They Were Promised New Septic Tanks. Trump Called It ‘Illegal DEI.’
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Residents in Alabama’s Black Belt face severe sewage issues due to dense, water-retentive soil that causes septic systems to fail, leading to raw waste being discharged outdoors.
- Heavy rains frequently cause sewage to back up into homes, creating significant public health hazards for over 50,000 people in the region.
- The Black Belt’s historical and environmental challenges are compounded by political resistance to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives under the Trump administration.
- Efforts to address the sewage crisis have been hindered by this political climate, delaying improvements in sanitation infrastructure and public health outcomes.