Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, along with attorneys general from several other states, has issued a joint statement in response to President Trump's executive orders aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives. The statement was released on January 31, 2025.
The attorneys general expressed their disapproval of the executive orders. "President Trump’s executive orders are unnecessary and disingenuous," they stated. They emphasized that these policies are consistent with anti-discrimination laws and promote environments where everyone can succeed.
The statement criticized President Trump's linking of DEIA initiatives to a recent plane crash as baseless and offensive. "His baseless and offensive claims...are an insult to those who are grieving," the statement read.
The group of state attorneys general represents millions of American workers. They voiced strong opposition to what they see as an attempt by the President to misuse long-standing policies that have been supported across party lines. "We strongly oppose the President’s attempts to weaponize decades-old policies," they said.
The statement highlighted the positive impacts of DEIA initiatives beyond preventing discrimination, such as promoting respect and understanding in diverse settings. It also countered claims that these initiatives undermine individual merit or lower standards in employment practices.
"As the chief law enforcement officers for our respective states," they concluded, "we stand in strong opposition to the President’s recent orders."