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WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ore. — In an effort to preserve $135 million in federal funding, the Washington County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution. It approved guiding principles on Tuesday that comply with the Trump administration’s clampdown on DEI, following months of heated debate.
Washington County Resolution Compromise On DEI Principles
Washington County, Oregon, the state’s most diverse county, has reached a compromise to comply with Trump’s Executive Orders that threaten to halt federal funding over diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Commissioners approved a resolution and guiding principles that require county leaders to comply with state and federal laws while still promoting “access and opportunity.”
The Washington County resolution intentionally does not mention the words “diversity,” “equity” or “inclusion,” to preserve over $135 million in federal funds at risk under the Trump administration after the original proposal – to overturn a 2020 resolution requiring the county to support and strengthen equity and inclusion in its programs, practices and policies faced severe pushback.
Officials had been holding back on signing any federal contracts or grants until the new resolution was finalized, as federal funding for housing assistance, health services for mothers and children, and community grants were all at risk under Trump’s executive orders.
A noisy crowd presented inspired public testimony throughout Tuesday night. They booed after Commissioner Fai confirmed that the proposal to add specific language acknowledging Oregon’s sanctuary laws had been shot down.
Ultimately, County officials passed the resolution under the cloud of Trump’s executive orders, which threatened to pull federal dollars or contracts from local governments, schools, and private entities that promote diversity and inclusion programs and policies.
In terms of the new resolution, which reaffirms its commitment to upholding the federal Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, among other laws that prevent discrimination, the county must create an accessible environment for people of all backgrounds.
The county administrator must also review programs twice a year to ensure they comply with federal and state law.
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