Amidst an uptick in demand for vital records, Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon has announced an initiative to bolster diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) measures in her office. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, requests for birth certificates have seen a 22% increase and marriage and civil union licenses a 37% rise compared to last year, with many speculating the Trump Administration's stance on immigration and LGBTQ+ policies is driving the surge. Upon her 100th day in office, Gordon revealed plans to name the office's first deputy clerk of diversity, equity, and inclusion—a move focused on ensuring equitable practices across all operations.
"We will not share records with outside influences," Gordon firmly stated at the news conference, indicating that her efforts to safeguard residents extend beyond her support of marginalized communities. The new deputy clerk position, Gordon emphasized, is to make sure "everything the clerk’s office does is rooted in equity." This announcement comes as Cook County experiences a significant spike in vital record requests, many believed to be directly tied to growing immigration concerns. According to WGN-TV, almost 11,000 more birth records were issued in the first two months of the year, and about 1,300 more marriage and civil union licenses have been issued year over year.
Amidst the political backdrop of President Trump’s immigration policies, there's clear evidence of unease among the immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities. People are anxious about how changes in federal policies might directly affect them, a sentiment echoed through interactions noted by the clerk's office staff and supervisors. "Queer people are your children, your doctors, your teachers, your pastors, your neighbors," Brian Johnson, chief executive of LGBTQ civil rights organization Equality Illinois and member of Gordon's transition team, told the Chicago Sun-Times. "And the LGBTQ+ community, particularly my trans siblings, are frightened and under attack."
These DEI initiatives are Gordon’s response to a hostile federal environment, especially as President Trump rolls out stringent immigration policies like the CBP Home self-deportation app and the call for undocumented immigrants to register and provide fingerprints or face repercussions. Trump has also targeted DEI policies and ended federal DEI initiatives, moves that have only furthered the resolve of local offices like Gordon's to proactively address diversity and inclusion. "We want to make sure that every resident's voice is heard, that everyone feels protected," Gordon said, highlighting the connection between the office’s mission and the fear felt by many in these vulnerable communities. More DEI measures are expected to be introduced following the completion of her transition team’s report next month, according to statements obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times.
