In a letter to community partners, Mayor Keith Wilson of Portland, Oregon, announced a significant shift in the city’s approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in light of President Donald Trump’s executive orders.
The mayor’s executive order directs city officials to align their policies with federal anti-discrimination laws ‘as likely to be interpreted by the current federal judiciary.’
While the implications of this directive remain uncertain, the order emphasizes a need for Portland to preserve its vital federal funding amidst ongoing changes at the national level.
Wilson highlighted that the city must ensure its programs do not show ‘preference to groups with protected-class status’ unless supported by disparity studies.
He stated, ‘This means that City programs and services cannot give preference to groups with ‘protected-class status’ based on characteristics such as race or gender.’
The mayor expressed his concerns about the potential loss of federal funding, which currently amounts to $349 million, primarily allocated for housing and transportation projects.
Wilson pointed out, ‘If we lose federal funding, so do you,’ highlighting the ripple effect a funding loss could have on local community organizations and services.
As the city is preparing to sign $31 million in new federal agreements, the swift certification of compliance with federal standards has become a pressing matter.
The mayor indicated that some local jurisdictions have completely removed references to DEI in their policies, describing this as excessive.
Instead, Portland will aim to adapt while remaining true to its foundational values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
‘Let’s be clear: In Portland, we believe in diversity, we believe in equity, and we believe in inclusion,’ he declared.
The city intends to maintain programs intended to benefit all citizens, including marginalized groups such as people of color, immigrants, women, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
Furthermore, Wilson affirmed that while some adjustments to city policies are necessary, the city will continue to support existing equity strategies to foster inclusivity and accessibility in government services.
He urged community members to stay informed as these transitional efforts are put into place in the weeks to come.
Despite these changes, Wilson reassured his commitment to opposing the Trump administration when federal mandates conflict with local laws and values.
‘We are a proud sanctuary city in a sanctuary state,’ he stated, underscoring the city’s stance that local law enforcement will not assist in federal immigration enforcement.
‘We will fight, and we will win,’ he concluded, emphasizing Portland’s resilience against federal overreach while navigating complex national policies.
As discussions surrounding equity and inclusion evolve, Portland’s leadership remains focused on finding ways to balance compliance with federal regulations and maintaining the city’s core values.
image source from：kgw
