Broward County Cultural Division Restructures Amid State Law Changes

Phil Dunlap resigned from his position as director of the Broward County Cultural Division in August. The resignation followed a sweeping state law that changed how the county issues grants, banning funding for offices or grants related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). DEI is defined as giving preferential treatments based on race, sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. The division issued 167 cultural grants totaling over $6 million last fiscal year, and starting January 1, groups like the Island SPACE Caribbean Museum and the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida are no longer eligible for county funds.

The new state law impacts the county's ability to fund cultural organizations through its grant programs. The law requires the division to cease funding for offices related to DEI, affecting the eligibility of groups that receive county support. Dunlap subsequently left to take a position with the Phoenix city government in Arizona.