An Oregon Department of Forestry official is facing suspension after a DEI trainer accused him of focusing on hiring based on merit rather than promoting diversity. Mike Shaw, the department’s deputy head, was placed on leave following a complaint from Megan Donecker, a DEI specialist who objected to Shaw’s hiring practices.
Donecker’s complaint stems from Shaw’s insistence on selecting “the most qualified candidates” for roles rather than basing hiring decisions on race, sexual identity, or other diversity factors. This led to Donecker filing a formal complaint, which has kept Shaw on leave since August 6.
Donecker, who was in charge of the department’s DEI program, claimed that LGBTQ+ employees did not feel safe at work, citing a lack of openness in discussions about pronouns. She further criticized the department for having an “old boys club” atmosphere, which she said undermined DEI efforts.
The controversy has drawn the attention of Gov. Tina Kotek (D-OR), who voiced her commitment to advancing DEI initiatives across Oregon’s state agencies. Kotek stressed the importance of ensuring that complaints related to discrimination are addressed and that DEI programs continue to be prioritized.
Donecker, who resigned from her role in March, now works as a DEI consultant. She lives with her wife and their adopted child. She expressed frustration that her DEI efforts were not respected, saying her input at management meetings was ignored.
While Shaw remains on leave, the department has not provided further details about the ongoing investigation. Donecker’s complaint has highlighted the ongoing debate over merit-based hiring versus diversity-focused recruitment in public agencies.
