Education Department Employees on Leave After Trump’s Controversial Anti-DEI Directive

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Education Department Employees on Leave After Trump’s Controversial Anti-DEI Directive

More than 50 senior employees at the U.S. Department of Education have been placed on paid administrative leave. This comes as part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to reshape the federal workforce by removing staff linked to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

Employees received notifications that their email accounts were being suspended. However, they were reassured that their paychecks would continue during this uncertain period. Many of those affected have long-standing careers at the department.

Last month, President Trump signed an executive order repealing several DEI initiatives established during the Biden administration. These changes also rescinded policies implemented by past presidents, dating back to Lyndon B. Johnson.

The Trump administration described the Biden-era policies as “deeply unpopular” and claimed they introduced “inflationary, illegal, and radical practices” across federal agencies.

In this context, the administration argued that DEI programs have disrupted the merit-based system, stating, “The injection of diversity, equity, and inclusion has corrupted our institutions by promoting a divisive hierarchy instead of hard work and equality.”

Additionally, an order requiring federal agencies to prioritize diversity when selecting contractors was also revoked. The Trump administration criticized the spending on DEI, arguing it led to increased bias and conflict rather than fostering inclusion.



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