In a recent development within Oregon's Department of Forestry, a Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) trainer, Megan Donecker, has sparked controversy by accusing her former boss, Mike Shaw, of prioritizing merit over diversity in his hiring practices.
Shaw, who serves as the deputy head of the department, has been placed on administrative leave following Donecker's complaint.
As reported by The Post Millennial, Donecker was incensed when Shaw expressed his intention to hire "the candidates most qualified for the job," irrespective of their race, ethnicity, or sexuality. This stance led Donecker to lodge a formal complaint against Shaw, resulting in his current administrative leave. Donecker, who formerly led the department's DEI program, alleged that six LGBTQ+ employees felt unsafe and uncomfortable in their work environment due to the lack of conversation around pronouns.
Donecker, who identifies as an "accomplice to marginalized communities" on her LinkedIn profile, has criticized what she perceives as an "old boys club" atmosphere within the department. Although she no longer works for the forestry department, she continues her work as a DEI consultant.
The internal dispute came to light following inquiries from The Oregonian. The forestry department has responded by treating DEI complaints as potential serious breaches of discrimination. Governor Tina Kotek (D-OR) has also weighed in on the issue, expressing her strong support for DEI programs and emphasizing the need to "advance DEI."
Donecker resigned from her position at the forestry department in March, citing stress related to her complaint. She currently resides with her wife and their adopted child. "It is bad for women at forestry," Donecker was quoted as saying by the Mail. "It is even worse if you are queer."
Shaw, who has been on administrative leave since August 6, remains in a state of professional limbo. The forestry department has declined to provide specific reasons for his continued absence from work. Donecker's complaint alleged that her DEI work was disregarded and that her presence at management meetings was unwelcome. This incident underscores the ongoing debate about the balance between merit-based hiring and the promotion of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
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