Oregon’s most diverse county weighs rolling back DEI policies to comply with Trump administration

In response to the Trump administration’s demands that governments cease their efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, the most diverse county in Oregon may be the first in the Portland metro region to do so.

A 2020 resolution requiring the county to promote and strengthen diversity and inclusion in its policies, procedures, and programs would be overturned under a proposal presented to the Washington County Board of Commissioners. Officials expressed concern that if the guiding principles aren’t changed, the federal government would withdraw more than $64 million in grants and housing assistance.

The county, which is already suffering from five years of fiscal deficits, would suffer greatly from the loss of funding. In addition, board members stated that if the federal government did withhold payments, they lack the financial means to file a lawsuit.

In a public meeting on Tuesday, Chair Kathryn Harrington informed commissioners that we do not currently have the means to fight the way some members of our community are requesting.

On Tuesday, the board was supposed to vote to repeal the ordinance, but after receiving little support from her fellow board members, Harrington postponed the vote until the following week. In an email, Commissioner Nafisa Fai requested that the vote be postponed until Monday. She stated that the board should create a new resolution that complies with federal, state, and local regulations and reaffirms our progress.

Commissioners Jason Snider and Pam Treece supported the postponement as well, stating that they needed more time to collaborate with community members to change the idea.

Commissioner Jerry Willey stated that he would back the plan to revoke the equity resolution in its current form and that the county could resolve any issues later.

“We’re not doing that,” Willey stated. “We make the decision, and then it’s done, and we walk away from organizations, from individuals, from the vulnerable.” We start the next discussion about how we should behave in current political climate.

Shortly after taking office in January, President Donald Trump issued executive orders that targeted initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Although Trump has threatened to withhold federal funds or contracts from local governments, educational institutions, and private businesses that do not rescind diversity and equity programs, such executive orders mostly target diversity initiatives within the federal government. Across the nation, his instructions have been challenged in court.

In reaction to the threats of federal funds, Washington County would not be the first government agency in Oregon to revoke its diversity rules. In February, the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners decided to dissolve its committee dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. In April, the Port of Portland repealed its social equity policy.

Multnomah County leaders have repeatedly reaffirmed their commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives, and the county has not taken any action to repeal or modify its policies. The removal of Clackamas County’s equity office last year has nothing to do with the Trump administration. Spokesman Scott Anderson said no adjustments have been made by the county since then.

During public comment Tuesday, Marcus Mundy, executive director of the Coalition of Communities of Color, and a number of other people argued against the plan to repeal Washington County’s equality laws.

Mundy stated, “I’m pleased to report that this has been tabled.” Many of our members and my organization are eager to collaborate with this commission on a future resolution that benefits Washington County and the community.

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that Washington County has the highest diversity index in Oregon. The index calculates the likelihood that two randomly selected individuals will belong to distinct racial and ethnic groupings.

The government’s 2024–2028 strategic plan, which was presented to the board last year, would also be revoked as part of the proposal to end Washington County’s diversity initiatives. However, the plan still contains the board’s reiterated pledge to promote civil rights and county service access for all Washington County citizens, irrespective of their sex, race, color, religion, or other characteristics.

Fai reiterated his request on Tuesday that the board draft a separate ordinance to address the federal situation while maintaining the equity resolution.

Fai informed the board on Tuesday that he did not see the necessity to revoke the equity resolution. However, I recognize that a different approach is required.

Austin De Dios reports on programs, politics, and other topics in Multnomah County. You can reach him at @AustinDeDios, adedios@oregonian.com, or 503-319-9744.

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