‘Defunding DEI': Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee alleges misuse of DEI funds, calls for investigation
On Tuesday, Lee held a press conference in front of Stockton City Hall, where he addressed his concerns about what he called a misuse of funds. He was accompanied by councilmember Mario Enriquez, who was in agreement with him.
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Lee, who assumed office in 2025, said a resolution was passed in 2022 that declared racism a crisis in Stockton. Because of this, he said the city council agreed to support DEI initiatives and allocate funds for them. However, instead of using designated money for DEI programs, Lee said unbeknownst to him and the city manager, it was recently discovered that the funds went to paying consulting fees to the Lathrop city manager.
'It's one thing to say that we support this or we support that, but you have to lead by actions,' Lee said. 'I called for an investigation to figure out what staff approved defunding DEI,' Lee said.
Changing Stockton: A discussion with Mayor Christina Fugazi and Vice Mayor Jason Lee
Additionally, Lee said that a review of funding from the previous administration revealed that at least $40,000 from taxpayers that were supposed to be used for DEI programs went to food and other 'non-important things.'
'When I was on the campaign trail, I said if I found out that anybody did anything funny with the money, you're going to jail,' Lee said. 'I said that and I meant that – and I still mean it today. That's why I'm the chair of the audit committee, and that's why I'm digging, digging, digging.'
Although Lee said there has been a misuse of funds, Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi said at Tuesday's city council meeting that there was never any money specifically allocated to DEI initiatives. Her comments came after Lee previously praised Fugazi for her involvement in uncovering the issue.
The two had a heated exchange that led to an abrupt recess. The argument happened amid a discussion about DEI that was placed on the agenda by Lee. Fugazi and Lee couldn't agree on the organization of the discussion.
'I'm in charge of the meeting,' Fugazi said as Lee attempted to assume control of the discussion.
'This is an item that I put on the agenda,' Lee said.
Fugazi called for an immediate recess, and moments later, their microphones were cut. When the meeting resumed five minutes later, Fugazi asked Stockton City Attorney Lori M. Asuncion to remind the council of how meetings are conducted and to clarify who is responsible for maintaining order, which Asuncion said is the mayor.
'It is ironic that we're having a discussion about DEI because I think strangling the voice of a black representative at this council is ridiculous,' Lee said.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Lee said DEI is a priority and he is working to make the city and staff a reflection of who they serve.
FOX40.com is investigating the situation and will provide additional information as it becomes available.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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