Practical Guide for Oregon Nonprofits: Retaining DEIA Programs While Complying with State and Federal Law

Nonprofits in Oregon seeking to retain their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) programs must navigate a complex legal landscape. Below is a step-by-step guide with links to resources to help Oregon nonprofits maintain their DEIA commitments while ensuring compliance with both Oregon law and federal law.

1. 1. Understand the Legal Framework

      • Oregon State Law: Oregon has strong protections for diversity and inclusion. Nonprofits should familiarize themselves with the Oregon Equality Act and other relevant state statutes. Anti-Discrimination Oregon Equality Act enforced by BOLI.
      • Federal Law: Recent federal Executive Orders aim to restrict certain DEI training, practices, and programs. Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity;Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing; Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth.
      • Oregon Attorney General’s DEI Guidance. Guidance Concerning Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

   2. Aligning DEIA Programs for Legal Compliance

      • Frame DEIA initiatives in ways that emphasize inclusivity. Inclusive Language Guide
      • Avoid Prohibited Practices: Corporation for a Skilled Workforce Helpful Resources for Promoting Access in Anti-DEI Times
      • Document Compliance: Ensure training materials comply with federal and state laws. What Businesses Need to Know About DEI in the Trump Era: FAQs for Employers | Fisher Phillips
      • Maintain records of DEIA programs changes.

   3. Mitigate Federal Risks & Monitor

      • Review Federal Contracts
      • Check for DEIA-related restrictions. DEI-Related Discrimination at Work | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
      • Separate Funding Streams and use state or private funding for DEIA programs.
      • Consult with legal experts and keep up with developments through the National Council of Nonprofits , Nonprofit Association of Oregon , and regional nonprofit associations.

   4. Engage Stakeholders

      • Community Involvement: Involve community members in DEIA programs and dialogue National National Coalition For Dialogue & Deliberation

   5. Advocate for DEIA

      • Policy Advocacy: Push back against restrictive federal policies.
        • National Council of Nonprofits https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/
      • Public Awareness: Highlight the impact of DEIA programs.
        • Storytelling for Good Blog — Storytelling for Good

   6. Prepare for Contingencies

      • Develop contingency plans for federal restrictions
        • Nonprofit Risk Management Center https://nonprofitrisk.org/
        • National Council of Nonprofits A nonprofit checklist: What to do when your federal grant or contract is terminated | National Council of Nonprofits
      • Diversify Funding:
        • Candid https://candid.org/
      • Reduce reliance on federal funding
        • Home Page – Seeding Justice
        • Grants » Oregon Community Foundation
      • Closure
        • For Oregon charities there are required state notifications so please contact charitable@doj.oregon.gov for more information.

Conclusion

Oregon nonprofits can retain their DEIA programs by aligning with state and federal laws, by taking proactive steps to mitigate federal risks and monitor this area. By focusing on inclusivity, transparency, and community engagement, nonprofits can continue to advance our values, while complying with legal requirements.