Trump DEI Order 'Deeply Concerns' Abington Human Relations Commission

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA —The Abington Township Human Relations Commission said it is "deeply concerned" about the recent executive orders issued by the Trump administration that revoked Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government.

The commission also is not pleased with an executive order that narrowly defines gender identity as exclusively male or female.

"These actions stand in stark contrast to the mission of our Commission along with the Abington Township Non-Discrimination Ordinance and undermine the progress made toward fostering equity and inclusion for all individuals," the commission said in a statement on Friday.

The HRC was established under Ordinance No. 2175, which states its commitment to ensuring equal opportunity for all individuals and prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other protected classes.

The HRC's mission is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within our community and to ensure that every individual feels valued and respected.

"The executive orders represent a profound departure from these values by establishing a precedent that directly undermines efforts to create equitable and inclusive environments," the commission said. "These orders not only dismiss the value of DEI initiatives but also seek to redefine foundational concepts of inclusion, setting a new and troubling standard that marginalizes individuals who identify outside the binary framework of gender."

The commission said that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs are not merely aspirational; they are foundational to addressing systemic inequities that have persisted for generations.

The Civil Rights movement of the 1960s laid the groundwork for many of the DEI efforts today.

"Just days after celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose dream of equality continues to inspire our nation, these actions threaten to undo the progress for which he and so many others fought tirelessly," the commission said. "These initiatives foster inclusive environments where individuals from all walks of life can thrive. These orders actively work to erase decades of progress, signaling a systemic rejection of diversity and setting a dangerous precedent that threatens to normalize exclusion and inequity at the highest levels of governance."

The HRC "unequivocally opposes" the executive orders since they contradict its principles.

"By disregarding DEI efforts and imposing a restrictive definition of gender, the orders marginalize vulnerable communities, strip away vital protections, and perpetuate disparities that we, as a society, have worked tirelessly to dismantle," the commission said.

The commission said it remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for equity and inclusion.

It is calling upon community members, local leaders, and allies to join the commission in standing against the executive orders and reaffirming the protection of the rights and dignity of all individuals.

"Together, we can continue to build a township that reflects the core values of justice, equity, and respect for diversity," the commission said.

The HRC said it will continue to uphold its mandate by educating the community, fostering dialogue, and advocating for policies that align with its mission and the ordinance that guides it.

"We encourage all residents of Abington Township to join us in this critical effort to advance equality and inclusion for everyone," the commission stated.