HUNTSVILLE– The City of Huntsville’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is undergoing a name change but will largely retain its current responsibilities.

On Thursday, the Huntsville City Council voted unanimously to rename the DEI office the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Prior to the DEI office’s creation in August of 2021, it was already known by its now current title.

According to the city, the Office of Multicultural Affairs will collaborate with local organizations to engage residents and promote community involvement. Additionally, it will manage the Civic Engagement Academy (CEA), an eight-week program educating residents about municipal government. The office will also oversee the Community Awareness for Youth (CAFY) and summer intern programs, host Jazz in the Park, and work with various councils. It serves on the Human Relations Commission, Interfaith Mission Council, and provides City employee training.

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle emphasized that the purpose of the office will continue to be pushing inclusivity.

“The mission hasn’t changed since we first established the Office of Multicultural Affairs in 2013 – to build an inclusive community and provide opportunities for everyone,” Battle said. “Four years ago, in response to community feedback, we renamed it to the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI). At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what we call it. What matters is that we are committed and true to our mission.”

Council Member Jennie Robinson cosponsored the renaming ordinance.

“We are an inclusive community that embraces many different cultures,” said Robinson. “The citizen engagement and a variety of events and activities highlighting different cultures offer more opportunities for our residents to get to know one another.

The vote to change the name of the office comes just weeks after the city announced a new DEI director.