Stockton City Manager Uses DEI Funds to Hire ‘Am I Racist?’ filmmaker Matt Walsh for ‘Diversity’ Training

STOCKTON, CA – Just weeks after revelations that Interim City Manager Steve Colangelo used city funds to hire Lathrop City Manager Stephen Salvatore as a personal tutor to "onboard" him into the complexities of his role, a new and far more incendiary scandal has erupted. Further audits, initiated after the initial outcry, have unearthed Colangelo's latest stroke of genius: he's using DEI dollars to fly in The Daily Wire conservative provocateur Matt Walsh for mandatory "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" training.

The news landed like a bacon sandwich at a vegan convention, particularly among those familiar with Matt Walsh's films such as What Is A Woman? and 2024's top-grossing documentary Am I Racist?

Addressing the media amidst a storm of flashbulbs, Colangelo remained remarkably unfazed. "Let me be abundantly clear," he asserted, tapping a laminated card that says "DEI CERTIFIED" in big bold letters. "Mr. Walsh possesses a valid DEI certification that he obtained through a 30-minute online course. I got a copy of the card right here, folks. He is eminently qualified to conduct this training."

Sources close to City Hall report that Walsh's curriculum includes sessions such as "Colonialism: A Historical Force for Good," "LGBTQQIP2SAA: Deciphering the World’s Longest Acronym," and "Anti-Racism (and Why It's Probably Not What You Think It Is)." The city's allocated DEI budget, designed to foster a more equitable and inclusive environment for Stockton's diverse population, is reportedly covering Walsh's significant speaking fees and travel expenses.

The announcement immediately ignited a furious backlash from progressive councilmembers, who view Walsh as an anathema to genuine DEI efforts.

Councilmember Mario Enríquez, UOP's DEI Director and a fervent advocate for equitable policies and a champion of the LGBTQ+ community, exhibited a Category 5 hurricane of "outrage." His voice crackled with indignation as he addressed reporters. "I am absolutely livid! We had scheduled Dr. Robin DiAngelo to come give her vital 'White Fragility' seminar to all Stockton City staff! Because, let's be frank, Stockton has a significant number of white employees who absolutely need to understand that they benefit from this white cis male patriarchal system, and must learn to check their white privilege by prioritizing city services to our LGBTQ+ and communities of color!" Enríquez declared, pounding his fist on the podium. "And then our Interim City Manager books the world’s most infamous transphobe for the exact same day! This wasn't some oversight. This was a deliberate act of sabotage! I have no doubt Mr. Colangelo was trying to undermine Dr. DiAngelo's crucial seminar to help Matt Walsh film his next racist movie, which I'm sure is all about making fun of another marginalized group."

Meanwhile, Councilmember Jason Lee, who had previously offered support for Colangelo's initial appointment, now feels utterly betrayed. His face etched with betrayal, Lee pointed a trembling finger directly at the perceived puppet masters he claims manipulated the situation. "I was duped," Lee declared, his voice laced with bitter resentment. "This entire charade, from the original appointment to this grotesque misuse of funds, has been orchestrated by Motec (Sanchez), and 'The Godfather' himself Sam Fant – the real behind-the-scenes mastermind. They set me up! They made me look like an absolute fool for ever supporting Colangelo. I had no idea our City Manager was a MAGA Republican transphobe."

Matt Walsh was quick to respond on his podcast, "Look, I understand some people at Stockton City Hall might be a tad... uncomfortable with a truly qualified expert showing up. But as someone with a bona fide DEI certification card – yes, they do exist, check the paperwork – I'm arguably the most qualified person to conduct an anti-racism seminar. I mean, who better to discuss Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion than someone who is an LGBTQ best-selling children's author?"

Matt Walsh's children's book Johnny the Walrus was briefly categorized as a best-selling LGBTQ+ book on Amazon in 2022. It is rumored that Walsh is currently making a feature-length film adaptation of Johnny the Walrus, set to release in 2026.

Not all councilmembers engaged in the heated rhetoric. When asked for comment, Councilmember Mariela Ponce offered a more concise perspective, "Huh?" before turning to an aide and audibly whispering, "Quick, call Motec and find out what DEI means."

Stockton stands at a crossroads, reeling from a dual-pronged assault on its DEI budget. The question on everyone's mind isn't just what Colangelo will do next, but who he'll pay to explain it.

Colangelo Taps Matt Walsh for DEI Training