Mike Shaw, the Deputy State Forester for the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), was placed on leave following allegations from a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) staffer accusing him of fostering a discriminatory work culture within the department. The staffer’s claims, revealed through internal emails obtained by The National News Desk, state that Shaw engaged in “unprofessional conduct with subordinate staff.” As a result of the investigation, Shaw is prohibited from entering ODF buildings while the matter is examined.
Allegations Against Shaw:
The allegations were raised by a DEI staffer who reported feeling excluded from key leadership meetings, hindering their ability to promote DEI initiatives. The staffer expressed frustration, noting that DEI should be a core component of ODF’s work and should be integrated into decision-making processes. They questioned why they were kept out of critical discussions and claimed this exclusion limited their capacity to advocate for diversity and equity within the department.
The staffer further alleged that Shaw demonstrated an indifferent attitude towards DEI initiatives. Shaw reportedly made statements expressing that he treats all employees the same, regardless of their identity, which included comments dismissing the importance of DEI discussions in leadership meetings. The staffer also stated that Shaw advocated for a return to “basics,” which they interpreted as a move to return to a more “traditionally white male dominated” environment.
Impact on DEI Efforts:
The department’s DEI action plan acknowledges the necessity of shifting from historical practices and notes that the state’s DEI framework prioritizes racial equity to address past systemic racism. The document highlights the importance of considering various identities, such as race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability status, in the DEI framework, aiming to counterbalance longstanding discriminatory policies.
This situation underscores a broader tension between traditional leadership approaches and evolving DEI goals in public institutions. The outcome of the investigation into Shaw’s conduct could have significant implications for how DEI initiatives are integrated into Oregon’s public agencies and their overall workplace cultures.