with state guidance.
How This May Affect You
If your organization or business:
Applies for grants from the state or federal government
Partners with public schools or colleges
Works with state-funded workforce or health programs
You may need to update your language and documentation. That doesn’t mean you stop doing good work. It just means we focus more on outcomes than buzzwords.
What We Can Do as a Community
Use Practical, Inclusive Language.
Swap out DEI-specific terms with clear, community-focused alternatives:
“Career access for young workers”
“Support for rural families”
“Inclusive customer service”
Focus on Local Needs
Programs that serve low-income households, people with disabilities, seniors, and young adults are all vital. These aren’t about “diversity” in a national sense—they’re about serving our neighbors.
Stay Grant-Ready and Compliant
If your nonprofit or small business seeks funding, review your mission statements, policies, and applications for any unnecessary DEI language. Focus on community benefit, not ideology.
Partner Smart
Regional collaborations—like chamber projects, school-community partnerships, or joint training programs—are still fundable and effective. You just need to document clear, measurable goals. (sources: governor.wv.gov; WV Metro News; WV Watch; wvva.com; AP News)
Final Thoughts from the Chamber
These statewide shifts mean the language and structure of programs are changing—but the mission remains the same: to build strong, thriving communities in Wetzel and Tyler Counties. Whether you’re a small business owner, school leader, or nonprofit director, the Wetzel-Tyler Chamber is here to help you adapt, apply, and grow.
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