Employees at various federal agencies fear retaliation after being instructed to report any diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. This directive follows President Trump's cancellation of DEI programs, igniting a chaotic atmosphere in federal workplaces.
US Federal Workers Ordered to Report DEI Activities Under Threat of Retaliation
US Federal Workers Ordered to Report DEI Activities Under Threat of Retaliation
Thousands of federal employees are compelled to inform on diversity initiatives or face adverse consequences, following a sweeping ban by the Trump administration.
In an unprecedented move, the Trump administration demanded that federal employees report any activities involving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within their agencies, warning of serious repercussions for non-compliance. This directive, communicated via mass email to thousands of government workers, aims to expose what the administration calls a "disguise" of DEI initiatives, a policy shift following President Trump's ban on these programs.
The email, which required employees to provide detailed accounts of DEI activities within a 10-day timeframe, has left many feeling overwhelmed and anxious about the potential ramifications of their compliance. "We're really freaked out and overwhelmed," voiced a worker from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), highlighting the chilling atmosphere created by this ultimatum.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) mandated department heads to notify their employees by Wednesday evening, attaching an email template that many agencies utilized. However, the messages were not uniform; for instance, Treasury Department staffers received a version lacking the specific warning of "adverse consequences" if they failed to report DEI efforts.
Trump’s administration has taken decisive actions against DEI in federal agencies, emphasizing a merit-based framework. In one of his initial acts in office, Trump dismissed federal employees working in DEI roles, placing them on paid leave, and subsequently issuing executive orders aimed at abolishing such programs.
Critics of DEI argue that these initiatives perpetuate discrimination by focusing on race, gender, and other identities, while proponents contend they are essential for fostering an inclusive government workforce. The directive has met with backlash from employees fearing that disclosing colleagues' activities may compromise their own positions and exacerbate an already tense work environment.
Amidst the turmoil, current federal employees have expressed concerns about the operational impact of the DEI order, suggesting a state of "calculated chaos" within their divisions. The uncertainty over hiring practices and ongoing programs has created a halt in initiatives aimed at minority inclusion in federal positions, particularly within the HHS and related scientific organizations.
Federal employees are now left grappling with the consequences of reporting and the potential dismantling of diversity-focused initiatives that could detrimentally affect opportunities for minority scientists and professionals. With the fear of punishment looming, staff in various agencies remain on edge as the implications of Trump’s broad DEI directive unfold.
