Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, along with 15 other attorneys general, has issued guidance to assist businesses and organizations in understanding the importance and legality of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives in the workplace. This guidance comes as a response to concerns following an Executive Order from the Trump Administration that allegedly targets "illegal DEI and DEIA policies."
The coalition's guidance emphasizes that efforts to create diverse and inclusive workplaces are not illegal and cannot be prohibited by federal Executive Orders. Attorney General Neronha stated, "Much of the current conversation around diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility is dishonest," adding that these practices help combat discrimination rather than promote it.
Federal and state laws have consistently recognized that DEIA initiatives do not constitute impermissible discrimination. Instead, they aim to ensure qualified employees are recruited and retained while supporting their development within the organization.
Over the past five years, more than 285,000 discrimination complaints were filed in states part of this coalition. The guidance highlights that preventing workplace discrimination requires proactive measures from employers. Properly implemented DEIA initiatives can help prevent unlawful discrimination by ensuring discriminatory conduct is identified and addressed promptly.
Research shows that companies with high diversity levels often experience financial gains above industry counterparts. Embedding DEIA principles within organizational culture can reduce bias, improve morale, foster collaboration, and attract top talent.
Joining Attorney General Neronha in this initiative are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York Oregon Vermont.