Peach Tree Times

Video of a 2023 webinar held by The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has gone viral over a discussion about "disaster equity," raising concerns about the agency's priorities and ability to fulfill its mission in the wake of Hurricane Helene, which left a wake of destruction in portions of Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

The video shows a roundtable discussion titled “Helping LGBTQIA+ Survivors Before Disasters." In it, federal health and disaster officials covering a range of topics centered around the idea that marginalized groups are being shortchanged by disaster relief services—in this case, based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.  

"Welcome to FEMA’s Disaster Preparedness Meeting. Tyler Atkins (He/They) — we’re unsure if this is a Biological Male or Female. Regardless, Atkins goes on a rant about how LGBTQIA Individuals are already struggling, outside of the impact of Natural Disasters," Sam Mitha said in a post on X. "Apparently, The LGBTQIA Community is NOT being talked about enough, thus this conversation. This is a way to usher in more ‘Disaster Equity’ amidst these Storms. These Storms, just so everyone is aware, DO NOT discriminate who they negatively affect." 

"Incompetence & Delusion bolstered into Positions of Power. While these Clowns talk for HOURS about Diversity, Equity, & Including, people are SUFFERING. B*dies are piling up. Food & Supplies are dwindling. Now is GO TIME, not conversation time about Feelings," Mitha wrote. 

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell makes it clear in the FEMA Strategic Plan for 2022-2026 that “Diversity, equity and inclusion cannot be optional.” 

Among the goals listed in FEMA's plan are to "instill equity as a foundation for emergency management, lead whole of community in climate resilience and to promote and sustain a ready FEMA & prepared nation." 

FEMA released a document in 2023 titled "Equity in Disaster Relief" - Achieving Equitable Recovery: A Post Disaster Guide.

The document states 8 goals that are centered around building "equity" into the agency’s organizational and coordination structure in how to respond to disasters.  

The first seven goals focus on using equity to "define the agenda" and to "determine which segments of the community are underserved." But the eighth goal in the document is an explicitly stated aim to ensure "equitable" distribution of aid.

That goal speaks of ensuring “fair recovery outcomes” by “eliminating disparities” and developing mechanisms to “help focus resources where they are needed most.” 

Vice President Kamala Harris has defended the practice of distributing resources based on minority status as a necessary way to “fight for equity.” 

The viral video of FEMA's webinar comes amid increasing scrutiny of the organization in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. 

Fox News reporter Sara Carter spoke with residents of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, North Carolina and reported that, despite assurances from President Biden that flood victims were "getting everything they need" that the federal response has been underwhelming. 

FEMA is also facing backlash over Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas saying last week that FEMA, "does not have the funds to make it through the season." 

DHS this year diverted $640.9 million from Customs and Border Patrol to FEMA's Shelter and Services Program, which "provides financial support to non-federal entities to provide sheltering and related activities to noncitizen migrants following their release from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)," According to FEMA's website.

Mayorkas defended the actions of DHS and FEMA, citing that congress had approved the funds for FEMA to spend on immigration-related crises, not on hurricane aid, according to the New York Post.

In response to Mayorkas' justification of FEMA's spending on the border crisis, Texas Governor Greg Abbott posted on X, "This is easy. Mayorkas and FEMA — immediately stop spending money on illegal immigration resettlement and redirect those funds to areas hit by the hurricane. Put Americans first."