DEI Trainer’s Complaint Leads To Forestry Official Placed On Leave Over Merit-Based Hiring Focus

An Oregon forestry official has been placed on leave after a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) trainer accused him of focusing on merit-based hiring instead of prioritizing diversity. Megan Donecker, a former DEI leader for the Oregon Department of Forestry, filed the complaint against Mike Shaw, who serves as the deputy head of the department.

According to Donecker, Shaw emphasized hiring “the candidates most qualified for the job” rather than basing decisions on race, ethnicity, or sexual identity. This decision angered Donecker, who filed a formal complaint, leading to Shaw’s administrative leave, which began on August 6.

Donecker’s complaint also claimed that six LGBTQ+ employees at the department didn’t “feel safe or comfortable” due to the lack of discussions around pronouns. She further criticized the department’s work culture, referring to it as an “old boys club.”

Gov. Tina Kotek (D-OR) weighed in on the situation, voicing her strong support for DEI initiatives in state departments. Kotek emphasized the importance of ensuring that DEI programs are not just supported but advanced throughout the state’s agencies.

Donecker, who resigned from her position in March, now works as a DEI consultant. She lives with her wife and their adopted child. Donecker expressed frustration with the forestry department’s handling of her DEI efforts, claiming her input was dismissed.

Shaw remains on administrative leave, and the department has not provided details on when he may return. Donecker’s complaint has raised questions about how Oregon state agencies balance merit-based hiring with the growing demands for diversity in the workplace.