Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with attorneys general from California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, and Washington have issued a joint statement in response to President Trump's recent executive orders. These orders aim to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), as well as diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) policies and programs.
The joint statement describes the executive orders as "unnecessary and disingenuous," arguing that they do not address discrimination. The attorneys general emphasize that existing civil rights laws are available to combat genuine discrimination and express willingness to collaborate if the administration chooses this path. They argue that the targeted policies benefit all Americans by fostering environments where everyone can succeed.
The statement criticizes President Trump for linking DEIA initiatives to a recent tragic plane crash. It describes these claims as offensive to those grieving and those serving in military and air traffic control roles.
Representing millions of American workers, the state attorneys general oppose what they describe as an attempt by the president to weaponize longstanding policies supported by both Democratic and Republican administrations. These policies aim to address historical inequities faced by underrepresented communities.
The joint statement further highlights that DEIA initiatives promote respect and understanding while ensuring diverse perspectives are valued in workplaces and educational settings. It stresses that these initiatives do not undermine individual merit or result in hiring unqualified candidates but instead ensure fair opportunities for all.
As chief law enforcement officers of their states, the attorneys general reaffirm their commitment to enforcing civil rights laws against discriminatory practices. They stand firmly against the president's recent orders and reject what they consider a misleading narrative used to justify them.