White House Orders Closure of All DEI Offices by Wednesday
In a shocking turn of events, the federal Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has mandated the closure of all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices by the end of the day Wednesday. Acting Director of the OPM, Charles Ezell, sent a memo to heads of agencies and departments, instructing them to take immediate action.
Following President Trump’s executive order to eliminate all DEI programs from the federal government, the OPM has initiated a rapid shutdown of these offices. Government workers in these offices have been placed on paid administrative leave as agencies work to comply with the directive.
Immediate Actions Required by Agencies
The memo issued by the OPM outlines a series of steps that agencies and departments must take by Wednesday at 5 p.m. These actions include sending notices to employees about the closure, taking down all DEI-related media, and canceling any DEI-related trainings and contracts.
Further Requirements by Thursday and Friday
In addition to the immediate actions, agencies must provide OPM with a complete list of DEI offices, employees, and contracts by Thursday at noon. By Friday at 5 p.m., agency heads must submit written plans for reducing the workforce in DEI offices and detailing any changes made to obscure connections to DEI programs.
The rapid implementation of these directives has left government agencies scrambling to comply with the sudden changes. Employees in DEI offices are left uncertain about their future as agencies work to dismantle these programs.
Unprecedented Shift in Government Policy
President Trump’s executive orders have signaled a significant shift in government policy, with a firm stance on recognizing only two genders: male and female. The impact of these decisions is reverberating across federal agencies, prompting swift action to dismantle DEI initiatives.
As agencies navigate these changes, employees and contractors directly impacted by the closure of DEI offices are left grappling with uncertainty. The implications of these decisions extend beyond government operations, sparking conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the public sphere.
The closure of DEI offices marks a pivotal moment in the administration’s efforts to reshape federal policies and priorities. With the deadline fast approaching, agencies are working tirelessly to comply with the OPM’s directives, ushering in a new era of government operations.