Donald Trump's Anti-DEI Order Plans To 'Downplay' Black History Month: Report
According to an internal email obtained by the Wall Street Journal, the State Department has advised its staff to acknowledge BHM by highlighting the 'valuable contributions of individual Americans throughout U.S. history,' but to do so in a manner that keeps the 'spirit' of anti-DEI orders alive.
An undisclosed official told the WSJ that many staff members interpreted the directive as a prohibition against throwing public events or issuing messages about the month and its historic Black figures. 'That's how we're reading it,' the official stated. 'The diplomats I spoke to today, with decades of experience, couldn't remember a time we failed to mark the occasion.'
When asked about the administration's position, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told the Journal that the White House 'certainly still intends to celebrate,' emphasizing that it would do so while simultaneously honoring 'American history and the contributions that all Americans, regardless of race, religion, or creed have made.'
Trump's move to eliminate DEI programs aligns with his campaign promise to diminish such initiatives, that he believes are a 'waste of resources' and are 'illegal and immoral.' Despite his beliefs, many stand by the benefits of prioritizing diversity in workplaces, educational institutions, and organizations—as an inclusive environment can foster collaboration, new ideas and overall success.
His recent executive order has revoked multiple long-standing diversity programs, shut down DEI offices and placed many DEI employees on leave.
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