Diversity, inclusion go off the rails at MC Attorney’s Office

Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel has new mission

In an office whose duty is prosecution of criminals, Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel has, instead, hopped onboard the inclusivity and diversity bandwagon, signing a “unity pledge.”

Recently, the appointed county attorney bizarrely dismissed the charges against the anti-police rioters marauding in downtown Phoenix, issuing this statement:

“It is the decision of this office that it is in the interests of justice to not proceed.”  She concluded her statement with these words: “I believe that just because we can legally pursue charges does not always mean that we should. It is not an easy decision to step away from a case when we believe crimes were committed, but in this case, it is the right thing to do.”

This absurd action emboldening criminality is why she needs to be challenged by someone who understands the difference between a social worker mentality and doing the job of prosecuting criminals and keeping the county safe for law abiding residents. 

Instead there is a new focus. An interoffice email from the MCAO Diversity Committee lavished praise on President Biden for making history by signing a law recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. 

“Hello MCAO Community, the DEI Committee is going to start sending out a “Spotlight on Diversity” email at the beginning of each month.  Starting with July, we will spotlight an MCAO employee, sharing the diversity and value they bring to our office.  If you or someone you know would be a great spotlight, please let us know!”

The email also noted that “June is Pride month, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, giving its history along with this “Fun fact”: A few years ago, organizers decided it is too hot in Phoenix to have a June parade and festival.  Phoenix Pride parade and festival now happens in early November.”

Included in the email was a list of Inclusion tips:

– Get familiar with the LBGTQ+ spectrum

– Learn terminology

– Use inclusive language in communication (instead of Ladies and Gentlemen, try folks, friends, community members)

– Participate in local events and groups (consider joining the LGBTQ+ ERG as an ally)

– Respect people’s pronouns and names

The tagline on the lengthy memo, announcing monthly messages on this topic, states: “Diversity in itself does not create inclusion — an inclusive environment must be intentionally designed, nurtured, and supported.”

Allister Adel’s selection by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors following the resignation of former Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery when he was appointed to the Arizona Supreme Court was greeted with fanfare proclaiming her as the first female to head the prosecutor’s office. 

She should not have been identified by her plumbing, but by her leftward bent.