As Trump vows to dismantle DEI, NJ Democrats push to expand it across state government

The proposal positions New Jersey as a national outlier, seeking to entrench DEI in state government amid a wave of opposition across other parts of the country.
As Trump vows to dismantle DEI, NJ Democrats push to expand it across state government
A closeup of New Jersey's State House dome and top of State House

TRENTON, NJ — As President Donald Trump continues the federal government’s campaign to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across public institutions, New Jersey Democrats are moving in the opposite direction with legislation to establish permanent DEI offices in every state agency.

Assembly Bill 5525, introduced April 10 by Assemblyman Reginald W. Atkins (D-Union), would mandate the creation of an Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in each department, agency, and independent authority of the New Jersey Executive Branch. Each office would be led by a Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, appointed by the agency head or the Governor.

The bill outlines a wide range of responsibilities for the new offices, including collecting and analyzing DEI-related data, developing agency-specific DEI training, and advising on operational reforms to promote inclusive workplace environments.

“The office shall serve as a centralized location for expertise and data on diversity, equity, and inclusion,” the legislation states. It would also ensure data collected is not used for civil immigration enforcement purposes.

Bill sets framework for permanent DEI infrastructure

In addition to serving as internal resources, the DEI offices would engage in cross-cultural education and support employee engagement, according to the bill text. Staffing would be informed by individuals’ “lived experience or work with diversity, equity, and inclusion,” where permitted by law.

The bill comes at a time when several Republican-led states are rolling back DEI initiatives, and Trump has publicly pledged to eliminate federal funding for such programs if elected again. In contrast, New Jersey’s proposal seeks to embed DEI into the fabric of state operations.

The legislation allows flexibility for the offices to adapt and expand duties in response to “emerging needs and crises” affecting diverse communities.

Key Points

  • A5525 would create a DEI office in every NJ state department, agency, and authority.
  • Each office would be led by a Chief DEI Officer tasked with collecting data, advising leadership, and conducting training.
  • The bill explicitly prohibits the use of DEI data for civil immigration enforcement.