In a surprising move, Clackamas County in Oregon has decided to dismantle its diversity, equity, and inclusion office, opting to prioritize a “diversity of ideas” instead. Despite facing criticism from those who oppose rolling back social justice initiatives, county officials stand by their decision, emphasizing the importance of merit, fairness, and equality in the workplace.
The discussions surrounding the dissolution of the equity office began last spring, and on February 5th, the office will officially be dismantled, with two out of three employee positions being reassigned to other departments. This move comes after the county’s administrator sent a memo to employees announcing the decision, stating that one position will focus on the county’s compliance with federal and state civil rights laws, while the other will support community engagement and inclusive communication efforts.
Clackamas County’s equity efforts date back to 2004 when a volunteer advisory council was established. However, it was not until 2020, amidst the racial justice protests that engulfed the nation, including nearby Portland, that the county created a three-person Equity and Inclusion Office. County Commissioner Mark Shull, who proposed defunding the office last spring, argued that it was an unnecessary expense that only bred division.
The reaction to this decision has been mixed, with residents both in favor of and opposed to cutting the DEI department attending county commissioners meetings and expressing their views. Last year, at least five Clackamas County mayors signed an open letter urging the commissioners to expand equity and inclusion efforts rather than cut them. Additionally, over 700 community members, business owners, organizations, and politicians also signed the letter, highlighting that this issue is not solely about finances but about combating racism and sexism.
Clackamas County, one of the three counties that make up the Portland metro area, has historically leaned Democratic. However, its residents have favored Republican gubernatorial candidates in recent elections. Commissioner Ben West, who was a plaintiff in the case that legalized gay marriage in Oregon and has a Black son, believes that dismantling the equity office demonstrates the county’s commitment to a “diversity of ideas” rather than identity politics. He emphasizes that the county values individuals regardless of their immutable traits, focusing on the unique qualities that make them special to Clackamas County.
The decision to dissolve the diversity office in Clackamas County is part of a broader trend seen in recent months. Following the political unrest triggered by George Floyd’s killing in 2020, numerous universities, companies, and government offices have rolled back their diversity initiatives. While supporters of these initiatives argue that they are vital in addressing systemic inequalities, opponents believe that a focus on merit and equality should take precedence.
It remains to be seen how the dissolution of the equity office in Clackamas County will impact the community and whether other regions will follow suit. The debate between prioritizing diversity initiatives versus diversity of ideas continues to be a contentious issue in today’s society.
