Federal law enforcement agency's decision follows criticism from Republican leaders and recent security concerns. (Shutterstock)
- Office closure comes in wake of New Orleans terrorist attack that killed 14 and wounded dozens on New Year's Day.
- Republican leaders claim DEI initiatives have distracted the FBI from its primary mission of ensuring national security.
- Major corporations including Walmart, Meta, and Ford have similarly scaled back their diversity programs recently.
Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has confirmed the closure of its Office of Diversity and Inclusion, a move that comes amid growing criticism of DEI initiatives following recent security incidents.
“In recent weeks, the FBI took steps to close the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), effective by December 2024,” an FBI spokesperson confirmed Thursday.
The decision comes after increased criticism and closer examination of DEI programs, particularly after the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans that claimed 14 lives and left numerous others injured.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) has openly been critical, suggesting that DEI initiatives have diverted attention from the FBI’s core missions. “Some of these agencies have gotten so wrapped up in the DEI movement… where their main focus is on diversity and inclusion as opposed to security,” Scalise stated during a recent radio interview.
Related Story: Ex-FBI Informant Who Fabricated Bribery Story About Biden and His Son Hunter ...
Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) echoed these concerns in a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, arguing that DEI initiatives have compromised national security. “Put simply, your focus on woke DEI initiatives at the FBI has endangered our national security and the lives of all Americans,” she wrote.
The FBI’s move aligns with a broader trend of organizations scaling back DEI programs. Major corporations including Walmart, Meta, Ford, and McDonald’s have recently reduced their diversity initiatives following President-elect Trump’s victory.
Read more at The Hill