In a bold move at dismantling the federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, the Trump administration wants government employees to report colleagues seen engaging in activities related to the DEI effort. Acting chiefs of agencies made the threat against “adverse consequences” toward employees who may continue to work under such policies, even while an executive order seeks to end efforts at DEI initiatives.
Offices Closed: DEI staff targeted
The administration ordered the closure of all offices for the DEI offices and commanded that staff be placed on paid leave by 5 p.m. ET Wednesday, pending termination. The order was due to the President’s executive order to end DEI practices in all federal agencies. Programs initiated to provide fairness and battle racial bias in hiring processes are now indicted as divisive and discriminatory according to Trump and his supporters.
Employee Snitching Encouraged
Form letters were mailed to workers in all departments, from Homeland Security to Veterans Affairs and NASA, telling them to report their colleagues still working on DEI. Employees have just 10 days to identify and report people involved in what the administration views as DEI-related activity. The letters say some efforts may be veiled behind ambiguous or indirect language, seeking vigilance over such activities.
The letters argue, “These programs divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination.” The administration says these programs unfairly prioritize minorities and lower standards in hiring processes, an alignment with Trump’s campaign rhetoric against DEI.
Broader Impacts of the Crackdown
The purge extends beyond DEI programs. The Trump administration has imposed a federal hiring freeze and taken steps to strip thousands of civil servants of employment protections. This is complemented by loyalty screenings, whereby around 160 National Security Council career officials are being sidelined for failing to meet perceived standards of loyalty.
The elimination of DEI initiatives marks a significant departure from six decades of federal hiring practices designed to address racial inequities. Critics argue this decision undermines equality and inclusion in government institutions, while supporters believe it aligns with efforts to reduce perceived discrimination against non-minorities.
As the administration continues to escalate its campaign promise efforts, all these measures should bring about robust political and social debate over the position of DEI programs in molding federal employment practices.
