President Trump's executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs have forced the State Department's Veterans@State employee group to cancel all planned events and activities. This move has sparked confusion and frustration among veterans, who see these affinity groups as crucial for fostering community, support, and shared experiences.
A volunteer resource group for military veterans employed by the State Department , known as Veterans@State, has been forced to cancel all planned activities due to President Trump 's executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. For over a decade, Veterans@State has provided a space for veterans to connect with mentors, discuss mental health and other issues, and engage in community service tailored to their unique experiences.
However, the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle what it deems 'discriminatory and illegal' government DEI initiatives have disrupted this vital support network. The Veterans@State board announced last week, in an email obtained by NBC News, that they were compelled to cancel all upcoming events, meetings, announcements, and activities. A State Department spokesperson confirmed on Monday that all employee organizations had been informed of a temporary pause on activities pending further notice to ensure compliance with the executive orders. This move mirrors a similar action taken by the Department of Veterans Affairs, one of the largest federal employers of veterans, which placed 60 employees solely focused on DEI activities on paid administrative leave and canceled related contracts.White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt characterized the decision to eliminate DEI practices as 'promises made, promises kept,' emphasizing President Trump's campaign pledge to end what he perceived as the 'scourge of DEI' in the federal government. She stated that this move was a victory for Americans of all backgrounds, promoting a meritocratic society where individuals are hired based on their skills rather than their race or other protected characteristics. However, the crackdown on Veterans@State and other employee affinity groups has sparked confusion and frustration among veterans, particularly as the Trump administration's actions seem to contradict the very values of service, camaraderie, and inclusivity that define the veteran community. Devin Banks, a former State Department employee and Veterans@State board member who now works for another federal agency, expressed his disappointment, stating that these groups encompass all individuals, regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation. He emphasized the sacrifices veterans make for the country and argued that they deserve to have their support networks. Banks challenged the perception that veterans are DEI hires, asserting that many exemplify meritocracy through their proven leadership skills and unwavering loyalty to their country. He highlighted the importance of these affinity groups, stating that veterans, who have often faced the ultimate sacrifice, are not harming anyone by having a space to connect and support one another. Another veteran, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal, shared her own experience with Veterans@State, emphasizing the critical role it played in her well-being. She explained that having a community of individuals who understood the unique challenges of military service, including injuries and mental health struggles, was invaluable in making her feel heard and supported. She stressed that all employee groups, not just those focused on veterans, contribute to a positive work environment by fostering camaraderie and improving morale. Troy Taylor, a veteran and former office director at the State Department from 2012 to 2024, who founded Veterans@State, echoed these sentiments. He pointed to the group's significant achievements in enhancing recruitment, professional development, and the overall diplomatic mission of the State Department. He argued that veterans' experiences traveling abroad and navigating complex situations have equipped them with invaluable skills in cross-cultural communication, strategic planning, and crisis management, which are essential assets to the State Department's work. Taylor emphasized the crucial role veterans play in ensuring diplomatic solutions are explored before resorting to military intervention, stating that dismantling these support networks would deprive American diplomacy of essential perspectives at a critical time.
Trump Diversity Equity Inclusion Veterans State Department Employee Groups Executive Orders
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