Skip page header and navigation

State AGs fight back against Trump’s anti-DE&I orders

State AGs fight back against Trump’s anti-DE&I orders

SIA Editorial Staff
| January 31, 2025

Main article

Attorneys general from 13 states issued a statement fighting back against the Trump administration’s effort to end diversity, equity and inclusion policies in employment.

“President Trump’s executive orders are unnecessary and disingenuous,” the statement said. “These orders have nothing to do with combatting discrimination.”

It noted the Trump administration has longstanding civil rights laws at its disposal to fight real discrimination. Instead, it said the administration is targeting lawful policies that are beneficial to all Americans and are consistent with state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

“President Trump’s attack on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives undermines a simple and unassailable goal: to create fairer workplaces and opportunities for all to succeed,” according to the statement. “His baseless and offensive claims that these initiatives somehow contributed to the tragic plane crash this week are an insult to those who are grieving and the individuals serving in the military and air traffic control.”

DEIA — diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility — initiatives do more than prevent discrimination, the statement said. They also promote respect, understanding and the celebration of different perspectives.

“This means ensuring that people of diverse races, backgrounds and beliefs are present and valued in workplace and educational settings, that everyone receives fair treatment and equal access to opportunities, and that individuals or groups feel welcomed and supported in those settings,” according to the statement. “Inclusive employment practices such as expanded parental leave and flexible work arrangements acknowledge employees’ diverse needs, family constructs and abilities.”

The statement continues, “Contrary to President Trump’s assertions, the policies he seeks to end do not diminish the importance of individual merit, nor do they mean that employers are lowering their standards, hiring unqualified candidates, or engaging in race- and sex-based preferences. DEIA initiatives simply ensure that there are fair opportunities for everyone, helping to maximize contributions from all employees and enabling businesses and organizations to succeed in their missions.”

The full statement is available online.

State attorneys general taking part are those from California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

For more information on the president’s executive orders and staffing, see this story in the Staffing Industry Daily News: How could Trump’s executive orders impact staffing?