In a controversial move, the Trump administration has initiated the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) employees and roles across federal agencies.
This decision, announced through an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on his first day back in office, has sparked significant debate and concern among civil rights advocates and federal employees.
DEI programs have their roots in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Executive Order 11246 issued by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965, which required federal contractors to take affirmative action to promote equal employment opportunities.
DEI gained prominence in federal workplaces under President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 14035 in 2021, which aimed to strengthen diversity and accessibility across the federal workforce.
Executive Order Details on Federal DEI Policies
The executive order, titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing,” mandates the suspension and eventual termination of all DEI initiatives within the federal government.
The order argues that DEI programs have led to “illegal and immoral discrimination” and calls for a return to a “merit-based society” where hiring is based solely on qualifications and performance.
According to a memo from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), all federal DEI employees have been placed on paid administrative leave with immediate effect.
Agencies must notify affected staff and close all DEI initiatives, offices, and programs by the end of January 2025.
Additionally, agencies must cancel all DEI-related training, terminate relevant contracts, and remove online content promoting diversity, equity & inclusion.
Impact on Federal Agencies
The directive affects more than 400 federal agencies and could result in over 2.4 million workers losing their jobs.
Federal departments have been instructed to submit detailed compliance plans, including lists of DEI employees and contracts, by the end of the week.
Agency heads must prepare a “reduction-in-force action” plan to manage the layoffs.
The decision has faced strong opposition from advocacy organizations and civil rights groups.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has stated it is closely monitoring the situation and reviewing potential legal actions.
Several advocacy groups are preparing for legal battles to challenge the administration’s actions, which they claim violate civil rights protections.
Companies such as Meta, Walmart, and Ford have scaled back their DEI initiatives in response to the political climate.
Following Trump’s election victory, several major corporations have adjusted their diversity policies due to political and customer pressures.
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