The Pentagon Ordered the Suspension of Events marking LGBTQ Pride Month, Juneteenth and Holocaust Remembrance Day
Just days before Black History Month, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) issued a memo prohibiting all related activities, aligning with former President Donald Trump’s ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in federal agencies. The directive, obtained by NBC News, also suspends observances of LGBTQ Pride Month, Juneteenth, Holocaust Remembrance Day, and several other cultural and historical commemorations.
DEI Programs Scrapped Across Federal Agencies
The DIA’s move is part of a broader crackdown on DEI efforts across federal agencies. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services also received orders to disband employee resource groups and cancel diversity-related events. Additionally, DEI-related pages have been removed from government websites, with links now leading to “404” error messages. DEI staff across agencies have been placed on paid leave as plans for their dismissal are finalized.
Trump Administration’s Stance on DEI
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a staunch supporter of Trump’s anti-DEI agenda, has spearheaded efforts to eliminate diversity initiatives at the Pentagon. In a memo, Hegseth stated that DEI efforts are “incompatible with the values of DoD.” He also announced the formation of a task force dedicated to dismantling DEI programs within the Department of Defense.
Public Response and White House Position
The decision has sparked criticism, with Martin Luther King III condemning the move and urging continued advocacy for peace, justice, and equity. Despite these restrictions, the Trump White House still plans to acknowledge Black History Month. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the administration will continue to recognize American history and contributions from all Americans, stating, “America is back.”
As federal agencies comply with the new directives, the broader implications of the anti-DEI push continue to unfold, affecting workplace diversity programs and historical commemorations nationwide.
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