The U.S. Department of Education announced on Thursday, August 3rd, 2023, that it is taking steps to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, following President Donald Trump's directive to federal agencies. The department stated it has begun removing references to 'harmful' DEI initiatives from its public communication channels and has placed employees leading DEI initiatives on paid administrative leave.
The U.S. Department of Education announced on Thursday that it is taking steps to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion ( DEI ) initiatives, just days after President Donald Trump directed federal agencies to do so. The Education Department stated in a press release that it has begun removing references to 'harmful' DEI initiatives from its publicly accessible communication channels.
Hundreds of documents, training materials, and reports discussing the subject have also been removed or archived from outward-facing communication channels, according to the department. Additionally, the department announced that it has placed employees 'charged with leading' DEI initiatives on paid administrative leave. A memo issued this week by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) instructed federal agencies to place such employees on paid leave by Wednesday evening. 'These review efforts will continue as the Department works to end discrimination based on race and the use of harmful race stereotypes, both within the agency and throughout America’s education system,' the Education Department wrote. Other actions highlighted by the department include the termination of its 'Diversity & Inclusion Council,' established under former President Barack Obama, and the removal of its 'Employee Engagement Diversity Equity Inclusion Accessibility Council.' DEI trainings and service contracts for the department were also canceled, according to the press release. 'Pursuant to OPM guidance, the Department will continue its comprehensive review of all agency programs and services to identify additional initiatives and working groups that may be advancing a divisive DEI agenda, including programs using coded or imprecise language to disguise their activity,' the Education Department wrote. 'Careful review of all public sites and media channels for DEI language and resources will also continue.'On Monday, the Biden administration had forced 'illegal and immoral' DEI programs throughout the federal government. He argued that such efforts are a waste of taxpayer resources. Nicole Neily, the president of Parents Defending Education (PDE), told Crisis in the Classroom (CITC) that the Education Department's announcement is a 'huge win' for parents and students. 'As the saying goes, ‘a fish rots from the head,’ and for far too long, federal bureaucrats prioritized identity politics over student achievement. Sadly, state and local education agencies followed this example, hurting children from coast to coast in the process,' Neily said in a statement. 'This is an encouraging first step by DOE, and we look forward to more bold action in the future!” The announcement follows a number of other federal agencies sharing their DEI-related changes. NASA said in an email to staff on Thursday that it is shuttering its DEI office, claiming related programs have 'divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination.' It closed its own DEI office in December. The closure was completed prior to Trump taking office.
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