U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration instructed U.S. federal agencies on Friday (January 24, 2025) to eliminate roles and offices associated with diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, as per a memo circulated by the Office of Personnel Management.
Why it’s important
Since assuming office on Monday, Trump, a Republican, has issued a series of executive orders aimed at dismantling DEI programs.
DEI programs are designed to advance opportunities for women, ethnic minorities, LGBT individuals, and other historically marginalized groups. Advocates for civil rights argue that such programs, typically supported by Democrats, are essential to address long-standing inequities and systemic racism.
Trump and his supporters contend that DEI programs unfairly discriminate against other Americans and undermine the emphasis on candidates’ qualifications in job hiring and promotion.
“In line with that directive, each agency, department, or commission head is required to take steps to eliminate, to the fullest extent permitted by law, all DEI, DEIA, and ‘environmental justice’ offices and positions within sixty days,” stated the memo.
Context
Trump has also urged the private sector to join his campaign against DEI. Civil rights advocates view his efforts as a significant setback to the decades-long work to ensure equality in federal hiring and contracts.
The memo did not specify the number of DEI staff members employed by each federal agency.
Published – January 25, 2025 08:29 am IST
