State Department Urged to Downplay Black History Month in Support of Trump’s Anti-DEI Order: Report
The State Department plans to follow Trump's order to reduce DEI programs, potentially impacting Black History Month celebrations.
The State Department is set to follow the “spirit” of former President Donald Trump’s order to roll back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, which could lead to a quiet shift in how Black History Month is celebrated. A recent report suggests that the agency is taking steps to downplay any public recognition of the month, which has been celebrated since the 1970s.
So, what does this mean? Well, it’s all part of Trump’s ongoing efforts to reduce diversity initiatives within the government. Federal departments have been directed to shut down their DEI divisions, halt DEI guidance, and even place DEI staff members on leave. In one email obtained by the Wall Street Journal, State Department officials were told to focus on showcasing the “valuable contributions of individual Americans throughout U.S. history.” However, they were also reminded to ensure that communications still “maintain the spirit” of the order eliminating DEI programs.
This seems to suggest that there could be no public events or communications for Black History Month, although the focus would still be on highlighting individual contributions to U.S. history. Meanwhile, events and content related to accessibility or disability-related topics won’t face any restrictions.
A State Department official shared their perspective with the Journal, expressing concern that Black History Month might not be observed as it has been in previous years. According to the official, many diplomats with decades of experience couldn’t recall a time when Black History Month wasn’t recognized by the department.
In response to these changes, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the White House intends to celebrate Black History Month but emphasized that the administration would focus on celebrating all Americans’ contributions, regardless of race, religion, or creed.
Former President Trump, who has been vocal about his opposition to DEI programs, called them “illegal and immoral” during his time in office. He believes that these programs waste resources and undermine merit-based hiring. Trump’s stance on DEI was popular with many Republicans, who argue that these initiatives unfairly target certain groups, like white men.
Interestingly, studies have shown that prioritizing diversity in the workplace can benefit organizations and institutions in various ways, from improved creativity to better decision-making.
Despite the debate, the recent executive order signed by Trump aims to dismantle federal DEI programs that have been in place for decades, a move supported by new Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio echoed Trump’s beliefs in promoting a strict meritocracy and urged staff to report ongoing DEI activities within the department.
It’s clear that this issue is a complicated one, with some Americans feeling that DEI programs overstep, while others argue that these initiatives are vital for creating inclusive and diverse environments. As the story unfolds, we’ll continue to see how the State Department and other government agencies navigate these changes and what impact it will have on how American history—and diversity—are represented moving forward.
