Dozens of Employees on Paid Leave as Part of Trump’s Targeting of DEI Programs
Dozens of employees who attended diversity training courses during the Trump administration have been placed on paid leave, according to a union official. The move is part of President Trump’s effort to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives throughout the federal government.
Sheria Smith, president of American Federation of Government Employees Local 252, which represents hundreds of Education Department employees, said at least 55 employees were placed on leave as of Friday evening. The affected workers included public affairs specialists, civil rights attorneys, program manager analysts, loan regulators, and employees working to ensure special needs children receive necessary accommodations from schools.
A letter obtained by NBC News stated that the employees would continue to receive their full salaries and benefits, but would not be required or expected to do any work-related tasks or come into the office. Their email access would also be suspended.
“It looks like they’re entrapping people, because they encouraged people to take these trainings and are now maybe using these trainings as a basis to put them on administrative leave,” Smith said.
The employees were previously encouraged to attend the diversity training courses, including a two-day, voluntary course as part of the agency’s “Diversity Change Agent” program. An email from the Department of Education in 2019 encouraged employees to take the course, saying it was a “strategic and comprehensive approach to equipping staff with skills in leading a diverse workforce.”
Subodh Chandra, a civil rights lawyer representing one of the affected employees, said his client was confused about being placed on leave, as they did not work in a DEI role. Chandra described the move as “shock and awe,” saying it is an attempt to intimidate employees into quitting.
In total, hundreds of employees from the Department of Education and Department of Energy are believed to have attended the diversity training courses, with dozens of employees from the Department of Energy also placed on paid leave.
The union is concerned that employees are being targeted for attending the diversity training courses, and is worried about the impact on their jobs and benefits. “People are worried they are going to lose their jobs,” said Brittany Holder, a spokeswoman for the American Federation of Government Employees. “People are worried and angry.”
