By Rep. Ed Diehl
Oregon’s far-left social experiment, driven by radical progressive ideologies, was always bound to fail under its own weight. The state’s embrace of policies prioritizing woke values over common sense and biological reality has led to division and decay. With decisive executive action from President Trump, we can reverse this societal collapse. The federal government’s decision to stop funding institutions that push harmful ideologies sends a clear message to Oregon. Do what’s right or you will be defunded. Here’s what must happen:
1. Shut down gender clinics for children
Unfortunately, Oregon has been on the forefront of unproven and harmful “gender-affirming care” for minors. Clinics at institutions like OHSU and Legacy Health offer hormonal treatments and surgeries to children, despite no evidence that it helps and research indicating that many children who undergo these treatments regret their decisions later. The federal government’s stance against funding these clinics should prompt their closure in Oregon. Protecting children from irreversible medical decisions is vital.
2. Eliminate DEI programs in state agencies and schools
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs in Oregon have led to divisive and unconstitutional policies, prioritizing identity categories over merit. These programs often emphasize race, gender identity and other factors, which can undermine fairness and equality. Instead of fostering unity, they contribute to societal division. It’s time to dismantle DEI programs in state agencies and schools and focus on treating individuals as equals under the law.
3. Remove K-12 gender programs that contradict biological sex
Oregon’s promotion of gender ideology in K-12 education is harming kids. Many programs encourage students to explore gender fluidity, pushing ideas that contradict biological sex, sometimes without parental knowledge. It’s essential to return to an education system grounded in biological fact.
4. End boys competing in girls’ sports
With Trump’s recent executive orders, the clear intent of Title IX and action by the NCAA, the message is clear: Oregon needs to get boys out of girls’ sports. The OSAA needs to act immediately and decisively. This is about protecting the dignity and safety of girls.
5. Stop housing men in women’s prisons
Oregon’s policy of allowing men who identify as women in women’s prisons has led to serious safety concerns. There have been incidents of abuse and assault involving biological males in women’s correctional facilities. It’s crucial to reverse this policy and ensure that individuals are housed based on biological sex, not gender identity.
6. Overhaul higher education curriculums in health care and education
Oregon’s higher education system has increasingly adopted ideologies that undermine biological reality, particularly in health care and education fields. Medical and teaching curriculums reflect progressive perspectives instead of evidence-based practices. We must align these curriculums with biological reality to ensure a competent and qualified workforce.
A looming clash: governor and attorney general vs. federal action
Oregon’s governor and attorney general are continuing to support progressive policies that contradict biological truths. They are on a path to use state taxpayer dollars to prop up the system as the federal money dries up. They are also defying the will of the people of Oregon. Oregon’s leadership must recognize that it’s time to move away from harmful ideologies and prioritize policies that protect women, children and the state’s future.
Oregon’s woke house of cards is collapsing. The time for reform is now. It’s time to take our state back and refocus on policies that prioritize common sense, biological reality and the safety of all residents.
Ed Diehl is a Republican representing House District 17, West Salem and Marion County, in the Oregon House of Representatives. oregonlegislature.gov/diehl