The Trump administration's call for reporting on DEI efforts signals a shift in federal workplace policies, raising concerns among employees about retaliation and job security.
**Feds Ordered to Report DEI Actions Under Penalty Amid Controversial Executive Orders**
**Feds Ordered to Report DEI Actions Under Penalty Amid Controversial Executive Orders**
Federal employees face scrutiny over diversity initiatives as Trump administration bans DEI programs.
The Trump administration has taken a hard stance against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives by ordering thousands of federal employees to report any efforts to conceal such programs within their agencies or risk facing "adverse consequences." This demand comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s executive orders that dismantled DEI offices and programs across federal agencies.
An email circulated by the administration directed employees to report "all facts and circumstances" regarding DEI efforts to a designated government email account within ten days. Many employees perceived the directive as a betrayal of trust, fearing repercussions for identifying colleagues engaged in DEI work. “We're really freaked out and overwhelmed,” admitted one federal employee from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued guidance mandating that agency heads notify staff by a specified deadline. Some divisions, like the Treasury Department, received different versions of the email; notably, the one sent to Treasury did not include a warning about potential repercussions for not reporting such initiatives.
Trump’s aggressive approach toward DEI stems from his campaign commitment to abolish what he describes as discriminatory practices, arguing that these programs favor certain groups based on race, gender, and sexual identity, which he views as inherently unjust. "It’s time to restore a merit-based policy," Trump declared during a speech at the World Economic Conference in Davos.
Supporters of Trump, including members of the Asian American Coalition for Education, praised the executive orders as historic steps toward a more equitable American society. However, many current employees voiced concerns that the administration’s directive felt more like intimidation than an honest effort to create an equitable workplace.
Critics fear the ramifications of these orders extend beyond the federal workforce, potentially affecting grant programs geared toward increasing minority representation in scientific research. As divisions like HHS face confusion and uncertainty—especially with regards to hiring practices and ongoing programs—a second employee pointed out the resultant "chaos" within the agency.
In the wake of the executive orders, there is a palpable atmosphere of fear among federal staff, with reports of DEI-related activities being halted without a clear path forward. "We have been told by seniors to keep doing our jobs," remarked one FDA employee, reflecting a sense of impending disruption across government agencies.
Moving forward, employees are left grappling with the implications of these policies as the government shifts dramatically away from efforts aimed at promoting diversity.
An email circulated by the administration directed employees to report "all facts and circumstances" regarding DEI efforts to a designated government email account within ten days. Many employees perceived the directive as a betrayal of trust, fearing repercussions for identifying colleagues engaged in DEI work. “We're really freaked out and overwhelmed,” admitted one federal employee from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued guidance mandating that agency heads notify staff by a specified deadline. Some divisions, like the Treasury Department, received different versions of the email; notably, the one sent to Treasury did not include a warning about potential repercussions for not reporting such initiatives.
Trump’s aggressive approach toward DEI stems from his campaign commitment to abolish what he describes as discriminatory practices, arguing that these programs favor certain groups based on race, gender, and sexual identity, which he views as inherently unjust. "It’s time to restore a merit-based policy," Trump declared during a speech at the World Economic Conference in Davos.
Supporters of Trump, including members of the Asian American Coalition for Education, praised the executive orders as historic steps toward a more equitable American society. However, many current employees voiced concerns that the administration’s directive felt more like intimidation than an honest effort to create an equitable workplace.
Critics fear the ramifications of these orders extend beyond the federal workforce, potentially affecting grant programs geared toward increasing minority representation in scientific research. As divisions like HHS face confusion and uncertainty—especially with regards to hiring practices and ongoing programs—a second employee pointed out the resultant "chaos" within the agency.
In the wake of the executive orders, there is a palpable atmosphere of fear among federal staff, with reports of DEI-related activities being halted without a clear path forward. "We have been told by seniors to keep doing our jobs," remarked one FDA employee, reflecting a sense of impending disruption across government agencies.
Moving forward, employees are left grappling with the implications of these policies as the government shifts dramatically away from efforts aimed at promoting diversity.
