An Oregon forestry official is on administrative leave after being accused of focusing on merit-based hiring instead of diversity. Mike Shaw, deputy head of the Oregon Department of Forestry, was placed on leave after DEI trainer Megan Donecker filed a complaint against him.
Donecker took issue with Shaw’s emphasis on hiring “the most qualified candidates” for positions rather than prioritizing diversity. Her complaint, which has kept Shaw on leave since August 6, also highlighted concerns from LGBTQ+ employees who felt uncomfortable in their work environment due to the lack of conversations around pronouns.
Donecker, who described the forestry department’s culture as an “old boys club,” claimed her DEI efforts were undermined, leading to a toxic work environment for marginalized groups. Gov. Tina Kotek (D-OR) has since addressed the controversy, voicing her strong support for advancing DEI programs throughout Oregon’s state departments.
Donecker left her role at the forestry department in March, citing stress related to her complaint. She now works as a DEI consultant and lives with her wife and their adopted child. Donecker has been outspoken about the challenges she faced while trying to promote diversity within the forestry department.
Shaw remains on administrative leave, and the department has yet to provide further details about the investigation or when he might return to work. Donecker’s complaint has sparked a larger conversation about how public agencies balance merit-based hiring with the demand for diversity.
