Portland NAACP Condemns Mayor’s DEI Rollback Citing Federal Pressure

Portland NAACP President James Posey has strongly criticized Mayor Keith Wilson's executive order to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) language in city policies, calling it a dangerous precedent that capitulates to President Trump's federal mandates. Posey argues the mayor prioritized maintaining federal funding over the city's longstanding commitment to racial equity, accusing Wilson of using people of color as leverage and suggesting the funding primarily benefits white residents. Wilson defended the order as necessary to secure approximately $380 million in federal grants, emphasizing compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws that prohibit giving preference based on race or gender. The NAACP president expressed disappointment over the lack of consultation and questioned whether alternatives to losing funding were fully explored. This dispute highlights a division within Portland's political landscape regarding how to balance federal requirements with local equity goals. City Councilor Loretta Smith has called for stronger language and clearer policies to counter the Trump administration's changes.