“Public Health Group Raises Concerns Over Online ‘DEI Watchlist’ Targeting Federal Employees” | CNN

A public health advocacy group is worried about a new “DEI Watchlist” launched by a conservative organization. The goal of this list is to point out federal workers who may not align with former President Donald Trump’s policies.

The watchlist claims to reveal the “unelected career staff driving radical Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives” within the federal government. It contains profiles, including names, photos, and salaries, on at least 57 federal employees. Many of these individuals work in public health institutions under the US Department of Health and Human Services, and a notable number are women and Black people.

The Department of Health and Human Services has not commented on this issue so far.

The American Accountability Foundation created this website, which has been active for about a week. They have also made similar lists for workers in the Departments of Education and Homeland Security. This organization is connected to Project 2025, a conservative initiative aimed at changing the federal government’s structure.

Dr. Georges Benjamin, the executive director of the American Public Health Association, criticized the DEI Watchlist. He believes it aims to intimidate and scare individuals, calling the action “racist” towards those listed.

In contrast, Tom Jones, president of the American Accountability Foundation, dismissed the idea that the watchlist serves as a threat. He mentioned that the change in wording from “targets” to “dossiers” was merely for style. He stated, “They want to scream that this is a threat because they want to shut down speech they disagree with.”

Jones maintains that the purpose of the DEI Watchlist is to identify individuals who promote what he calls a “destructive ideology.” This includes making sure that those strongly advocating for DEI are watched so that the administration can consider their reassignment.

When asked whether decision-makers have used their research, Jones expressed confidence that it is being acknowledged by the appropriate people.

Dr. Benjamin worries that such lists could discourage professionals from addressing health disparities, particularly in underserved communities. These efforts, he argues, are critical parts of DEI initiatives aimed at improving health equity.

He emphasized that DEI programs are not about exclusion; rather, they promote access to healthcare and resources for everyone, irrespective of their background. These initiatives, he argues, are crucial for uplifting underserved communities. “This is a matter of life and death,” he stated, affirming the importance of continuing their work to ensure better health outcomes for all.

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