PARIS (AP) — The recent push by the U.S. government to scale back diversity initiatives is causing a stir in Europe. Laurent Saint-Martin, France’s trade minister, expressed strong disapproval of U.S. requests for French companies to abandon their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
Saint-Martin emphasized that France will stand firm on its values. Reports from French media indicated that some companies received a letter stating that U.S. President Donald Trump’s directives regarding DEI programs could impact foreign contractors as well. This has led the French government to seek clarification from U.S. officials.
Diversity and inclusion policies in France are not just optional; they align with national laws that promote equality and combat discrimination. Saint-Martin stated, “We are proud of these values and we won’t compromise on them. We can’t just erase our laws overnight.”
In a statement, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that these letters were sent to U.S. contractors. She described the effort as part of compliance with an executive order mandating the termination of DEI programs. The letter specified that U.S. suppliers must sign a certification form confirming their adherence to these guidelines.
Saint-Martin was “deeply shocked” but emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive dialogue with the U.S. Meanwhile, Belgium’s Finance Minister Jan Jambon highlighted Europe’s commitment to non-discrimination, suggesting that Americans have little to teach regarding these values.
In Spain, Barcelona’s mayor has vowed to continue supporting DEI initiatives, even in light of U.S. pressure. The city is home to one of 700 “American Spaces,” which offer programs focused on English language education and cultural exchange.
Diversity isn’t merely about compliance; it plays a vital role in fostering a thriving economy. According to a 2022 report by McKinsey & Company, companies with diverse workforces are statistically 33% more likely to outperform their competitors in profitability. This underscores the belief held by many that diversity drives innovation and opportunity.
Across social media, reactions have been mixed. Many Europeans have voiced concerns, with trending hashtags highlighting the importance of DEI as integral to societal progress.
In summary, Europe is pushing back against the U.S.’s diminishing of diversity initiatives, reaffirming their commitment to principles that many believe are essential for a prosperous future.
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