Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, alongside Attorneys General from 15 other states, have issued a statement affirming the legality and importance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives in workplaces. This statement reassures businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations that these programs remain lawful and beneficial, despite the recent Trump Administration Executive Orders that mischaracterize DEI and DEIA policies as “illegal” by conflating legal diversity efforts and best practices with unlawful hiring preferences. The 16 Attorneys General confirm that DEIA policies aimed at fostering inclusive and equitable workplaces do not violate federal or state laws, and the federal government lacks the authority to ban them in the private sector through an executive order.
The statement emphasizes the importance of DEIA initiatives as proactive tools to prevent unlawful bias and foster fair employment practices. It also highlights the broader benefits of DEIA policies in strengthening workplace culture and organizational success by improving employee retention and fostering collaboration, making organizations more dynamic and resilient. The statement goes on to recommend best practices around recruitment and hiring, professional development and retention, and assessment and integration that organizations can employ to enhance their DEIA efforts. This guidance emphasizes that the Oregon Attorney General remains committed to supporting nonprofits as they build and sustain successful, inclusive workplaces by implementing strong DEIA policies.