The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has halted its observance of multiple cultural and historical events due to President Trump’s recent executive order banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs across the federal government. According to a memo gleaned by the Associated Press, this pause impacts 11 important events, including Black History Month and Pride Month, though federal holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth are exempt.
With Tuesday’s directive, all activities related to special emphasis programs and employee affinity groups have been suspended. Reports indicate this decision is primarily internal to the DIA and hasn’t yet extended to the entire Pentagon, highlighting an ongoing struggle among federal agencies to navigate the implications of the executive order.
In response to inquiries about planned observances, the DIA memo confirms all activities are currently on hold. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has initiated a Pentagon-wide task force aimed at dismantling DEI programs entirely. “We’re not joking around. DEI is gone,” he stated during an interview, showcasing a firm commitment to this strategy.
When questioned about the federal acknowledgment of Black History Month, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed a desire to continue celebrating all Americans’ contributions, albeit without specificity on potential agency responses to the DIA’s actions. Recently, the Air Force similarly removed DEI lessons from basic training but later clarified that key historical content would remain in their curriculum.
The DIA affirms it will collaborate with the Department of Defense to carry out all executive orders. However, uncertainty lingers regarding whether additional military branches and intelligence agencies will adopt similar stances in the near future.
According to a memo, the DIA has paused 11 annual cultural observances following Trump’s DEI ban. Events like Black History Month and Pride Month are affected, but federal holidays remain unaffected. The decision aligns with efforts led by Defense Secretary Hegseth to dismantle DEI programs, while agencies grapple with implementation details.
The DIA’s decision to pause cultural observances reflects the broader implications of President Trump’s executive order against DEI programs. This action raises questions about the future of diversity initiatives within the federal government and its impact on cultural celebrations.
Original Source: san.com
