Mercer Times

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, alongside twelve other state attorneys general, has released a joint statement addressing recent executive orders by President Trump aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) policies. The statement criticizes the orders as "unnecessary and disingenuous," asserting that they do not address discrimination effectively.

"President Trump’s executive orders are unnecessary and disingenuous. These orders have nothing to do with combating discrimination. The Trump administration has longstanding civil rights laws at its disposal to combat real discrimination, and we would be willing partners if it chose to pursue this path. Instead, the administration is targeting lawful policies and programs that are beneficial to all Americans," the statement reads.

The attorneys general argue that DEIA initiatives align with state and federal anti-discrimination laws and aim to create fairer workplaces. They also condemn President Trump's claims linking these initiatives to a recent plane crash as offensive.

"President Trump’s attack on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives undermines a simple and unassailable goal: to create fairer workplaces and opportunities for all to succeed," they state.

The group emphasizes that DEIA efforts promote respect and understanding while ensuring diverse representation in various settings without compromising individual merit or standards.

"As state attorneys general representing tens of millions of American workers, we strongly oppose the President’s attempts to weaponize decades-old policies...to combat historical inequities faced by underrepresented communities."

They conclude by reaffirming their commitment to enforcing civil rights laws against discriminatory practices.

The statement was supported by attorneys general from California, Illinois, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, Vermont, Washington, Delaware Minnesota, and Rhode Island.